A Virginia motor vehicle bill of sale details a vehicle purchase and facilitates the transfer of ownership from the vehicle’s previous owner to the new owner. The form typically lists the buyer’s and seller’s contact information, a description of the vehicle, and the transaction circumstances.
Registering a Motor Vehicle
Vehicle owners in Virginia must register their vehicles with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles before driving on roadways.
The county you live in influences how long you have to register your vehicle after purchasing it. It may range between 30 and 60 days, with counties like Fairfax County [1] and Arlington County [2] providing 60 days.
You must renew your registration annually, as vehicle registrations expire on the last day of the twelfth month after your initial registration date.
Gather Required Documents
Before moving forward with your registration, you will need to gather the following paperwork for your vehicle:
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Proof of Ownership:
- Bill of Sale: Establishes a vehicle sale and protects both parties.
- Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin: Provided by the dealer when you purchase a new vehicle
- The Vehicle’s Title: The seller should hand it over to the buyer with their signature.
- Proof of Residency: Prove that you live in Virginia with one of the accepted documents.
- Vehicle Registration Application (VSA-14): Lets the buyer apply for vehicle registration.
- Valid Driver’s License: Or another state-issued ID card.
- Proof of Insurance: Obtain the proper liability insurance coverage for bodily injury ($30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident) and property damage ($20,000 per accident). [3]
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
- Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney: Use if you want someone else to handle the registration process.
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (VSA-5): For vehicles older than five years.
- Vehicle Price Certification: For vehicles older than five years.
- Vehicle Inspection Record: Only for some municipalities in Virginia. Required in the cities of Manassas Park, Manassas, Fairfax, Alexandria, and Falls Church. Required in the counties of Stafford, Prince William, Loudoun, Arlington, and Fairfax.
- Assignment of Title by Owner (or Application for New Owner Certificate of Title and Registration): Only for vehicles with a current Virginia title.
- Application for Certificate of Title and Registration (Form VSA 17): For a new vehicle purchase.
Submit Your Documents
You can complete a vehicle’s initial registration 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.
Virginia DMV, Titling Department:
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269
Pay Registration Fees
With registration comes the payment of applicable fees. The cost of your fee will vary slightly depending on your vehicle’s type and weight. You may also be responsible for an emissions inspection fee and a highway use fee.
Virginia Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Sample
Download a Virginia motor vehicle bill of sale template below. Available as a PDF or Word document.
