A car title transfer in Virginia is required in order to transfer the ownership of a motor vehicle to another person in a process of sale and purchase. Individuals who are wondering, “How do you transfer a title on a car?” need to perform the procedure through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The title transfers for cars must be completed by satisfying the required steps for a process of title transfer.

Moreover, motorists may also be required to satisfy a set of title transfer requirements and present a list of documents to the VA DMV. To learn more information about how to fill out transfer of title in Virginia, continue reading the following sections.

What is a car title transfer in Virginia?

Prior to performing a Virginia title transfer for cars, motorists who are wondering what is considered under that term are recommended to first discover what a certificate of title is and in which situations it may be used.

A car title is actually a legal document issued by the VA DMV that may be used as proof of ownership in the auto title transfer procedure when the ownership rights over a motor vehicle are transmitted to another legal entity.

If your title is stolen or lost, you must replace your vehicle title before attempting a title transfer. A transfer of car title is a procedure that both the sellers and the purchasers need to perform in various situations and under certain circumstances.

Vehicle owners who want to learn how to perform title transfers for cars in Virginia should review the sections below and choose the scenarios that best fit their needs.

When is a vehicle title transfer required in Virginia?

To perform a Virginia auto title transfer is a mandatory procedure that enables two legal entities to transmit the ownership rights over a motor vehicle between themselves. A car title transfer is a process that motorists need to perform through the state DMV when selling or purchasing a motor vehicle.

In addition, motorists may be also able to conduct a transfer of car title after receiving a motor vehicle as a gift or as a part of inheritance.

However, a legal motor vehicle title transfer procedure will not be legally completed until the new owners satisfy the car title transfer requirements and steps. Therefore, to perform successful title transfers for cars in Virginia, motorists need to prepare certain list of documents and information in order to complete a title transfer procedure.

Information and Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in Virginia

A Virginia car title transfer procedure requires motorists to provide certain documentation and information in order to complete the process successfully. In Virginia title transfer online is not an option. Therefore, drivers need to visit a local VA DMV office and submit the following paperwork:

  • Current Virginia car title with completed required sections
  • Proof of address
  • Proof of purchase price
  • Payment for the applicable fees

Motorists who are still wondering how to fill out transfer of title in Virginia need to know that these documents are required for an in-state title transfer. However, individuals who want to perform a car title transfer from out of state may be mandated to provide additional documents to the ones mentioned above.

To find out more information about title transfers for cars in Virginia, contact the VA DMV and learn the requirements that apply to your specific situation.

Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in Virginia

When performing a procedure of vehicle title transfer in Virginia, motorists may be required to complete four basic steps. Electronic title transfers cannot be completed online in Virginia, so vehicle owners must be perform this process in person at a nearby VA DMV branch and do the following:

  • Prepare required documents, according to the specific situation
  • Pay the applicable fees and taxes
  • Record the odometer reading
  • Select between an electronic or a paper title

Note that the Virginia car title transfer requirements and steps may vary based on the driver’s specific situation. Therefore, prior to beginning the process of title transfer for cars in Virginia, motorists are encouraged to contact the VA DMV and inquire about how to complete a title transfer procedure.

Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in Virginia

Vehicle owners who are wondering how to order a new car title in Virginia need to first discover how to apply for a title certificate and how to transfer a car title between two legal entities.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VA DMV) issues a new title for car to drivers who have recently bought a new vehicle or to new residents who have just moved from out of state. New residents who want to transfer their out-of-state vehicles to VA will have to either apply for a new car title or transfer their existing one from their previous residential state.

The title transfer procedure, on the other hand, is one that vehicle owners need to perform when changing the ownership of a motor vehicle between themselves and other drivers. A title transfer is a procedure that two different parties conduct when they transfer the ownership rights of a motor vehicle as a result of purchasing or selling a car.

Vehicle owners may also transfer a DMV new title when they obtain the vehicle as gift, donation or as part of an inheritance left by another person.

Car Title Transfer Fees in Virginia

One of the required steps for a process of car title transfer in Virginia is the submission of a payment for the applicable fees and taxes to the VA DMV. Motorists who want to perform a transfer of car title are expected to pay a fee for the title. In addition to the vehicle title transfer fees, drivers will be expected to pay a motor vehicle sale and use tax based on the vehicle’s sale price.

Along with the fees for a transfer of car title, motorists may be also able to pay a car registration fee, if they want to register their motor vehicle as well. To learn more information about the Virginia title transfer requirements and fees, contact the VA DMV and discover details that will help you perform the transfer procedure.

The standard titling fee in Virginia is $15.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.