Hampton Roads has a large military community, and service members arrive with new orders all the time. Many need a car soon after they get here. Military car buying comes with a few extra questions about licenses, registration and taxes. Knowing the rules ahead of time makes it easier.
Driver’s Licenses
According to the Virginia DMV’s military FAQ, active-duty members stationed in Virginia can drive with a valid license from their home state. There’s no need to rush to get a Virginia license to buy a car.
Titling and Registration
Service members don’t have to be Virginia residents to title and register a car here, but they do need proof of address. A car owned only by an active-duty member may also keep its home-state plates, as long as that registration stays current. It helps to compare both options before buying.
Sales Tax Rules
Virginia’s sales and use tax applies to most car purchases. The DMV waives it for service members only in certain cases. The car has to be registered in Virginia for the first time and have a valid title or registration from another state or a military branch. It also has to have been owned for more than 12 months, or come with proof that sales tax was paid. A car newly bought in Virginia will usually be taxed.
Personal Property Tax
Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, active-duty members whose legal home is in another state may not have to pay Virginia personal property tax on their cars. Cities and counties handle this tax. Service members should contact the commissioner of the revenue where they live.
Practical Tips for Military Car Buying
- Think about how long the tour will last and where the next move might be.
- Check insurance rates before choosing a car.
- Ask for a vehicle history report and take a test drive.
- Plan for deployment, including who can move the car if needed.
- Keep orders and ID handy for the paperwork.
With a little planning, military car buying in Hampton Roads can go smoothly, so service members can focus on settling in at their new duty station.
This post was written by a professional at 518 Auto Sales, a used car dealership at 6950 N Military Hwy in Norfolk, Virginia, serving drivers across Hampton Roads with more than 300 pre-owned vehicles in stock.
