A Virginia vehicle bill of sale details the purchase of a vehicle within Virginia or from another state. The form typically lists the buyer’s and seller’s contact information, a description of the vehicle, and the transaction circumstances. A bill of sale is required to transfer ownership from the vehicle’s previous owner to the new owner.
Virginia Vehicle Registration
Vehicle owners in Virginia must register their vehicles with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles before driving on roadways.
While the state doesn’t have laws specifying when registration must be completed following the purchase of a vehicle, it is wise to do so as quickly to avoid complications down the road.
Where to Register Your Vehicle
You can complete the initial registration of a vehicle in Virginia in person at any Virginia DMV customer service center, DMV select, mobile office, or by mail. In addition to these options, annual registration renewal is available by phone or online.
Documents Required by the DMV Office
Before moving forward with your registration, you will need to gather the following paperwork for vehicles that already hold a Virginia title:
- A Virginia Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale
- The vehicle’s title
- A completed Assignment of Title by Owner form or an Application for New Owner Certificate of Title and Registration
- Virginia Vehicle Registration Application
- Vehicle Price Certification (only for cars five years or older and signed by the buyer and the seller)
To register any motor vehicle in Virginia, you will need the following:
- A valid driver’s license
- Proof of residency
- Proof of automobile insurance
- A vehicle inspection record (only for some municipalities in Virginia)
- Registration fee payment
How to Write a Bill of Sale for a Car in Virginia
Step 1 — Print the Virginia Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
Use our legal template to create your vehicle bill of sale in Virginia.
Step 2 — Fill in the Description of the Vehicle
Record the year, make, model, vehicle identification number (VIN), and license plate numbers.
Step 3 — Complete the Buyer Information
Write down the legal name and address of the buyer, along with the date of the vehicle purchase.
Step 4 — Fill in the Seller Information
Be sure that the seller’s name and contact information on the bill of sale matches those on the vehicle’s title, including the seller’s valid driver’s license.
Step 5 — Obtain Signatures
Sign the bill of sale document and ask the seller to do the same.
Step 6 — Make Copies
Take two copies of the bill of sale form and the vehicle title to the DMV when you register and transfer ownership to your name.
Free Virginia Vehicle Bill of Sale Form Template
Check out our free, printable template for your needs. It’s available in PDF and Word formats.