How To Get a Car Title in Virginia 2026
Virginia law requires vehicle owners to obtain a certificate of title for motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers before operation on public highways. Under § 46.2-600 of the Code of Virginia, every person who owns a motor vehicle, trailer, or semi-trailer must register with the Department of Motor Vehicles and obtain a certificate of title within 30 days of purchase or transfer. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles administers the state's vehicle titling program and maintains ownership records for all titled vehicles throughout the Commonwealth.
Where to Apply for a Virginia Certificate of Title
Virginia provides multiple convenient options for processing vehicle title applications through customer service centers and alternative service locations. Authorized locations include:
- DMV Customer Service Centers – Full-service facilities located throughout Virginia, including Richmond Central, Newport News, Fairfax, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and numerous other cities across the Commonwealth
- DMV Select Locations – Authorized partner locations offering vehicle services at convenient retail sites, including select commissioners of revenue offices
- Electronic Titling Portal – Online system allowing qualified Virginia residents to transfer vehicle ownership electronically for vehicles already titled in Virginia
- Mail Processing – Applications may be submitted by mail to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269
Required Documents for Title Application in Virginia
Individuals applying for a Virginia certificate of title must provide documentation that establishes lawful ownership and complies with requirements outlined under Virginia law. The Application for Certificate of Title and Registration (Form VSA 17A) serves as the primary application form for most title transactions.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Title or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin | Properly assigned title showing transfer to applicant | All owners must sign assignment section; out-of-state titles must be surrendered |
| Application for Certificate of Title and Registration (Form VSA 17A) | Complete application with accurate vehicle and owner information | Available online, at customer service centers, or by mail |
| Proof of Address | Documentation verifying residential or business address | Required for registration; P.O. box acceptable at applicant's option |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Specific transaction circumstances require supplemental materials beyond basic application requirements:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Odometer Disclosure | Federal requirement for vehicle sales and transfers | Must be recorded on title assignment section or separate Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form VSA 5) |
| Bill of Sale or Vehicle Price Certification (Form SUT-1) | Establishes purchase price for sales and use tax calculation | Required when price not shown on title; Form SUT-1A required for vehicles less than 5 years old with certain price variances |
| Lien Release Documentation | Proof that security interest has been satisfied | Required when lien appears on surrendered title |
| Proof of Insurance | Evidence of financial responsibility meeting Virginia minimums | Required for registration purposes |
| Purchaser's Statement of Tax Exemption (Form SUT-3) | Certification of sales tax exemption status | Required when claiming exemption from motor vehicle sales and use tax |
| Power of Attorney | Authorization for representative to act on behalf of owner | Must be duly authorized; required when agent signs application |
Virginia Title Fees and Costs
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles establishes standardized fee schedules applicable at all customer service centers throughout the Commonwealth.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Original Certificate of Title | $15.00 |
| Replacement Title (with no changes) | $15.00 |
| Substitute Title | $15.00 |
| Supplemental Lien Title | $15.00 |
Additional Processing Fees
Vehicle titling and registration transactions involve supplemental charges:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax | 4.15% of gross sales price | Minimum charge $75.00; based on purchase price before trade-in credit |
| Passenger Vehicle Registration (4,000 lbs or less) | $30.75 annually | Higher fees for vehicles 4,001 to 6,500 lbs ($35.75) |
| Highway Use Fee | Varies by vehicle type and fuel efficiency | Applies to electric and fuel-efficient vehicles; ranges from $6.06 to $116.49; visit dmv.virginia.gov for calculator |
| Local Registration Fee | Varies by locality | Assessed by localities participating in Local Vehicle Registration Program |
| Emissions Inspection Fee | Additional $2.00 | Applicable in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford counties, and certain cities |
| Late Fee | $10.00 | Assessed when the title applicationis not submitted within the required timeframe |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Obtain Properly Assigned Ownership Documents
Secure the certificate of title from the selling party with complete assignment information. The seller must record the odometer reading in the assignment section of the title for vehicles subject to disclosure requirements. Verify that all owners listed on the title have signed the assignment section with proper endorsement and warranty of title. If the title is held by a lienholder due to financing, obtain written lien release documentation showing the security interest has been satisfied.
Step 2: Complete Application for Certificate of Title
Fill out the Application for Certificate of Title and Registration Form VSA 17A completely and accurately to prevent processing delays. Enter owner information, including complete name and residential or business address as required by Virginia law. Record the current odometer reading on the application for vehicles requiring disclosure. Select either the electronic or paper title option based on your preference for document storage and future needs.
Step 3: Calculate Sales and Use Tax
Determine the applicable motor vehicle sales and use tax based on the gross sales price of the vehicle at 4.15 percent. The gross sales price is calculated as the vehicle cost after rebates and incentives are applied, including dealer processing fees but excluding trade-in credits and other price reductions. For private party transactions involving vehicles more than five years old, complete Vehicle Price Certification Form SUT-1. Vehicles less than five years old require Affidavit for Procurement of Title Form SUT-1A when the sales price varies more than $1,500 from the NADA Official Used Car Guide trade-in value. Verify eligibility for any exemptions from sales and use tax, completing Form SUT-3 if applicable.
Step 4: Select Submission Method
Choose from five convenient service options based on your needs and timeline. For vehicles already titled in Virginia, use the electronic titling system to transfer ownership completely online. For immediate over-the-counter service, schedule an appointment at any customer service center or visit a DMV Select location. To avoid waiting, use the drop-off service at any customer service center and receive your title in three to five business days.
For mail processing, send completed forms, supporting documents, and payment to the Virginia DMV:
Attn: Titles and Registration Work Center P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269.
Step 5: Submit Payment and Receive Title
Provide payment for all applicable fees, including the $15 title fee and 4.15 percent sales and use tax based on the vehicle's gross sales price. Payment methods accepted include cash, check, money order, Apple Pay, and Google Pay at customer service centers. For mail submissions, include a check or money order made payable to DMV. Following processing and approval, the certificate of title will be mailed to the address provided on the application. Processing times vary by submission method: electronic titling provides immediate confirmation, drop-off service delivers titles in three to five days, and mail processing times vary based on postal delivery. If a security interest is recorded, the title will be sent directly to the lienholder for safekeeping.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Virginia law provides specific exemptions from certificate of title requirements:
- Farm tractors and special construction and forestry equipment as defined in § 46.2-100
- Vehicles registered and titled elsewhere in the United States belonging to non-Virginia resident active duty military service members or activated reserve/national guard members living in Virginia
- Vehicles owned by persons serving full-time church service or proselyting missions not exceeding 36 months who are not gainfully employed
- Specific trailer categories meeting exemption criteria under the Virginia administrative code
- Government-owned vehicles qualifying for exemption under applicable statutes
Contact Information
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269
Phone: (804) 497-7100
Official Website: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
