Virginia Title Transfer Guide (2026)
| Titling agency | Virginia DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 4.15% · Motor vehicle sales and use tax applies to all sales |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Not required |
| Lien release form | VSA 5 (Lien Release) |
Virginia title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (VSA 5 (Lien Release)) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Virginia requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Check VIN inspection requirements — if the vehicle is from out of state, confirm whether Virginia requires a VIN inspection (varies by origin state).
- 5Buyer files at Virginia DMV — within 30 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to Virginia DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 4.15% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — Virginia DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with Virginia DMV the same day as the sale.
Virginia lien release procedure
- Obtain Form VSA 5 from the Virginia DMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs VSA 5 releasing the lien.
- Submit VSA 5 with the existing title and title application at a Virginia DMV customer service center.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Virginia title.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
Virginia estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to Virginia DMV.
Need a Virginia bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with Virginia DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create Virginia Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Virginia
How long do I have to transfer a car title in Virginia?▾
Virginia requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 30 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a Virginia title transfer cost?▾
Virginia charges 4.15% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Motor vehicle sales and use tax applies to all sales The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in Virginia?▾
Yes — Virginia requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. Virginia DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in Virginia?▾
In Virginia, the lender must complete VSA 5 (Lien Release) confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to Virginia DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in Virginia?▾
Virginia inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to Virginia DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: Virginia DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07