Do I need a special bill of sale for a junk side by side in Virginia?
Virginia requires a bill of sale for all private party vehicle sales. A junk side by side may have additional disclosure requirements around condition, mileage, or title status.
Junk vehicle bill of sale
Junk Side by Side Bill of Sale Virginia
Selling a junk side by side in Virginia? Junk or scrap vehicle sale — generate the right bill of sale for your transaction.
VirginiaSide by SideJunkCondition-specific
Selling a junk side by side in Virginia
When selling a junk side by side through a private party sale in Virginia, a bill of sale protects both the buyer and seller by documenting the transaction details and the vehicle's condition at the time of sale.
Legal considerations for junk vehicles in Virginia
Virginia law designates these vehicles as 'nonrepairable' rather than 'junk.' Under § 46.2-1603.2, a nonrepairable vehicle cannot be re-titled or registered for road use in Virginia — ever. The seller or insurance company must apply for a nonrepairable certificate using Form VSA 57 (no fee). Documents must be submitted to the Vehicle Branding Work Center. The bill of sale must clearly state the vehicle is sold as nonrepairable, for parts or scrap only, and that it can never be registered.
Required disclosures
Virginia Code § 46.2-1603.2 prohibits titling or registration of any vehicle for which a nonrepairable certificate has been issued. The bill of sale must state the vehicle is sold as a nonrepairable/junk vehicle, for parts or scrap only, and that Virginia law permanently bars it from road use. Out-of-state junk designations recognized by NMVTIS are treated identically under § 46.2-1603.2 subsection F.
Virginia Required Form: VSA 57
Virginia requires Form VSA 57 for junk vehicle transactions. No additional state inspection is required.
Virginia steps for junk vehicles
- Apply for a Virginia nonrepairable certificate using Form VSA 57 (no fee)
- Submit VSA 57 and original title to the Vehicle Branding Work Center — customer service centers forward applications to the MSL Processing Unit
- State clearly in the bill of sale that the vehicle is nonrepairable/junk and may only be used for parts or scrap
- Notify DMV of the sale or disposal to end liability for the vehicle
Buyer warning
A Virginia nonrepairable certificate permanently bars the vehicle from ever being titled or registered in Virginia for road use. Virginia will also recognize out-of-state 'junk,' 'for parts only,' or similar NMVTIS-reported brands as equivalent and will refuse to issue a title — even if the vehicle appears undamaged. Verify the vehicle's NMVTIS history before purchase.
Virginia Side by Side transfer fees and requirements
In Virginia, the title transfer fee is $15 and registration costs $30.75 - $35.75 per year. Side by Side sales are subject to 4.15% motor vehicle sales and use tax (SUT). Virginia does not require notarization for private-party side by side transfers. Emission testing is required in Virginia — verify the side by side passes before completing the sale.
- 4.15% SUT applies to all vehicle sales
- Annual safety inspection required
- Emissions testing required in Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads
- Title transfer within 30 days of purchase
Virginia sales tax on side by side purchases
Virginia has a 4.15% state sales tax rate. 4.15% motor vehicle SUT statewide. Private-party side by side sales in Virginia are subject to sales tax. Motor vehicle sales and use tax applies to all sales. The title transfer fee is $15.
Side by Side market data and safety information
The most common side by side makes in private-party sales are Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki. Average private-party side by side prices range from $5,000–$30,000. Side by sides average 2.6 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Steering, Fuel System, Fire Hazard.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used side by side
Before completing a side by side bill of sale in Virginia, verify these safety items:
- Verify ROPS (cage) is intact and meets manufacturer specifications
- Check all seat belts and door/net latching mechanisms
- Inspect CV axles and boots — the highest-wear item on side-by-sides
- Test power steering operation and differential lock engagement
- Confirm headlights, taillights, brake lights, and (where required) turn signals function
- Verify horn and reverse-warning beeper operation
- Check that windshield (if equipped) is rated and unmodified
- Inspect parking brake operation on a 15-degree slope
Side by Side insurance and depreciation in Virginia
Insurance averages $200–$600/year. Multi-passenger models cost more. Required for on-road use. Side-by-sides depreciate 30–40% in 3 years. Sport models (RZR, Maverick) depreciate faster than utility models (Ranger). Peak season for private side by side sales is spring for recreation, fall for hunting season, with an average of 25 days on market.
Side by Side registration and titling
Side by Sides are classified as "Off-highway vehicle (OHV) — some states allow street-legal conversion" for registration purposes. Side-by-sides range from 1,000–2,000 lbs. Multi-seat crew models weigh more. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to side by sides.
Side by Side title transfer rules
Side-by-side (SxS) UTV title transfer follows off-highway vehicle (OHV) rules in most states. Many states issue an OHV title or registration card rather than a standard motor vehicle title. A signed bill of sale is critical because some states do not title SxS units at all and rely on the bill of sale as primary proof of ownership. States that title SxS units typically use the same title format as ATVs. States that do not title them rely on the bill of sale and the manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO). Always transfer the MCO if it has not been previously surrendered to a state.
Required disclosures for side by side sales in Virginia
When selling a side by side in Virginia, the following disclosures apply:
- OHV registration and trail-use stickers are state-specific — confirm whether the unit is street-legal in your state under the applicable LSV (low-speed vehicle) or ROV (recreational off-highway vehicle) statute.
- Aftermarket modifications (lift kits, exhaust, larger tires) may affect insurance and warranty status and should be itemized in the bill of sale.
- Roll cage and seat-belt condition disclosures are recommended — federal ROV safety standards apply to manufacturers but not to private resale.
Virginia bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 2,073 bill of sale documents for Virginia transactions, with 56 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
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Create Virginia Side by Side Bill of SaleFrequently asked questions
What should I include when selling a junk side by side?
Include buyer and seller details, vehicle identifiers (VIN, year, make, model), sale price, date, signatures, and a clear description of the vehicle condition as junk.
Is a junk side by side bill of sale legally binding in Virginia?
Yes. A properly completed bill of sale is a legal document in Virginia. For junk vehicles, disclosing the condition protects both buyer and seller.
What are the Virginia fees for transferring a junk side by side?
Virginia charges a $15 title transfer fee. Registration costs $30.75 - $35.75 per year. Sales tax: 4.15% motor vehicle sales and use tax (SUT). Notarization is not required.
How much is a junk side by side worth in a private sale?
Average private-party side by side prices range from $5,000–$30,000. Junk vehicles typically fall in the lower range. The most common makes are Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki.
What safety items should I check on a junk side by side?
Verify ROPS (cage) is intact and meets manufacturer specifications Check all seat belts and door/net latching mechanisms