DMV-issued permanent farm use placards are required for unregistered farm use panel trucks, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than or equal to 7,500 pounds beginning July 1, 2024. DMV issued placards must be displayed in front and rear of vehicles at all times. Trailers, semitrailers, and vehicles with a GVWR of greater than 7,500 pounds must only display the traditional red and white farm use tag if operating under the exemption. This requirement is a result of legislation passed by the 2023 General Assembly to cut down on abuses by the non-farming community and to clarify the program.  

Placards are $15 per vehicle and are valid for the vehicle’s lifetime but are not transferable. Vehicles claiming the exemption must be titled. If a title is needed, a separate $15 titling fee will be imposed. Applications for the permanent farm use placard are available at https://tinyurl.com/dmvfarmuse. 

The Basics: Permanent Farm Use Placards 

No vehicle inspection required. § 46.2-1157 only vehicles requiring inspection are registered vehicles. 

Must have liability insurance. § 46.2-684.1. any motor vehicle, trailer, or semi-trailer that is exempt from motor vehicle registration requirements (like farm use vehicles), must be insured under a general liability policy that includes personal injury liability insurance and property damage liability insurance under a motor vehicle insurance policy or an umbrella or excess insurance policy. 

Maximum distance allowance of up to 75 miles or to a storage house, packing plant, market, or between your tracts of land. While operating a farm use vehicle, a farmer may stop for a meal or dispose of incidental trash from their or an employee’s home and trash generated on the farm. 

Required to have a title. However, if a title is needed, there will be a separate $15 titling fee and no sales or use tax will be imposed if purchasing a permanent placard. 

DMV and DMV Select. The application is available at DMV, or online at the DMV’s website. Print and mail-in options are available. 

Items needed for application 

The permanent placards are valid for the lifetime of the vehicle, but are not transferable. 

• $15 application fee per vehicle 

• Name of owner or lessee of vehicle 

• Approximate farm location and acreage where the vehicle is used; type of agricultural commodities produced on the farm 

• Title for each vehicle requiring placard, or, if title is needed, an additional $15 titling fee per vehicle 

• Statements signed by owner or lessee that the vehicle will only be used for the purposes allowed under the Farm Use Exemption AND that the vehicle is an insured. TIP: It might be helpful to bring your insurance policy with you. 

For more information, please see the following documents: