In the state of Virginia, there are different situations when you will need to transfer the ownership of a vehicle by transferring the vehicle’s title. In order to successfully transfer the title of a vehicle in Virginia, you will need different documents and payment(s) for the vehicle title transfer fee. You will also need to:
- Fill in the vehicle buyer and seller information on the vehicle title, including the vehicle’s sales price
- Present the vehicle title, proof of address, and other relevant documents to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VA DMV)
- Pay the vehicle title transfer fee and sales tax
Keep in mind, you may be required to submit additional documents and payments at the time of the vehicle title transfer.
Smog Certification/Vehicle Inspection
In the state of Virginia, all registered vehicles are required to pass a safety inspection. In eligible counties in Virginia, most gas-powered and diesel-powered vehicles are required to pass a vehicle emissions test.
Vehicles in this state must pass a smog check when the owner is obtaining their original vehicle registration, and again every two years during the vehicle registration renewal process.
New residents of Virginia must follow the same requirements for their vehicle(s) unless their vehicle has already passed a safety and vehicle emissions test in a state with reciprocal testing standards with Virginia.
Virginia Emissions and Smog Check Requirements
As a resident of Virginia, if you have a non-exempt vehicle registered in one of the following cities and/or counties, you are required to have your vehicle pass a Virginia smog check:
- Virginia Counties
- Alexandria
- Fairfax
- Loudoun
- Prince William
- Stafford
- Virginia Counties
- Alexandria
- Fairfax
- Falls Church
- Manassas
- Manassas Park
Vehicles that are registered in one of the above Virginia counties or cities, and fall into one of the following categories, are required to pass a smog check before obtaining a Virginia vehicle registration and a renewal every 2 years after that:
- Gasoline-powered passenger and property-carrying vehicles made in a model year that is less than 25 years old as of January 1st of the present year, and weighing less than 10,000 lbs
- Diesel passenger and property-carrying vehicles made in the 1997 model year or newer and exceed a weight of 8,500 lbs
All non-exempt vehicles in Virginia must also complete a safety inspection every year.
Smog Check Exemptions in Virginia
If a vehicle falls into one of the following categories, it is exempt and does not need to pass a smog check in order to obtain a Virginia vehicle registration:
- New vehicles with a manufacturer’s certificate of origin getting titled for the first time
- Gasoline vehicles that are older than 25 years, regardless if they possess an antique registration
- Gasoline-powered vehicles that exceed 10,000 lbs
- Diesel-powered vehicles made before the 1997 model year and exceed, 8500 lbs
- Clean fuel vehicles (Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Electric, and Solar)
- Some hybrid vehicles (Gasoline Hybrids are not exempt)
- Motorcycles
Also, vehicles that fall into one of the following categories are not required to pass a Virginia vehicle safety inspection:
- Vehicles registered as antique vehicles and made at least 25 years ago
- Trailers that do not have brakes and with a gross weight of fewer than 3000 lbs (Trailers with brakes must pass a safety inspection)
How to Transfer Your Vehicle Title in Virginia?
Whether you decide to sell your vehicle or purchase a vehicle in Virginia, the ownership of the vehicle will need to be transferred. In order to transfer ownership of a Virginia vehicle, you need to transfer the vehicle’s title.
Transferring a Vehicle’s Title As a New Resident of Virginia
As a new resident of Virginia, you are required to transfer your out-of-state vehicle with the VA DMV within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. Before you can complete the vehicle title transfer in VA, your vehicle must pass a VA vehicle safety inspection.
In order to successfully complete a vehicle title transfer, you need to appear in person at your local VA DMV office with:
- The Application for Certificate of Title and Registration (Form VSA 17A)
- Proof of your current Virginia address, such as:
- A pay stub dated within the last 2 months
- A utility bill dated within the last 2 months
- A bank statement dated within the last 2 months
- The out-of-state vehicle title or vehicle registration card
- Proof of the purchase price if you purchase the vehicle within the last 12 months
- Proof of paid sales tax in a different state if you purchased the vehicle in the last 12 months
- Payment for the VA vehicle title transfer fee of $15
You have the option of an electronic or paper vehicle title. If you choose an electronic vehicle title, you can order a paper vehicle title from the VA DMV if you ever need one. Once the VA vehicle title transfer is complete, you can register your vehicle.
