Ultimate Guide to Transferring Your Vehicle Title at the Virginia DMV

Here's the ultimate guide to transferring your vehicle title at the Virginia DMV. We've simplified the entire process to save you time.

What You’ll Need to Transfer your Vehicle Title in Virginia

For in-state vehicles or trailers, you will need:

Virginia title with the "Assignment of Title by Owner" and "Application for New Owner Certificate of Title and Registration"
If titling with an MCO or MSO, complete an Application for Title and Registration (VSA 17A)
Proof of address
Proof of purchase price, such as a buyer's order, bill of sale, or the seller's declared sale price on the title. The bill of sale can be a handwritten statement signed by the seller and purchaser or a Vehicle Price Certification (Bill of Sale) (SUT 1) signed by the seller or purchaser.
$15 titling fee
Motor vehicle sales and use tax

For out-of-state vehicles or trailers, you will need:

Completed Application for Title and Registration (VSA 17A)
Proof of address
Title or registration card from your previous state of residence or a branch of the United States Armed Forces with your name appearing as owner, OR previous owner's out-of-state title signed over to you.
Proof of purchase price if you purchased the vehicle within the preceding 12 months. The proof of purchase may be a buyer's order, bill of sale, or the seller's declared sale price on the title.
$15 titling fee
Motor vehicle sales and use tax

For out-of-state trailers with no title:

A registration card that is either unexpired or expired for less than one year
A Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin, if available
A completed "Application for Certificate of Title and Registration" (VSA 17A)
A completed, signed and notarized "Application in Lieu of Title Certificate" (VSA 12). Indicate why the title is not available, describe the efforts made to obtain a certificate of title, and provide all supporting documentation to provide a trail of ownership.
If the trailer was recently purchased, a completed and signed Vehicle Price Certification (Bill of Sale) (SUT 1)
$15 titling fee
Motor vehicle sales and use tax

For imported vehicles:

Refer to Titling an Imported Vehicle in Virginia for any vehicle brought into the United States from any foreign country, including Canadian vehicles and US manufactured vehicles that are manufactured for export and subsequently imported.

What You’ll Need to Do to Transfer your Vehicle Title in Virginia

Visit the DMV near your area. Consider making a DMV appointment or getting a line waiting concierge.
Submit the documents
Pay the fees
Record the odometer reading
Select electronic or paper title

NOTE: Instead of receiving the title in paper form, you may request that DMV retain an electronic record of the title to ensure the safety of your title. If you have selected the electronic option, you may visit any customer service center and request a paper title if you require one. You will be required to show proof that you are the registered owner.

If you are unable to visit a customer service center, you may request in writing or online to have a paper title sent to you. The paper title will be mailed to your address on record with DMV, providing there are no held or stop conditions on the record. Send your written request and payment (if applicable) to:

Virginia DMV
Attn: Titling Work Center
PO Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269

Need more Virginia DMV help?

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