Vehicles
Vehicle Registration - NEW / First Time
The vehicle owner must visit the BMV to obtain a moving permit. With the moving permit, the car can be presented for inspection. The owner must provide the original vehicle title to the BMV. If the title is not in the seller's name, the new owner will need to present an affidavit of transfer. Additionally, the owner must provide valid insurance and identification.
Related resource: APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TITLE
Vehicle Registration - Renewal
All vehicles require an annual inspection, except for private vehicles that are six (6) years, eight (8) years, and ten (10) years old. Private vehicles that are seven (7) years, nine (9) years, and older must be inspected.
The vehicle owner must present the previous year's registration document and proof of valid vehicle insurance to the BMV.
Vehicle Transfer
The transfer of a vehicle can be handled by either the seller or the buyer, as long as the following conditions are met:
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- The original vehicle registration is attached.
- The Certificate of Title is properly filled out and notarized by a certified notary public.
- A copy of the buyer's valid ID is provided. The ID must include a signature for verification.
- Before the title can be transferred, the registration of all vehicles being sold and transferred must first be canceled. To cancel the registration, the plates and sticker must be removed from the vehicle and returned to the BMV, along with the signed registration cancellation application from the vehicle's owner.
- If the buyer does not have valid insurance, the vehicle can be transferred but not registered.
Third-Party Transfers and Double Transfers
Third-party transfers and double transfers are only permitted by dealers. In such cases, the dealer must have a Power of Attorney, signed by the seller, authorizing them to process the documents on the seller's behalf. The third party must present a picture ID.
Business Vehicle Registration
If the vehicle is being registered in the name of a business, the business license for that business must be attached.
Deceased Vehicle Owner
If the vehicle owner is deceased, a letter from Probate with the Administrator’s name, authorizing them to proceed with the transfer in accordance with probate conditions, is required. In the absence of a will, the vehicle transfer must go through Probate.
Notice of Transfer
Under Title 20, Section 335 of the Virgin Islands Code, the transferor of a motor vehicle must notify the Bureau of Motor Vehicles of the transfer within 24 hours using forms provided by the BMV. Upon receiving the notice, the BMV will mark the transferor's registration license as "cancelled" and void the corresponding license plates. This cancellation and voiding will not take effect until 48 hours after the Director has received the notice of transfer. The vehicle may still be operated during this 48-hour period; however, after 48 hours, the motor vehicle may only be operated if the transferee has applied for and received a new registration license and license plates.
Liens on Vehicles
All liens must be satisfied before a vehicle can be transferred. If there is a lien, a letter from the lending institution must be presented, confirming that the vehicle is authorized to be transferred.
Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Exemption
Senior citizens (persons 60 years or older) and disabled persons are exempt from the Certificate of Title fee (VIC T20 S218a), provided they are domiciled in the US Virgin Islands and can verify their status with a senior citizens ID card issued by the Department of Human Services. If a senior citizen does not have an ID card, proof of age can be provided using a passport, BMV-issued ID card, or driver's license.
Proof of Insurance
To register a vehicle in the Virgin Islands, you are required to have automobile liability insurance coverage. This coverage must be issued by an insurance carrier that is both admitted and duly authorized to transact business in the Virgin Islands.
Important:
If you fail to maintain valid insurance coverage, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has the authority to suspend both your vehicle registration and your driver’s license.
Always keep your Insurance ID Card and valid registration with you when driving.
Your liability insurance coverage must:
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- Remain in effect for the entire duration of your vehicle’s registration, even if the vehicle is not in use.
- Be issued by an insurance carrier that is authorized to do business in the Virgin Islands.
- Be issued in the name of the vehicle registrant. The name on your insurance must match the name on your vehicle registration at all times. If the names do not match, the BMV may suspend your driver’s license and vehicle registration.
Fees:
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- Cancellation Fee: $50
- Reinstatement Fee: $100
- Driver’s License Cancellation Fee: $50
- Driver’s License Reinstatement Fee: $125
Vehicle Alteration
The Vehicle Alteration Permit form must be completed by the vehicle owner who wishes to make an alteration to the vehicle. The form must be submitted and the proposed work approved before any alterations can take place. Once approved, the alteration must follow the specifications noted on the form.
Alterations are either authorized or denied after the Bureau of Motor Vehicles consults with experienced mechanics or vehicle manufacturers to gather qualified opinions regarding the requested alteration.
Upon completion of the vehicle alteration, the owner must return to the BMV for inspection and final approval. If the alteration is not approved, the process must be repeated, starting from submitting the form for approval.
Vehicle Liens
When the BMV receives a lien placement letter from a lending institution (such as banks, credit unions, leasing companies, etc.), a lien will be placed on the designated vehicle. To place a lien on someone else's vehicle, an individual must present a court order to the BMV. Car dealerships are exempt from providing a court order.
To remove a lien from a vehicle, a lien release letter from the lending institution must be provided to the BMV.
Vehicle Clearance
When shipping a vehicle, a Vehicle Clearance Form must be obtained from the BMV. To receive approval, the original vehicle registration must be presented.
When shipping to foreign countries, the vehicle’s license plates and registration stickers must be turned in to the BMV. The vehicle must be inspected, all information verified, and any outstanding traffic tickets or liens must be resolved before the clearance is issued.
For vehicles with a lien, a letter from the lending institution must be provided, granting permission to ship the vehicle out of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Vehicles being shipped within the U.S. Virgin Islands do not require a Vehicle Clearance Form from the BMV.
Special Permit
Special Permits are issued to authorized unregistered vehicles, allowing them to travel from a pre-specified departure point to the BMV on the date indicated on the permit.
The special permit must be affixed to the inner part of the vehicle’s front and rear windows while en route to the BMV. An expired registration form and valid insurance must be presented.
Special permits are issued to the vehicle owner or their authorized representative. Authorizations must be notarized.
Vehicles that have never been registered in the U.S. Virgin Islands must present the following documents: the original certificate of title, proof of valid insurance, the Highway User’s Tax (Road Tax Form), the buyer's ID, and shipping documents. Any vehicle with liens must provide an original letter from the lending institution, along with a copy of the original certificate of title.
If the customer does not have insurance, the BMV employee must specify that the vehicle must be removed by a WRECKER ONLY.