Transferring the Title of a Vehicle Purchased From a Private Seller
If you purchased a vehicle from a private seller, the vehicle buyer and seller are both responsible for completing a vehicle title transfer with the VA DMV.
As the seller of the vehicle, in Virginia, you are responsible for providing the vehicle’s buyer with the following:
- A valid vehicle safety inspection sticker
- The VA vehicle title with the Assignment of Title By Owner section completed, including the odometer reading
- Proof of the vehicle’s sales price, such as:
- A generic bill of sale
- The purchase price listed on the vehicle title or the Vehicle Price Certification (Form SUT 1) Only required if the vehicle is over 5 years old
- The Transfer of Certificate of Title with Lien (Form SUT 4) from the lien holder if the vehicle’s buyer is taking over your lien on the vehicle
Transferring the Title of a Vehicle Purchased From a Dealership
When you purchase a vehicle from a Virginia dealership, the dealer usually handles the vehicle title and registration paperwork on your behalf. If the dealership does not handle the necessary paperwork on your behalf, you need to obtain the necessary paperwork from the dealer and complete the VA DMV title transfer on your own.
Be advised, you need to ensure the vehicle you purchase has a valid safety inspection sticker before you title and register it. In most instances, the dealer will provide the safety sticker.
For used vehicles in Virginia, you will title and register the vehicle in person at your local VA DMV office.
If you purchased a new vehicle from a dealership, you can title and register the vehicle in person at your VA DMV office. You will need the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) from the vehicle dealer.
You are also responsible for submitting:
- The Application for Certificate of Title and Registration (Form VSA 17A)
- Proof of your Virginia address
- Payment for the VA vehicle titling fees (vehicle title transfer fee: $15. Tax: 4.15% of the sale price or $75 – whichever is higher)
Transferring the Title of a Vehicle You’re Selling in Virginia
When you’re selling a vehicle in Virginia, you are responsible for giving the vehicle’s buyer:
- A valid vehicle safety inspection sticker
- The VA vehicle title with the Assignment of Title by Owner section completed, including the odometer reading
- Proof of the vehicle’s sales price, such as a generic bill of sale, the purchase price listed on the vehicle title or the Vehicle Price Certification (Form SUT 1) This form is only required if the vehicle is over 5 years old
- The Transfer of Certificate of Title with Lien (Form SUT 4) from the lien holder only if the buyer is taking over your lien on the vehicle
How to Transfer a Vehicle Title When the Owner is Deceased?
You must transfer a vehicle’s title when the owner is deceased if you want to keep the vehicle, gift the vehicle to a family member or sell it to someone. You can be the surviving spouse, beneficiary, or joint-owner and obtain the legal authority to transfer the vehicle’s title to someone else when the owner passes away. The steps you are required to take depend on if the vehicle is part of a probated estate.
Transferring the Title of a Vehicle in a Probated Estate
When the owner of a vehicle passes away, the process you follow for transferring the vehicle title will vary depending on whether the vehicle was in the individual’s name as a descendant or joint ownership. If the vehicle’s title was solely in the descendant’s name, you need to determine if the estate is being probated.
Probate occurs when there is no beneficiary or living spouse provided in the will. This legal process administers the estate of the deceased individual. Probate validates the deceased individual’s property and assets and proves that the last will and testament are legitimate. During this legal process, the deceased individual’s property will be distributed according to their will.
If the vehicle is part of a probated estate, you must follow these steps to transfer the vehicle title:
Contact Probate Court or an Attorney
The executor or administrator of the deceased needs to contact the Probate Court or an attorney immediately because the vehicle title transfer can’t take place until the probate process is completed. Once the probate process is complete, the heir will receive the vehicle, unless the executor was given the vehicle. If the executor was given the vehicle, they can choose to sell it.
Gather the Necessary Documents
The documents that are required to transfer the vehicle title of a deceased owner varies by state, but in Virginia, you must obtain all the following documents in order to transfer the vehicle’s title:
- Death certificate
- Order from Probate Court to transfer the vehicle’s title
- Certificate of the vehicle title
- Odometer disclosure statement
- Transfer fee
Visit the Title Office
As the beneficiary of the vehicle or the administrator of the deceased’s estate, you can visit your local VA title office with the above-listed documents to start the vehicle title transfer process.
