How to Transfer Your Virginia Car Title The Official VA DMV Guide

Whether you’re buying a car from a neighbor or gifting one to your child, the Virginia title transfer can seem confusing. You need a clear process to avoid errors, extra fees, or legal issues with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

To transfer a car title in Virginia, the seller must sign the title over to the buyer, and the buyer must submit the signed title, a completed “Application for Title and Registration” (Form VSA 17A), proof of address, and payment for fees and taxes to the VA DMV. This process officially changes the vehicle’s ownership and can often be completed online or in person.

As an official VA DMV guide updated for 2026, this walkthrough provides a systematic, data-driven approach. You will discover the exact steps, required documents, and costs involved. This guide covers everything from a simple sale to special cases like gifts and inheritance.

Key Facts

• 30-Day Deadline is Mandatory: Virginia law requires you to title a newly purchased vehicle in your name within 30 days of the purchase date to avoid a $15 late fee.
• Standard Title Fee is Fixed: The state fee for issuing a new Virginia Certificate of Title is a flat $15, separate from taxes and registration costs.
• Sales Tax is 4.15%: A Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax (SUT) of 4.15% of the purchase price is required, with a minimum tax of $75.
• “Title Jumping” is Illegal: Selling a vehicle without first titling it in your own name is a fraudulent act in Virginia and can lead to legal penalties.
• Form VSA 17A is Essential: The “Application for Title and Registration” (VSA 17A) is a mandatory form for the buyer to complete and submit to the DMV.

How Do You Transfer a Car Title in Virginia?

Transferring a car title in Virginia is a state-regulated process that legally changes the vehicle’s ownership from the seller to the buyer. This involves the seller completing specific sections on the original Virginia Certificate of Title and the buyer submitting this document, along with an application and payment, to the VA DMV. A correct and timely transfer is crucial to release the seller from future liability and establish the buyer’s legal ownership.

The entire process is governed by the Virginia Code and managed by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. The Certificate of Title, sometimes casually called a “pink slip,” is the official proof of ownership. Successfully transferring this document ensures that all state records are updated, which is a key part of buying a used car in VA. This step must be completed before you can get a VA vehicle safety inspection or, in some areas, pass Virginia emissions testing.

Critical Warning: Avoid Title Jumping
“Title jumping” is when a seller passes a title directly from the person they bought it from to a new buyer, without ever putting the vehicle in their own name. This is illegal in Virginia as it’s a way to evade paying sales tax. Always ensure the seller’s name on the title matches their government-issued ID.

What Documents Are Required for a VA Title Transfer?

The required documents for a Virginia title transfer include the original signed title, a completed Form VSA 17A, a bill of sale (recommended), the buyer’s proof of address, and payment for all applicable fees and taxes. The seller is responsible for providing the accurately signed title, while the buyer is responsible for compiling and submitting the entire application packet to the Virginia DMV.

Gathering all your paperwork beforehand is the single best way to ensure a smooth, one-trip transaction at the DMV. Below are the specific checklists for both the seller and the buyer.

How Does the Seller Prepare for the Title Transfer?

As the seller, your main responsibility is to legally release your ownership of the vehicle. This requires careful attention to detail on the back of the Virginia Certificate of Title.

1. Ensure a Clean Title: Before selling, you must pay off any outstanding loans on the vehicle. Your lienholder is required to release the lien, either electronically with the DMV or by signing the “release of lien” section on your paper title. You cannot transfer ownership with an active lien.
2. Complete the “Assignment of Title by Owner” Section: On the back of the title, accurately print the full legal name and address of the buyer.
3. Enter the Odometer Reading: Record the vehicle’s current mileage in the Odometer Disclosure Statement section. Do not include tenths of a mile. Certify that the reading is accurate.
4. Sign and Print Your Name: Sign and print your name exactly as it appears on the front of the title. If two owners are listed with “and,” both must sign. If it says “and/or,” only one owner needs to sign.
5. Provide a Bill of Sale: While not always mandatory, providing a Bill of Sale that includes the vehicle’s year, make, model, VIN, sale price, and date is a highly recommended best practice for legal protection.

Common Mistake: Do not use white-out or cross out information on the title. Any alterations can void the document. If you make a significant error, you must apply for a replacement title (Form VSA 67) before you can proceed with the sale.

What Are the Buyer’s Responsibilities in the Transfer?

Once the seller gives you the signed title, the responsibility shifts to you to finalize the transfer and registration.

