Virgin Islands Vehicle Registration Process

How To Register A Vehicle On The Virgin Islands | Process & Procedure

To legally operate a motor vehicle in the U.S. Virgin Islands, you must register it, even if you’re shipping it from another country. If shipping from the United States, the duty is comparatively low (from 0 to 6%), but you will need to bring some relevant paperwork, such as the bill of lading and automobile title. The section below provides more details about the required documents.

Many types of motorcars are used in the Virgin Islands, with some of the more popular options being scooters, mopeds, motorcycles, jeeps, and jet skis. Though the cost and process may vary slightly, all of these vehicles, as well as any other, will still need to be registered before operation.

Process of Vehicle Registration

Regarding the process, it’s relatively straightforward to register a car, truck, or motorcycle in the Virgin Islands, even if it’s imported from another country. Here are the basic steps you’ll need to go through:

• Customs Clearance
• Road Tax Payment
• Proof of Insurance
• Temporary Permit (moving permit)
• Vehicle Inspection
• Registration Payment

Virgin Islands Vehicle Inspection

One aspect of vehicle registration that is required in every country outside of the U.S. (and within it) is the motorcar inspection. Once completed, you will receive a roadworthiness or inspection certificate that you then must take with you, along with the other paperwork you’ll receive, to pay registration costs and get your local license plates.

The roadworthiness inspection includes checking the major operational and safety features of the automobile. Things like mirrors, headlights, brakes, steering systems, turn signals, and required road safety items are part of a typical inspection. Motorcar inspections can be done at the offices of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For a more in-depth look at the process of shipping a car (or other type of vehicle) to the Virgin Islands, visit our dedicated resource page about the topic by clicking here! Topics covered include the expected shipping costs, the paperwork you’ll need, and the transport options available.

Driving On The Virgin Islands & General Vehicle Resources

In this section, we’ll explain some of the quirks and differences of driving on the Virgin Islands and then offer some resources to round out what you’ll need to know when getting a license and operating a vehicle.

Driving in the Caribbean Territory

Like most islands and island nations, the roads of the Virgin Islands are not always in the same condition as the nicely paved highways and streets you may be used to. The main roads certainly are, and you may not even notice the difference there, but some roads are dirt, some of which involve steep inclines. This can even be the case at some residences, so be prepared to deal with adversity if you’re importing a car not equipped to deal with less-than-ideal road conditions.

Cars drive on the left side of the road on the islands, but they are not required to have the steering column on the right side.

Driving Resources for the US Caribbean Territory

Vehicle Traffic Fees & Fines - A breakdown of the costs for specific traffic and motorcar violations in the Virgin Islands. The laws should be mostly familiar, but the fees can quickly add up since they escalate with each ensuing offense.

USVI Driver License Application Form - View the document and information from the driver's license application form from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. If you’re unsure of what documents are needed, or what you’ll need to do to get a local license, this has the answers!

Are you considering shipping an automobile to the U.S. Virgin Islands? Call us today at the number at the top of the page to learn more, get your questions answered, or if you’d like a FREE price quote! All estimates are FREE of charge for all interested parties!