How to Transfer a Car Title Without Probate
The process you will follow to transfer the title of a vehicle without probate will vary depending on the state in which you live. In the state of Virginia, the deceased individual’s property can’t exceed a certain amount and a specific amount of time needs to have passed since the individual passed away before the vehicle title transfer process can be initiated.
If you are listed as the beneficiary, joint-owner, administrator, or spouse, you may only be required to take the death certificate and the vehicle’s title to your local VA title office and have them retitle the vehicle’s title. Court orders and attorneys are not required.
Transferring the Title of an Inherited Vehicle in Virginia
In the state of Virginia, the process for transferring the title of an inherited vehicle will differ depending on how the vehicle is titled. Keep in mind, you don’t have to pay sales and use tax (SUT) if you are the heir or spouse of the deceased.
Transferring the Title of a Vehicle When Inheriting a Vehicle Through Joint Ownership
If you are the joint owner of a vehicle with the person who is deceased, you are allowed to transfer the vehicle’s title if your names are linked with “or”, or the names on the vehicle title are followed by “or survivor”.
You must submit the following documents and payment(s) in person at your local VA DMV office to apply for a vehicle title transfer and vehicle registration:
- The death certificate (must be certified or notarized) The VA DMV can request a copy of the death certificate from the Office of Vital Records (if required)
- The vehicle’s title (If the title of the vehicle is missing or illegible, you are required to complete an Application for Supplemental and Transfer Liens or Replacement and Substitute Titles (Form VSA 66) to request a substitute vehicle title.)
- Payment for all applicable fees (vehicle title transfer fee: $15 and all applicable vehicle registration fees)
Transferring the Title of a Vehicle Inherited from a Will or as Legal Heir
If you are listed as the legal heir and/or inherit a vehicle from a will, you need to submit the following vehicle title transfer documents in person at your local VA DMV office:
- A certified or notarized copy of the death certificate
- The vehicle title
- Proof of your VA address
- Virginia Vehicle title transfer fee of $15
Be advised, you will also need the appropriate inheritance documents:
- If there is an executor or administrator, you need to provide either the court document that names the executor or administrator or the will naming the executor or administrator.
- If there is no executor or administrator, you need to provide either the Certification of Authority to Transfer Virginia Title (Form VSA 24) with or without a copy of the will or an affidavit stating the estate is covered by Virginia small estate laws.
How to Transfer Ownership of a Vehicle Without a Title in Virginia?
In the state of Virginia, you must have a vehicle title to transfer ownership of a vehicle. If you have lost or damaged the vehicle’s title, you must apply for a duplicate vehicle title (Form VSA 67).
Can I Gift a Car to a Family Member?
The good news is, you are able to gift a vehicle to a family member with the proper documentation. If you received a vehicle as a gift, or the vehicle is being transferred from a relative, you must complete a vehicle title transfer at your local VA DMV office. The process for transferring the vehicle title of a gifted vehicle is similar to the steps you need to take when you are buying or selling a vehicle in Virginia.
There are multiple sections listed on the vehicle’s title. In the “price” section of the vehicle’s title, write “0”. The individual receiving the vehicle may be exempt from paying taxes on the vehicle. Just as you would with a private vehicle sale, you must fill out the transfer of ownership sections on the back of the original vehicle title.
Even if the vehicle is being gifted to a family member, they may owe a tax on the current market value of the vehicle when they attempt to register the vehicle. Make sure you take the signed original vehicle title to the VA city clerk to have the application for a new vehicle title completed.
Transferring a Vehicle Title When You Have an Out-of-State Title
When you are transferring the title of an out-of-state vehicle in Virginia, you are required to meet a variety of requirements. The following out-of-state vehicle title transfer paperwork is required to correctly transfer the title from one state to Virginia:
- The original out-of-state vehicle title
- A completed application for a certificate of ownership
- A completed Virginia vehicle registration application
- Proof of a valid VA vehicle insurance policy
- Proof of identification (ex. A valid driver’s license)
If a lien holder is in possession of your vehicle title, you need to fill out an application for the release of the title, which will be sent to the VA DMV. Keep in mind, you may be required to submit additional information.
Requesting a Duplicate Vehicle Title in Virginia
If you have lost or damaged your original VA vehicle title, you can apply for a duplicate VA vehicle title (Form VSA 66) online or in person at your local VA DMV office.