1. Verify the Title: Before accepting the title, check that the seller has signed it correctly and that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the title matches the VIN on the car.
2. Complete Form VSA 17A: Fill out the “Application for Title and Registration” (Form VSA 17A). This form records your information, the vehicle details, and lienholder information if you have a new car loan.
3. Secure Virginia Car Insurance: You must have Virginia liability insurance before you can register the vehicle. Your insurance provider will give you a policy card to serve as proof.
4. Submit the Application Packet: Take the signed title, completed VSA 17A, proof of your Virginia address (like a utility bill or lease agreement), a valid ID, and payment to the DMV. You have three options for submission: online, by mail, or in person.
5. Act Within 30 Days: You have a strict 30-day window from the date of sale to title the car in your name to avoid late fees.

Time Saver Tip: You can start your application online using your myDMV account. This allows you to pre-fill information and can significantly speed up your visit if you choose to complete the process at a DMV customer service center.

How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a Car Title in VA?

The primary costs for a VA title transfer are a $15 title fee and a 4.15% Sales and Use Tax (SUT) on the vehicle’s purchase price. For a car bought for $10,000, the SUT would be $415, making the total minimum cost $430, plus any vehicle registration fees. A minimum SUT of $75 applies to all sales.

Understanding the full financial picture is crucial. According to Virginia tax law, the costs are broken down into fixed state fees and a variable tax based on the vehicle’s value.

Fee / Tax Item	Cost	Notes
Certificate of Title Fee	$15.00	A fixed fee paid to the DMV for issuing the new title document.
Sales and Use Tax (SUT)	4.15% of purchase price	Minimum tax is $75. It is based on the greater of the sale price or the clean trade-in value.
Registration Fee	Varies ($40.75 – $51.75+)	This fee to get your license plates depends on the vehicle’s weight and type.
Late Fee	$15.00	This penalty is applied if you fail to title the vehicle within 30 days of purchase.

Tax Tip: If you buy a vehicle for significantly less than its market value, the DMV may question the sale price. To validate a low price, you and the seller can complete an “Affidavit for Low Selling Price” (Form SUT-1) to certify the actual transaction amount.

How Do You Handle Special Title Transfer Scenarios?

While a standard private sale is common, many transfers fall into special categories. These situations often involve different forms and tax implications, demonstrating the need for comprehensive knowledge. Gifting a car, inheriting a vehicle, or moving to Virginia all have unique procedures.

How Do You Transfer a Title as a Gift?

Transferring a title as a gift, such as from a parent to a child, allows you to bypass the Sales and Use Tax.

1. Seller’s Action: The person giving the car writes “GIFT” in the “Sale Price” section on the back of the title.
2. Complete Form SUT-3: Both the giver and the recipient must complete and sign the “Certificate of Exemption” (Form SUT-3). This form certifies that the vehicle is a genuine gift.
3. Buyer’s Action: The recipient takes the signed title, the completed SUT-3 form, and the VSA 17A application to the DMV. They will pay the $15 title fee but will be exempt from the 4.15% SUT.

How Is a Title Transferred After a Death?

Transferring a title for a deceased person’s vehicle requires following specific legal protocols. The process varies based on survivorship rights and the vehicle’s beneficiary status.

• With Survivorship/Beneficiary: If the title was jointly owned with “or” or lists a “Transfer on Death (TOD)” beneficiary (established with Form VSA 18), the process is simpler. The survivor or beneficiary can title the vehicle in their name with a copy of the death certificate and the existing title.
• Without Survivorship: If the vehicle is part of the deceased’s general estate, the estate’s legally appointed Executor or Administrator must handle the transfer. They will sign the title on behalf of the estate and provide legal documents, such as the will and a copy of the death certificate, to prove their authority.

Legal Note: For complex estates or if there is no will, it is highly advisable to consult with an estate professional to ensure you are following the correct legal procedure as required by Virginia law.

How Do You Transfer an Out-of-State Title to Virginia?

When moving to Virginia, you must title and register your vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency.

1. Pass a Virginia Safety Inspection: Your vehicle must first pass a state safety inspection at a certified inspection station. If you live in certain Northern Virginia counties (e.g., Arlington, Fairfax), you will also need to pass an emissions inspection.
2. Complete Form VSA 17A: Fill out the “Application for Title and Registration” (VSA 17A).
3. Surrender Your Old Title: Take your current out-of-state title, the passed inspection report, your VSA 17A, and proof of your new Virginia address to the DMV. You must surrender your previous state’s title.
4. Pay Virginia Fees: You will pay the $15 Virginia title fee and any applicable registration fees. Generally, you will not have to pay SUT if you can prove you paid a similar tax in your previous state.

FAQs About How to Transfer Car Title in VA

Can I transfer a car title online in VA?

