Alexandria Eliminates Car Decals For Personal Property Tax

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Alexandria City Council voted to eliminate car decals to indicate payment of the personal property tax. Automated license plate readers on parking enforcement vehicles will determine if personal property tax is paid on cars.

"Eliminating decals is another example of how Alexandria is making smart use of technology to better serve our community," said Mayor Justin Wilson in a statement. "This change will improve efficiency and customer service, and it gives vehicle owners one less thing to worry about."

Cars in Alexandria do not need to have decals displayed anymore. Decals will not be issued for future vehicle registrations or renewals. Automated license plate readers in the city will also be used to enforce the Residential Parking Districts 12 and 12-A to replace parking district permit decals. Cars must still display state inspection decals as required in Virginia.

Neighboring Fairfax County no longer requires a decal to be displayed. Similarly Arlington County voted to eliminate the decal requirement effective July 1, 2019.

All cars normally parked in the city must be registered for the personal property tax. Personal property taxes are based on the car's assessed value of that calendar year. The tax rate is 5 percent, or $5 per $100. Car owners receive a portion of personal property tax relief based on their car's value. Personal property tax bills are mailed in August and due in October.

Although City Manager Mark Jinks proposed no personal property tax rate increase rate for the fiscal year 2020 budget, City Council voted on March 12 to consider a tax rate up to $5.56 per $100. If approved, a tax increase would cover revenue lost from the $33 decal fee. The council expected to adopt the budget on May 1.

Alexandria residents must register their car with the city within 30 days of moving there. The local registration is in addition to the titling and registration required at the Virginia DMV.

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