If you are applying for your replacement VA vehicle title online, you must provide:
- Customer number (located on your driver’s license or ID card)
- Date of birth
- PIN
- Payment for the VA vehicle title replacement fee of $15
If you are applying for your duplicate VA vehicle title in person, you need to visit a customer care center and bring:
- A completed Application for Supplemental and Transfer Liens or Replacement and Substitute Titles (Form VSA 66) or a completed Application for Replacement and Substitute Title (Form VSA 67) You will need to provide your social security number and all relevant lien information, as well as details regarding the vehicle.
- Your vehicle registration certificate and your license or photo ID
- Supporting documentation, such as a will or court order (only required if you are changing the vehicle title of an inherited vehicle)
- Payment for the VA replacement vehicle title fee of $15
Be advised, if your vehicle has a lien, the replacement vehicle title will be sent to the lien holder. If there is no lien on the vehicle, the replacement VA vehicle title will be given to you. A replacement vehicle title invalidates the original vehicle title.
Transferring a Vehicle Title With a Lien
Congratulations! You paid off the loan on your vehicle. Once you pay off your vehicle loan, the lien holder will send you either the vehicle title if there are no other liens or proof of lien release if there is another lien on the vehicle.
To obtain a clean vehicle title with the lien removed, you need to submit:
- The Application for Supplemental and Transfer Liens or Replacement and Substitute Title (Form VSA 66)
- The vehicle title or lien release
- Payment for the substitute VA vehicle title of $15
You can apply for a substitute VA vehicle title by mailing the form to the address provided on the form or in person at your local VA DMV office.
How Much Does a Title Transfer Cost in Virginia?
There are different fees associated with vehicle title transfer costs in Virginia. The VA DMV charges the following fees for vehicle title transfers and other vehicle title transactions:
- Vehicle title transfer fee (buying and selling a vehicle): $15
- New VA vehicle title fee: $15
- Substitute vehicle title fee (name change, address change, or lien removal): $15
- Replacement vehicle title fee: $15
- All applicable registration fees
Where Can I Go to Transfer a Vehicle Title in Virginia?
There are different DMV locations in Virginia where you can transfer a vehicle’s title.
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Alexandria Office)
6306 Grovedale Dr.
Alexandria, VA 22310
Monday-Friday (8 AM to 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Harrisonburg Office)
3281 Peoples Dr.
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Monday-Friday (8 AM to 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Chesterfield Office)
610 Johnston Willis Dr.
Richmond, VA 23236
(804) 497-7100
Monday-Friday (8 AM to 5 PM)
Saturday (8 AM to 12 PM)
Sunday (Closed)
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Hampton Office)
1 Franklin St. Ste 100
(804) 497-7100
Monday-Friday (8:30 AM to 4 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)
How to Fill Out the Virginia Title and Title Transfer Forms
In order to ensure you complete the Virginia vehicle title and title transfer forms, you need to make sure you have the required signatures of the vehicle’s seller and buyer in the designated areas on the vehicle title. You also need to complete a bill of sale that provides information pertaining to the vehicle, such as its make, year, model, and color and don’t forget to include the vehicle’s VIN.
If you sold a vehicle instead of gifting the vehicle, the correct sales tax needs to be added to the vehicle’s total price. In the “transfer of title by seller” section of the vehicle title, provide an accurate odometer reading, and make sure the recipient of the vehicle signs the vehicle’s title in the designated spaces.
Keep in mind, that you may be requested to provide additional documentation, including a valid Virginia vehicle insurance policy that meets or exceeds the minimum coverage limits set by the state of Virginia. You may also be required to provide a valid government-issued photo ID or a foreign passport for proof of identification.
My Vehicle Title Was Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?
When a Virginia vehicle’s title is signed but not transferred, the vehicle has an open title. Also, with an open vehicle title, the vehicle’s seller didn’t transfer ownership of or register the vehicle in their name.
Since the vehicle seller’s name is not on the VA vehicle title, they do not assume any legal responsibility for anything associated with the vehicle, such as taxes and other fees.
If the vehicle’s seller has lost the title, they can apply for a duplicate VA vehicle title (Form VSA 67) and sign it over to you for you to put in your name. Be advised, the individual who is listed on the vehicle’s title is responsible for requesting a duplicate vehicle title.