Yes, in many cases you can transfer a Virginia title online if it’s a simple sale between two private Virginia residents and the vehicle already has a Virginia title. The process is completed through the official Virginia DMV website. You will need the title number and the vehicle identification number (VIN) to begin the secure transaction.

Do both parties need to be present for a title transfer in VA?

No, both the buyer and seller do not need to be present at the DMV at the same time. The seller’s primary duty is to properly sign the title and provide it to the buyer. The buyer is then solely responsible for taking the signed title and all other required documents to the DMV to complete the transfer process.

Does a VA car title need to be notarized?

No, a standard Virginia car title transfer between two private individuals does not require a notary public. The signatures of the buyer and seller on the title document itself are sufficient. Notarization is typically only required for separate legal documents, such as a Power of Attorney (Form VSA 70) if someone is signing on your behalf.

What happens if I lost my VA car title?

If you have lost your Virginia car title, you are required to apply for a replacement before you can sell or transfer the vehicle. You must submit an “Application for Replacement and Substitute Titles” (Form VSA 67) to the DMV and pay a $15 fee. You cannot legally transfer ownership without the official original or a certified replacement title.

How do I remove a lien from a VA car title?

To remove a lien, your lender must officially notify the DMV that the loan has been paid in full. For electronic titles, the DMV will automatically release the lien and mail you a paper title. If you hold a paper title that lists the lienholder, they must sign the “release of lien” section on the document before you can transfer ownership.

Is a Bill of Sale required in Virginia for a title transfer?

While not legally mandatory for every private transaction, a Bill of Sale is highly recommended by the VA DMV for the protection of both parties. It acts as a formal receipt, documenting the sale price, date, and vehicle information. This document can prevent future disputes about the terms of the sale.

How long do I have to transfer a title in VA after buying a car?

You have exactly 30 days from the date of purchase to title the vehicle in your name in Virginia. If you fail to complete the transfer within this 30-day period, the DMV will assess a $15 late fee. It is also illegal to operate a vehicle that is not properly titled and registered in your name.

Can I transfer a title if the owner’s name is spelled wrong?

No, you must first correct any errors on the title before it can be transferred. If the owner’s name is misspelled, an “Application for Corrected Title” must be submitted to the DMV along with documentation proving the correct spelling (like a driver’s license). The DMV will then issue a new, corrected title.

What is “title jumping” and why is it illegal in Virginia?

“Title jumping” occurs when a person buys a vehicle and then sells it to another person without ever formally titling it in their own name. This practice is illegal in Virginia. It is a form of fraud used to avoid paying sales tax and registering the vehicle. Always confirm the seller’s ID matches the name on the front of the title.

Do I need insurance to transfer a title in VA?

While you don’t need insurance just to acquire the title from a seller, you absolutely need proof of Virginia liability insurance to register the vehicle and get license plates. Since titling and registration are almost always done at the same time, having insurance is a practical necessity for the process.

Key Takeaways: How to Transfer Car Title in VA Summary

• The Seller’s Signature is Key: The seller’s primary job is to accurately complete the “Assignment of Title” section, including the odometer reading and their signature. An incorrect signature can void the entire process.
• Form VSA 17A is Mandatory for the Buyer: The buyer cannot complete the transfer without submitting a fully completed “Application for Title and Registration” (VSA 17A) along with the signed title.
• Budget for Fees and Taxes: The cost is more than just the title fee. Expect to pay a $15 title fee plus a 4.15% Sales and Use Tax (SUT) on the purchase price, with a minimum tax of $75.
• Act Within 30 Days: The buyer has a strict 30-day deadline from the purchase date to title the vehicle with the DMV to avoid a $15 late fee and legal penalties.
• Special Cases Have Special Forms: Gifting a car requires Form SUT-3 to avoid taxes. Transferring a title after a death involves specific legal steps and may require an executor’s signature and a death certificate.
• Notarization is Not Standard: For a typical private party sale in Virginia, you do not need to get the title notarized. The buyer and seller’s signatures are sufficient.
• Never “Jump” a Title: It is illegal to buy and sell a car without formally transferring the title into your own name first. Ensure the seller’s name on the title matches their ID.

Final Thoughts on Your Virginia Title Transfer

Successfully transferring a car title in Virginia comes down to accuracy and timeliness. It’s a legal process where paying attention to detail on official forms like the Certificate of Title and VSA 17A is paramount. By understanding the distinct responsibilities of the buyer and seller, preparing for the required fees, and using the correct forms for special situations, you can navigate the process with confidence. Following these official steps protects both parties and ensures your vehicle ownership is secure and recognized by the state.