Registering a Vehicle on St. Croix
Here on St. Croix, all vehicles are inspected and registered according to the laws of the Virgin Islands at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (or ‘BMV’). The registration sticker is affixed to the lower inside corner of the passenger side of your windshield, and your U.S. Virgin Islands license plates must be on both the front and back of your vehicle. While the process itself is simple, be prepared to spend a lot of time waiting at the BMV – things there tend to run on ‘island time’. Or, schedule an appointment online through the BMV website.
Inspection
All vehicles must pass inspection prior to being registered. Luckily, inspection takes place onsite in the parking lot of the BMV, so you can get everything done in one location. You will pull into an inspection stall where an inspector will walk you through a series of tasks as they physically inspect your vehicle for operational safety. Upon passing inspection, the BMV seal will be affixed onto the registration form and initialed by the inspector. Then you can head inside the BMV to complete the registration process.
Registration
If you are registering a new vehicle for the first time you will need to show the Certificate of Title (photocopies will not be accepted unless it is presented with an original lien placement letter). You must also provide a receipt showing payment of the VI Highway Tax, and proof of insurance on the vehicle. Please note that the name(s) on all of your vehicle’s documents must correspond. After paying the necessary fees, your registration and island license plates will then be provided.
If you are renewing your VI registration, upon passing inspection the BMV will verify payment of any traffic tickets with the Superior Court. Your updated registration will then be provided after you pay the necessary fees.
Don’t forget to bring proof of identification with you for anything you need to do at the BMV. Also, please note that requirements and fees are subject to change, so please contact the BMV prior to driving down there to ensure you have the most up to date information.
BMV Location, Hours & Contact Information
The St. Croix branch of the VI Bureau of Motor Vehicles is located on Industrial Road off the Melvin H. Evans Highway near the Patrick Sweeney Police Headquarters building at RR 02, St. Croix, VI 00851. The BMV is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am-3:00pm (Vehicle Inspection ends at 2:45pm). For additional information, please contact the St. Croix BMV at (340) 713-4268, or visit their website at bmv.vi.gov.
