By Evan Reid, Founder of Haul Handbook · Updated Aug 27, 2026
Who issues what in Virginia
The permit pages
Virginia-specific requirements
Unusually for oversize permits, Virginia's hauling permits are issued by the DMV (not the DOT); intrastate for-hire property carriers get a DMV Permit while household goods carriers need a Certificate of Fitness, and operating authority applications can be filed online through DMV.
The permit office and DMV
The DMV Oversize/Overweight Permit Section handles applications and issues permits for loads above the legal size and weight limits. The office's contact and the online permit system are on this page as sourced fields.
The permit types Virginia issues
Single-trip permits cover one non-divisible load over the legal limits. The annual option is for carriers that move over-dimensional loads repeatedly: one yearly fee covers repeated moves inside a published size and weight envelope. Our Virginia oversize and overweight page carries the full fee tables, escort thresholds, and the superheavy process.
Curfews and local restrictions
Movement curfews are set locally and published per route. The responsibility sits with the permit holder: check the current restrictions before each move, not the copy printed on a permit you pulled last season.
Compare beyond Virginia
Running multi-state loads? The trucking permits by state table shows which permit families and issuing offices apply in every jurisdiction, the oversize permit costs by state table compares limits and fees across all 51 jurisdictions, and the permit cost estimator prices a specific load per state.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for Virginia truck permits?
- Through DMV, the Virginia Law Enforcement Agency Oversize/Overweight Permit Section. It handles the application and the permit conditions for oversize and overweight moves.
Does Virginia offer an annual oversize permit?
- Yes, for carriers that move over-dimensional loads repeatedly. One yearly fee covers moves inside a published size and weight envelope. Details and the sourced figures are on our Virginia oversize and overweight page.
When can permitted loads not move in Virginia?
- The largest loads sit out major holidays, and city and county curfews block movement during weekday rush windows in several metro areas. The current list overrides what is printed on older permits.
Haul Handbook publishes educational information about trucking registration and compliance requirements. This is not legal, financial, or tax advice. Rules, fees, and deadlines change; confirm with the agency before you file or pay.