Virginia DMV Title Transfer Guide

How To Transfer A Vehicle Title In Virginia

If you have purchased a used car, you will have to transfer the title into your name. This makes you the official owner of the vehicle. But every state handles transfers a bit differently.

If you have never done one in Virginia, or it has been some time, you may have many questions about how it is handled. Here is some information on how a Virginia title transfer is handled.

How Much Does It Cost To Transfer A Car Title?

One question that is often asked by used car buyers is how much is a title transfer. In the state of Virginia, there is a $10 fee to transfer a car title.

There is also a $10 fee to make changes to a title, such as changing a name, address or removing a lien. And there is a $10 title replacement fee. In addition to the title transfer fee, you will need to pay either 4.15 percent of the vehicle’s sale price or $75, whichever amount is higher, for the motor vehicle sales and use tax.

What Do You Need To Transfer A Car Title?

In order to transfer the title, you will need some items supplied to you by the buyer, and other items that are your responsibility to supply. Knowing what the title transfer requirements are helps to ensure you have everything you need with you to successfully complete the DMV title transfer process.

The buyer will need to provide you with a valid safety inspection sticker, a Virginia car title with the assignment of title by owner section filled out and the proof of the sale price, like a bill of sale.

If there are any questions on how to fill out transfer of title form, be sure to carefully read the form, as it will tell you how to fill out the form.

If it is incorrectly filled out, a new one may need to be ordered. If you are taking over a lien that the seller has on the car, a transfer of certificate title with lien form is also required.

As the buyer, you must provide the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles with all of the information the seller was required to provide above as well as proof of your Virginia address, an affidavit of the vehicle purchase price and the title transfer fees and tax payment.

Below, we explore how different types of title transfer transactions are handled in the state of Virginia.

How To Transfer A Car Title When The Original Owner is Deceased

Transferring a car title when the owner is deceased can be different than transferring the title when the owner is alive. If you are the legal heir or have inherited the vehicle, you will need to supply the DMV office with a plethora of documents and the correct DMV title transfer form.

This includes a certified copy of the death certificate, the current title to the vehicle, proof of your address, the title transfer fee and the correct inheritance documents. If there is an executor, you will need the court documents or will naming the executor or administrator.

If there is no executor, you will need a certification of authority to transfer Virginia title form or an affidavit that states that the estate is covered by Virginia small estate laws.

How To Transfer Ownership Of A Car Without A Title

If the seller has lost or misplaced the title, they will need to obtain a duplicate title before they can transfer ownership of the car to you. Requesting a duplicate title costs $10 with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

How To Transfer A Car Title To A Family Member In Virginia

When someone sells a car to a qualified family member, sales tax is not owed on that car.

When transferring the title to the new owner, all of the same documents are required with one addition. The seller will have to complete a purchaser’s statement of tax exemption to ensure the family member is not charged tax on the used car.

My Car Title Was Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?

In some states, it is the buyer’s responsibility to notify DMV of the sale of the car. However, in the state of Virginia, both the seller and the buyer have to notify DMV that the vehicle has been sold. This helps to ensure that the seller does not sign the car title and then have the buyer fail to register it.

In the State of Virginia, you can notify DMV online, by visiting a customer service center or via phone call that the vehicle has been sold.

Virginia DMV Hours And Contact Information

For more information on questions specific to your title transfer scenario, clarification on the title transfer process in the state of Virginia, or for VA DMV hours and to find the DMV location nearest to you, visit the official Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles website by clicking here.

Common Questions About Virginia Title Transfer

Are there any questions about transferring a car title that we didn’t cover?

We are constantly updating our content and welcome your feedback. Leave us a comment and let us know any other questions you might have regarding how to transfer a car title in the state of Virginia.