Vehicle Services
Welcome to the Virgin Islands Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Vehicle Services page.
- Vehicle Registration
- Vehicle Transfers
- Insurance Requirements
- Vehicle Clearance & Permits
- Other Sections
Whether you’re registering a new vehicle, renewing your registration, transferring ownership, or applying for a permit, we’re here to guide you through every step.
- New / First-Time Registration
- Registration Renewal
- Business Vehicle Registration
To register a vehicle for the first time in the Virgin Islands:
Step 1: Visit the BMV to obtain a Moving/Special Permit, which allows your vehicle to be presented for inspection.
Step 2: Bring your original vehicle title (and Affidavit of Transfer if needed), proof of valid insurance, government-issued ID, and fees to complete the Certificate of Title Application and register your vehicle.
All vehicles require an annual inspection, except for private vehicles that are six (6), eight (8), and ten (10) years old.
Private vehicles that are seven (7), nine (9), and older must be inspected.
Requirements
Previous year’s registration document
Proof of valid vehicle insurance
Vehicles registered under a business name must include the business license for that business as part of the registration documents.
Under Title 20, Section 335 of the Virgin Islands Code, the seller (transferor) must notify the BMV within 24 hours of transferring a vehicle. Upon receipt, the BMV will mark the registration as “Cancelled”.
The transfer of a vehicle may be completed by either the seller or the buyer, provided all requirements are met.
- Standard Transfer
- Third-Party or Double Transfers
- Transfer by Business
- Transfer on Death
- Liens on Vehicles
Requirements
Original vehicle registration
Certificate of Title properly filled out and notarized
Copy of the buyer’s valid, signed ID
Before Transfer
Registration must be canceled before transfer.
Plates and stickers must be removed and returned to the BMV along with the Registration Cancellation Request Form
If the buyer does not have valid insurance, the vehicle may be transferred but not registered.
Only licensed dealers may perform third-party or double transfers.
A Power of Attorney signed by the seller must authorize the dealer to process documents on their behalf.
The dealer must also present a valid photo ID.
If the vehicle is being registered or transferred under a business name, a valid business license must be attached.
When a vehicle owner is deceased, ownership may be transferred to the authorized administrator or heir.
Requirements
Letter from Probate naming the Administrator and granting authority
If no will exist, the transfer must proceed through Probate
Completed Vehicle Transfer on Death Form
All liens must be satisfied before a vehicle can be transferred.
To Transfer a Vehicle with a Lien, a lender authorization letter must confirm that the vehicle is approved for transfer.
To Remove a Lien, a lien release letter from the lending institution must be submitted to the BMV.
To register a vehicle in the Virgin Islands, you must maintain automobile liability insurance issued by a carrier authorized to do business in the Territory.
- Insurance must remain valid for the entire registration period, even if the vehicle is not in use.
- Be issued in the same name as the vehicle registrant.
- Be from an insurance provider authorized in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Failure to maintain valid insurance may result in the suspension of your vehicle registration and driver’s license.
This section covers vehicle shipping, export requirements, and special permits for unregistered or in-transit vehicles.
- Vehicle Clearance
- Special Permits
- Insurance Requirements
When shipping a vehicle, a Vehicle Clearance Form must be obtained from the BMV.
Requirements
Original vehicle registration
Clearance of all outstanding tickets or liens
Lender authorization letter (if a lien exists)
Shipping Guidelines
Vehicles exported outside the U.S. Virgin Islands must return plates and stickers to the BMV.
Vehicles shipped within the Virgin Islands do not require a clearance form.
Special Permits allow unregistered vehicles to travel from a specified location to the BMV for inspection or registration.
Requirements
Permit must be displayed inside both front and rear windows.
Expired registration form and valid insurance must be shown.
Permit may be issued to the owner or an authorized representative (authorization must be notarized).
For vehicles never registered in the Virgin Islands
Original Certificate of Title
Valid insurance
Highway User’s Tax (Road Tax Form)
Buyer’s ID and shipping documents
Lender authorization letter (if applicable)
If no valid insurance is available, the vehicle must be removed by a wrecker only.
To register a vehicle in the Virgin Islands, you must maintain automobile liability insurance issued by a carrier authorized to do business in the Territory.
Insurance Must
Remain valid for the entire registration period, even if the vehicle is not in use.
Be issued in the same name as the vehicle registrant.
Be from an insurance provider authorized in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Failure to maintain valid insurance may result in the suspension of your vehicle registration and driver’s license.
- Disaster Registry
- Donate Life
Disaster Registry
Senior & Disaster Registry Programs – Supporting Our Most Vulnerable Residents
The Virgin Islands Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is committed to the safety and well-being of our senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. Through our Senior Registry and Elder and Disabled Person Disaster Registry, we aim to ensure that every resident receives the care and attention they need—especially during emergencies.
The Senior Registry is a voluntary program for residents aged 60 and older. It helps emergency responders identify and assist seniors during natural disasters, evacuations, or other emergencies.
Benefits:
- Receive a Senior Registry ID Card
- Be included in a secure database accessible to emergency personnel
- Get prioritized assistance during emergencies
Eligibility:
- Must be 60 years or older
- Must be a resident of the U.S. Virgin Islands
♿ Elder and Disabled Adult Disaster Registry
This registry is designed for seniors and individuals with disabilities who may need special assistance during a disaster or emergency.
Who Should Register?
- Individuals with mobility, hearing, vision, or cognitive impairments
- Seniors who live alone or have limited support
- Anyone who may need transportation or medical assistance during an evacuation
How It Helps:
- Ensures emergency responders are aware of your needs
- Helps coordinate transportation, shelter, and medical support
- Provides peace of mind for individuals and their families
📝 How to Register
- Download and complete the form:
Elder and Disabled Adult Disaster Registry Form (PDF) - Submit the form in person at your local BMV office or through the BMV Customer Contact Center.
- Bring valid ID and proof of residency if registering in person.
Donate Life
Become a Lifesaver – Register as an Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donor
The Virgin Islands Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is proud to partner with Donate Life US Virgin Islands to support organ, tissue, and eye donation. When you apply for or renew your driver’s license or ID card, you have the opportunity to register as a donor and help save lives.
Why Register?
Every registered donor has the potential to save up to 8 lives through organ donation and enhance 75 more through tissue and eye donation. Your decision can bring hope and healing to individuals and families in need.
How to Register
You can register as a donor in one of the following ways:
At the BMV: Simply say “Yes” to donation when applying for or renewing your driver’s license or ID.
Online: Visit DonateLifeUSVI.org to register anytime.
Who Can Register?
Anyone can register—regardless of age, medical history, or background. If you're under 18, your parents or guardians will make the final decision, but your wishes will be honored and considered.
Your Privacy is Protected
The donor registry is securely managed by LifeLink of Puerto Rico, the federally designated organ procurement organization for the US Virgin Islands. Your personal information is never sold or shared.
Learn More
To learn more about the donation process, the impact of donation, and frequently asked questions, visit Donate Life USVI.