How to transfer a car title in Virginia
For private sellers and buyers in Virginia. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Virginia, the seller signs Section A on the front of the title, writes in the buyer, the odometer reading and the price, takes off the plates and notifies DMV of the sale. The buyer signs, completes Section H and takes or mails the title to DMV.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Virginia?
Seller
- In Section A on the front of the title, print and sign your name. Every owner on the title signs.
- Write the buyer's name and address, the odometer reading and the sale price (or "gift").
- Take the license plates off before the buyer takes the car.
- Tell DMV you sold the car, online, at a customer service center or by phone.
- Tell your insurance company about the sale.
Buyer
- Check that the seller filled in Section A, the odometer reading, your name and address, the date and the price.
- Sign and print your name as buyer in Section A, then complete Section H on the back of the title.
- Take or mail the title to DMV. A customer service center or DMV Select office can title and register the car.
- Pay the 4.15% sales and use tax on the price ($75 minimum) and the title fee.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles before you go: dmv.virginia.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Virginia?
Step 1 · Seller
Fill in Section A on the front of the title.
Every owner prints and signs. Add the buyer's name and address, the odometer reading and the price, or "gift".
Step 2 · Seller
Take off the plates.
Do it before the buyer drives away. You can move them to a car you buy next.
Step 3 · Seller
Notify DMV of the sale.
Online, at a customer service center or by phone.
Step 4 · Seller
Tell your insurance company.
Do this after you deal with the plates.
We have not confirmed whether Virginia requires a bill of sale. Check with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles before you sell.
Virginia bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Virginia?
Step 1 · Buyer
Check and sign the title.
Make sure Section A is complete, sign as buyer, then fill in Section H on the back.
dmv.virginia.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Take the title to DMV.
Go to a customer service center or DMV Select, or mail it.
dmv.virginia.gov checkedStep 3 · Buyer
Pay the tax and fees.
Sales and use tax is 4.15% of the price, at least $75, plus the title fee.
dmv.virginia.gov checked
After DMV processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Virginia guides
- You're reading this guideSell or buy a carSteps to sell a car in Virginia · Steps to buy a car in Virginia
- Virginia bill of saleWhat to include. No official form found
- Replace a lost title in VirginiaReplacement title (VSA 67)
- Car title after a death in VirginiaThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names
How much does a title transfer cost in Virginia?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $15 | Buyer | dmv.virginia.gov Checked |
| Motor vehicle sales and use tax | 4.15% of the price ($75 minimum) | Buyer | dmv.virginia.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $15 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Virginia DMV (Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax).
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Virginia are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Application for Replacement and Substitute Titles (VSA 67).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
Common questions
How much is the title fee in Virginia?
$15, plus the motor vehicle sales and use tax of 4.15% of the price ($75 minimum).
dmv.virginia.govsource 2 checked
Does the seller have to tell DMV about the sale?
Yes. Notify DMV that you sold the car, online, at a customer service center or by phone, and tell your insurance company.
dmv.virginia.gov checked
Does the seller keep the plates?
Yes. Take them off before the buyer takes the car. You can move them to a car you buy next.
dmv.virginia.gov checked
Can I mail the title to DMV?
Yes. You can mail it, or go to a customer service center or a DMV Select office.
dmv.virginia.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official Virginia sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.