Private-party transfer in Virginia: closing the sale without surprises
Steps for buyer and seller, documents, payment and state-specific plate conditions.
A private sale calls for checking the title, payment, plate and applicable state procedures. This guide is written for both sides of the table, with Virginia's rules.
The place and the moment
Ask the titling office (At a DMV customer service center, at a DMV Select office or by mail. If seller and buyer both live in Virginia, have a myDMV account and the car has no lien, they can do the transfer online through the electronic titling program) in advance about accepted signatures, documents, appointments and payments. Where available, coordinate the handover with that office and verify payment with the issuing bank before releasing the car or documents.
Step by step
| # | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm the title is in your name and lien-free. If there is a loan, get the bank's release before listing. | Ask for the VIN and check title, recalls and history before seeing the car. |
| 2 | Allow an independent inspection. Agree in writing how and when it will take place. | Pre-purchase inspection with your own mechanic. |
| 3 | Agree the total price in writing on a bill of sale: VIN, year, make, model, price, date, names, signatures. Two copies. | Same. The bill of sale is your proof of price for the tax. |
| 4 | On the title: your signature, the buyer's name and address, price, date and the applicable odometer disclosure, including exemptions and any required mileage-discrepancy indicators. The seller writes the actual odometer reading on the title, without estimating; the buyer confirms it matches (federal law, 49 CFR 580). | Check that the VIN on the title is the car's and that the person signing is the titled owner. |
| 5 | Receive payment: cashier's check verified at the issuing bank, confirmed transfer, or cash inside the bank. | Pay only when the signed title is in your hand. |
| 6 | Handle the seller's plate. Follow the state conditions below for removal, transfer or return. | Confirm the registration, permit and plate you need before driving; do not assume you can use the seller's. |
| 7 | Listed seller-process document: Report a Vehicle Sold or Traded (en línea, en un centro de servicio o por teléfono). Follow the timing and conditions in the state process below; keep your copy. | Confirm the required documents, fees, taxes and deadline with the agency, including the event that starts the deadline. Bring the applicable insurance or financial-responsibility documents. |
| 8 | Ask your insurer when to cancel or transfer coverage, and first confirm the registration and plate conditions. | Confirm the coverage or proof of financial responsibility required for your transaction and before driving. |
The plate in Virginia
The plate belongs to the seller: they remove it before handing over the car and move it to their next car ($2.00) or turn it in or deactivate it at DMV before canceling their insurance. They must then tell DMV the car was sold. DMV says reporting is required by law, but the Code sets no deadline in days and § 46.2-604 says the general penalty in § 46.2-113 does not apply to someone who fails to report. Report it the same day anyway: until DMV knows, the car is still in your name. The buyer cannot use the seller's plate: they register the car and get plates at DMV, or use a trip permit ($5.00) to move it.
What each one must bring
Seller
- Title (or printout of the electronic one)
- Photo ID
- Lien release, if any
- Report a Vehicle Sold or Traded (en línea, en un centro de servicio o por teléfono)
- A screwdriver for the plate
Buyer
- State forms (VSA 17A, VSA 67, VSA 59)
- Photo ID
- Insurance card
- Payment for fees and tax
- If out of state: whatever VIN verification the state requires
Three special situations
- Lost title. The seller requests a duplicate before selling. Don't accept "I'll send it later."
- Two owners on the title. If the names are joined by "and," both sign. With "or," one is usually enough.
- The seller is an heir or holds a power of attorney. Extra documentation is needed (estate papers or POA). Confirm at the office before paying.
Keep the records; check the official process
Sources
- Virginia DMV — Fee chart DMV 201 (rev. 08/10/2026)
- Va. Code § 46.2-630 — Transferee forwards title to DMV within thirty days
- Virginia DMV — Buying or selling a vehicle
- Virginia DMV — Electronic titling
- Virginia DMV — Insurance requirements
- Virginia DMV — Welcome to Virginia (DMV 140)
- Virginia DMV — Title Your Vehicle or Trailer (out-of-state document list; $15 titling fee)
- Virginia DMV — 2026 Estimated Highway Use Fee Chart (valid 07/01/2026–06/30/2027)
- Virginia DMV — Prospective Purchaser Inquiry (PPI), $12 per vehicle
- Va. Code § 38.2-2206 — Uninsured motorist coverage required in every policy
- Va. Code § 46.2-1167 — Charges for safety inspection and reinspection
- Virginia State Police — Vehicle Safety Inspection
- Va. Code § 58.1-2411 — Civil penalties upon failure to pay tax (10% or $10, whichever is greater, plus 1.5% monthly interest)
- Va. Code § 46.2-604 — Seller notifies the Department of a sale; § 46.2-113 penalty does not apply
- Va. Code § 46.2-604 — Report a Vehicle Sold or Traded (en línea, en un centro de servicio o por teléfono)
- 49 CFR Part 580 — Federal odometer disclosure requirements
This guide informs; it is not legal or financial advice, nor an offer, quote or appraisal. Every figure carries its source and date; check it is still current before you decide.