If you are uncertain in regards to how to perform an out of state car title transfer in Virginia, be mindful that you will be required to submit the necessary paperwork and fee payments through a nearby DMV service center. Furthermore, the out of state car title transfer process in VA is required for vehicle owners who bring a nonresident car to the state.

In order to transfer an out of state car title in Virginia, you must send your application form and documents to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). However, the department will only register cars that were already properly titled. To learn more about how to transfer a car title from state to state, read the sections below.

What is a cross-state car title transfer in Virginia?

Virginia vehicle owners who understand what a cross state title transfer is will ensure that they can successfully transfer the titles of the nonresident vehicles they plan to operate within the state. Overall, the procedure to re-title a car on another state DMV is completed for purposes of replacing an out-of-state title with a title certificate issued by the applicant’s new state of residence.

Failure to complete the VA cross state car title transfer will impede the car registration process, which will consequently prohibit the legal operation of that nonresident vehicle.

When is an out-of-state car title transfer necessary in Virginia?

Motorists wondering when an out of state car title transfer is necessary in Virginia must note that they are required to transfer a car title on each occasion an out-of-state vehicle is brought within the state. In addition, you will also be required to undergo a title transfer procedure in the event that you purchase a vehicle titled outside of the state.

Furthermore, if you would like to know “Is an out of state title transfer necessary for new cars in VA?” you must be aware that a title transfer only transpires if the vehicle in question already has a title. Therefore, if you have purchased a new out-of-state vehicle with a manufacturer’s certificate of origin (MCO), you will be required to submit this document in lieu of a valid title when titling the vehicle for the first time with the Virginia DMV.

Note: New VA residents are given 30 days for titling and registering their vehicles upon moving to the state.

Information and Documents Needed for an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Virginia

The required out of state car title transfer information and documents are among more important steps in the process to transfer an out of state vehicle title in Virginia. Moreover, it is important to note that the documents needed for out of state title transfer may differ in certain ways depending on whether or not a transfer of ownership took place. In any case, the out of state title transfer paperwork in VA include:

  • A completed out of state title transfer form
  • The out-of-state certificate of title or registration card
  • A document certifying the purchase price, such as a bill of sale, if the vehicle was purchased within the last 12 months
  • Proof of a valid car insurance policy
  • Document proving that the vehicle passed an emissions inspection
  • Proof of state residency
  • An identification document, such as a driver’s license or an ID card

Steps for Completing an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Virginia as a New Resident

Completing an out of state title transfer as a new state resident in Virginia is a process comprised of several steps, since new residents will be required to both title and register their vehicles after moving. In general, requesting an out of state title transfer in person is the standard application method, particularly because the option to complete an out of state title transfer online in VA is not yet available.

The first step in the new state resident car title transfer process is making a visit to a nearby DMV location and submitting the documents outlined in the previous section. After paying the applicable fees, the DMV agent will ask whether you would like to be issued a paper title or an electronic title. If you apply for a paper title, you will receive it by mail. Furthermore, even if you choose to receive an electronic copy, you can always obtain a paper title at no cost during a later date.

If you successfully follow these steps to complete an out of state title transfer as a new resident, you will be able to successfully register your vehicle in just one visit to the DMV office.

Out-of-State Title Transfers in Virginia After Buying or Selling a Vehicle

The Virginia process of transferring an out of state title after getting a new car from outside of the state follows the same steps as the procedure to title and register a vehicle as a new resident. Thus, the out of state title transfer after buying a car can be finalized by submitting the paperwork and fee payments necessary to title a vehicle after a transfer of ownership.

You will have completed an in person out of state title transfer after buying a vehicle once the Virginia DMV verifies the authenticity of the documents you submitted. In addition, the department must process your payment for titling fees and state taxes.

Furthermore, the process of transferring an out of state car title is also a necessary step if you have received the vehicle through other means. For instance, to transfer an out of state car title in VA after the death of the original owner, applicants will be required to submit additional paperwork that relates to your inheritance of the car.

Cross-State Car Title Transfer Fees in Virginia

Vehicle owners must submit a payment for a cross state car title transfer in Virginia in order to successfully transfer a title certificate that was issued outside of the state. Aside from the standard cross state car title transfer fee of $15, you may also need to pay taxes during this procedure. Furthermore, the cost of transferring an out of state car title in VA will vary depending on whether or not you are also registering your vehicle at the same time.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.