Virginia license plates are required on all vehicles and trailers regularly garaged, parked or operated in Virginia. ((158**). New plates may be purchased at any time of the year and must be purchased within 30 calendar days of bringing a vehicle into Virginia. They are issued upon registration with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Before getting in line, have your paperwork filled out. You may ask to see their catalog of inexpensive special license plates - your alma mater might just have one. For an additional fee you can also request custom letters, numbers or words on your plates.

DMV offices are located in Springfield and Alexandria. For information call 761-4655.

ü You can help make these offices more efficient by not waiting until the end of the month to visit them. The Department says that it is reorganizing its methods of handling workflow to help reduce the long lines that are traditional on the first and last days of the month, and are as stressful for its employees as for its customers. Thanks for good service are always appreciated.

Virginia driver's licenses, also issued by DMV ((155**) , are required for all Virginia residents to operate motor vehicles and must be obtained within 30 calendar days of moving to Virginia. For information call DMV at 761-4655.

County decal (windshield sticker) costs $25 and may be purchased following payment of Fairfax County personal property taxes. See Taxes. These transactions can be made by mail or in person during normal County government business hours at the Department of Tax Administration, Suite 223, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Cashier's office stays open on Thursdays until 6:30 pm. For directions, see Government Center. The new decal must be displayed by November 16th each year, and within 60 calendar days of bringing a car into Virginia. For further information call 222-8234.

Inspection, annual safety. Required for all cars. Performed at local garages, which issue a 12-month windshield sticker.

Inspection, emission control system is required on first registering a car and then every other year. Performed at certain local garages, which issue the certificate required for car registration.

Military personnel should pick up the pamphlet Tax Obligations of Military Personnel Living in Fairfax County at any County library or at the Legal Assistance Office on Fort Belvoir.

Repair estimates, law regarding, recording (251**

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