FAQs • Vinton, VA • CivicEngage

If I sell or dispose of a vehicle, can I receive a refund for my vehicle license fee?: No. You cannot receive a refund for a vehicle license fee if a vehicle has been sold or disposed of. However, if you replace the vehicle within 60 days, you can apply to have the fee transferred to the new vehicle. This transaction must take place within the same fiscal year. If the new vehicle is added before the sale or disposal of the first vehicle is complete, a second vehicle license fee must be paid in full.

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Vehicle License Fees

1. What is a vehicle license fee (VLF)?: At the time the decal fee was eliminated, the Town Council adopted a vehicle license fee (VLF). The VLF is authorized by the State Code of Virginia, Section 46.2-752, and was adopted by the Town Council pursuant to Ordinance No. 851.

The VLF is levied on every motor vehicle, trailer, and semitrailer registered and licensed with the DMV and garaged in the Town of Vinton as of January 1 of every year. This fee covers the administrative cost of maintaining personal property records. If your vehicle or trailer is assessed taxes for that year, then you are also levied the VLF. Unlike prorated personal property taxes, the VLF is a non-prorated and nonrefundable fee.

2. Do I still need a town decal for my vehicle’s windshield?: No. The Town Council voted on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, to eliminate the town decal as of July 1, 2008.

3. Although a town decal will not be issued, will I still be charged a fee?: Yes. Residents will now be charged for the vehicle license fee as part of the annual personal property tax bill. By not using a decal, and by combining the fee with the tax bill, the Town of Vinton joins many other cities, towns, and counties across the commonwealth that have changed their decal laws.

4. Will I receive a bill in the mail for my vehicle license fee?: Yes. The vehicle license fee will be included as a separate item in the annual personal property tax bills.

6. When is the vehicle license fee due?: The vehicle license fee is due, together with your annual personal property taxes, by May 31.

7. What happens if I do not pay my vehicle license fee?: The Town of Vinton works with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to withhold registration from vehicles whose taxes are unpaid.

8. If I have not paid a vehicle license fee for my vehicle, will I be required to pay for outstanding years?: Yes. The Town of Vinton is authorized to charge for outstanding vehicle license fees dating back three years.

9. Due to the Personal Property Tax Relief Act, I do not pay personal property taxes. Will I still receive a bill for a vehicle license fee?: Yes. The vehicle license fee will now be included in the personal property tax bill. Even if you receive a Personal Property Tax Relief Act tax credit, you will still receive a bill for the vehicle license fee.

10. If I move from the Town of Vinton, will I receive a refund for my vehicle license fee?: No. There is no vehicle license refund for moving from the Town of Vinton.

11. If I sell or dispose of a vehicle, can I receive a refund for my vehicle license fee?: No. You cannot receive a refund for a vehicle license fee if a vehicle has been sold or disposed of. However, if you replace the vehicle within 60 days, you can apply to have the fee transferred to the new vehicle. This transaction must take place within the same fiscal year. If the new vehicle is added before the sale or disposal of the first vehicle is complete, a second vehicle license fee must be paid in full.

12. I own a vehicle or trailer that is not currently operable. Do I still have to pay the vehicle license fee?: Yes. If you own a vehicle that is registered in the Town of Vinton, even if its inoperable, you are still required to pay a vehicle license fee.

13. How does the Town of Vinton know when I purchase another vehicle?: Roanoke County receives weekly information from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles about newly acquired vehicles.

A change in ownership due to purchase, acquisition, sale, trade or disposal
A change in the name or address of the person owning or leasing the motor vehicle, trailer, or motorcycle
A change in the use of the motor vehicle, trailer, or motorcycle from personal to business use or vice versa
An occurrence that causes a motor vehicle, trailer, or motorcycle to acquire or lose its location
Any other change affecting the assessment or levy of personal property tax on the motor vehicle, trailer, or motorcycle for which a return was previously filed

For more details, contact the commissioner of the revenue at (540) 772-2046.

15. I haven't lived in the Town of Vinton for several years, why am I still getting a bill?: Whenever you move, it is necessary to re-register your vehicle at your new location. If you have not changed your registration it is possible your vehicle is still taxable by the Town of Vinton.

16. Can I get a ticket for not taking off my old decal?: Yes. There is a state law prohibiting the display of any expired stickers or decals. Any officer has the discretion to issue tickets for this violation.

17. How soon after a change of location do I need to notify the commissioner of the revenue?: After a change in location you should contact the Roanoke County commissioner of the revenue's office within 60 days at (540) 772-2046.

18. I haven't had this vehicle all year long, why is it still on my bill?: Whenever you buy, sell, trade, or junk a vehicle, it’s necessary to notify the DMV and the commissioner of the revenue’s office, within 60 days. By not acting within this time frame, it’s possible that a vehicle can remain on the town’s tax records. Please contact the commissioner of the revenue’s office at (540) 772-2046 to determine the proper documentation required to remove a vehicle from your account.