Virginia car title transfer

At a glance

Bill of sale

As proof of the price, a bill of sale can be a handwritten statement signed by both parties.

Odometer

The odometer reading comes from the vehicle itself; no guessing.

Buyer's deadline

The new owner applies for a title within 30 days of the purchase.

Plates

The seller removes the plates before the buyer takes the vehicle.

Title fee

$15 titling fee, plus sales and use tax.

Seller's report

The seller notifies DMV of the sale.

Agency

Virginia DMV

If you're selling

1. Find the title and clear any lien. Have the original title in hand. If a lender is listed, get the lien release or the lender's sign-off before the sale; the buyer can't title the car over an open lien.
2. Write down the mileage. The odometer reading comes from the vehicle itself; no guessing.
3. Give the buyer a bill of sale. As proof of the price, a bill of sale can be a handwritten statement signed by both parties.
4. Deal with the plates. The seller removes the plates before the buyer takes the vehicle.
5. Report the sale. The seller notifies DMV of the sale.
6. Cancel insurance and keep copies. Once the car is gone and the plates are off, call your insurer. Keep a photo of the signed title, the bill of sale and any sale report.

If you're buying

1. Check the title against the car and the seller. The VIN on the title should match the car, and the seller's ID should match the owner's name on the title. Ask about any lien listed on it.
2. Get a bill of sale. As proof of the price, a bill of sale can be a handwritten statement signed by both parties.
3. Check the mileage entry. The odometer reading comes from the vehicle itself; no guessing.
4. Insure the car before you drive it. Most states require insurance to register. Arrange it before driving away.
5. Title it in your name in time. The new owner applies for a title within 30 days of the purchase.
6. Plates and fees. The seller removes the plates before the buyer takes the vehicle. Title fee: $15 titling fee, plus sales and use tax.

Sold on the first of a month? See the due date for a December 1, 2026 sale.

Your own checklist, marked step by step: seller · buyer.

In the agency's words

Bill of sale

"The bill of sale can be a handwritten statement signed by the seller and purchaser"

Deadline

"Any person, within 30 days of purchase or moving into Virginia, shall apply for a certificate of ownership."

Plates

"The seller should remove the license plates from the vehicle before allowing the buyer to take possession of the vehicle"

Report of sale

"You must notify DMV you have sold, traded or donated your vehicle."

Not stated on the pages we read: the seller's notary rule, the buyer's notary rule.

Official sources

• Virginia DMV: Buying/Selling a Vehicle (checked November 2026)
• Virginia DMV: Title Your Vehicle or Trailer (checked November 2026)
• Virginia DMV Vehicle Licensing Guide VLIC-3.000: Titling a Motor Vehicle (checked November 2026)

General information, not legal advice; we are not lawyers. Checked November 2026 against the official pages listed above. Forms, fees and deadlines change, a county office can add its own steps, and gifts, estates, liens and out-of-state titles follow other rules; the agency or an attorney can tell you how a rule applies to your sale. MCC Solutions is not affiliated with any motor vehicle agency.

Common questions

All states: car title notarization by state · Utah · Washington