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1. What is the Vehicle Licensing Fee?

On September 26, 2006, the Newport News City Council voted to adopt a new Vehicle Licensing Fee ordinance. This ordinance replaces the long-standing ordinance that required owners of motor vehicles to purchase and display a city decal. The new ordinance will require owners of motor vehicles, motorcycles and trailers that are garaged, parked or stored within Newport News to pay an annual vehicle license registration fee.

The Vehicle Licensing Fee ordinance incorporates the same rate schedule as the past city decal rates. The Personal property tax bill now reflects a new line item for the 2007 Vehicle Licensing Fee (VLF) for each motor vehicle, motorcycle or trailer assessed in your name. The personal property tax and licensing fee are due on or before the due date reflected on the tax bill.

New vehicles purchased between January 1 and June 30 of each year will be assessed and billed the full Vehicle Licensing Fee (VLF). Vehicles purchased on or after July 1st of each year will not be assessed and billed a licensing fee until the subsequent assessment year's tax billing.

As of January 1, 2007, the 2006 Newport News city decals may be scraped off. If you have any questions, feel free to email the Treasurer's Office.

2. What is the cost of the Vehicle Licensing Fee?

The fees for vehicle licensing are as follows:

• Boat Trailer: $7.50
• Motorcycle: $24.00
• Passenger Car Less than 4,000 pounds: $26.00
• Passenger Car More than 4,000 pounds: $31.00
• Truck Less than 4,000 pounds: $26.00
• Truck More than 10,000 pounds: $31.00 (plus $0.20 per 100 pounds)
• Truck More than 4,000 pounds: $31.00
• Utility Trailer Less than 4,000 pounds: $18.00
• Utility Trailer More than 4,000 pounds: $23.00

The special rates are as follows:

• Active Non-Resident Military (only): Complimentary Decal
• Disabled Vet Plate: No Fee
• Handicapped: Prevailing Rate
• National Guard Plate: ½ Price
• POW Plate: No Fee

If you have any questions, feel free to email the Treasurer's Office.