Virginia Car Bill of Sale Template

A separate Bill of Sale is not generally required to register your vehicle in Virginia, as long as the seller correctly records the sale price on the title.

Virginia DMV accepts the seller's declared price on the title, a Bill of Sale, or other qualifying documentation as proof of purchase price.

However, it's still a good idea to make a separate Bill of Sale. It acts as a record of the sale, which can be useful for tax purposes, or if a dispute with the other party arises in the future.

It's also useful if the price is missing or incorrect on the title. **For vehicles more than 5 years old, the DMV may accept a handwritten Bill of Sale or Vehicle Price Certification (SUT-1) in these situations.

For a vehicle 5 years old or less, the DMV may require a notarized Affidavit of Vehicle Purchase Price (SUT-1A) when the reported sales price differs by more than $1,500 from the applicable trade-in value.

Virginia DMV specifies the information required when a handwritten Car Bill of Sale is submitted as proof of purchase price. Make sure to include:

• Purchase price
• Vehicle year, make, and model
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Date of sale
• Buyer and seller signatures

Mileage follows separate title rules. When odometer disclosure is required, the seller normally records the reading in the assignment section of the title. The buyer then reports it during the title application process.

If an out-of-state title does not contain an assignment section, the seller may record the mileage on an Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form VSA-5).

The sample below shows how you can present the essential vehicle, price, date, and signature information in a clear way. You can use it as a guide when making your own version of the document.

After a private purchase, the buyer must forward the transferred title and apply for a new title and registration within 30 days. Transactions can be completed:

• At a DMV customer service center
• At a DMV Select office
• By mail
• Through electronic titling, when eligible

The seller should complete the assignment section of the title with the buyer's information, correct mileage, sale date, and purchase price.

Required Vehicle Registration Forms in Virginia

When buying a vehicle from a private seller, you generally need the following:

• Properly assigned Virginia Certificate of Title
• Proof of address
• Proof of purchase price (price shown on the title, Bill of Sale, or SUT-1)
• Odometer information on the title
• Lien information or a lien release, when applicable
• Insurance certification when registering the vehicle

For a Virginia-titled vehicle, the buyer can complete the Application for Certificate of Title and Registration when titling and registering at the same time.

Virginia Vehicle Registration Fees

Virginia DMV currently charges a $15 title fee. Standard annual passenger registration is $30.75 for vehicles weighing 4,000 pounds or less and $35.75 for vehicles over 4,000 pounds.

Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax is generally 4.15% of the sale price, with a $75 minimum, unless an exemption applies. For example, vehicles given as gifts to a spouse, child, or parent and certain inherited vehicles are exempt.

A Highway Use Fee and other applicable charges may also apply depending on the vehicle.

No. You usually do not need to get your Car Bill of Sale or the standard title-transfer documents notarized in Virginia.

The Virginia DMV does, however, suggest notarizing a written purchase contract as an extra protection measure. However, this is completely optional and is not part of the standard requirements for completing a private vehicle title transfer.

Form SUT-1A is an exception when it is required, as the affidavit must be notarized before submission to the DMV.