Virginia Private Car Sale Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare for a private vehicle sale in Virginia. Requirements can vary by vehicle type, lien status, and situation, so always confirm with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before completing the transaction.
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Quick answer
To sell a car in Virginia, sign the title over to the buyer (no notarization required), give them a bill of sale or Vehicle Price Certification (Form SUT-1) if the sale price isn't on the title, and remove your license plates — in Virginia, plates belong to the owner, not the vehicle. The buyer should then title the car with the Virginia DMV promptly — generally within about 30 days. Verify current requirements with the Virginia DMV before submitting paperwork.
Key facts
- State
- Virginia
- Agency
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
- Process
- Sell a Car
- Notary required
- No
- Bill of sale
- Conditional
- Odometer disclosure
- Yes
- Filing deadline
- 30 days
- Last verified
- 2026-07-06
- Official source
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles ↗
Key facts from official sources
Virginia does not require notarization for a standard private-party title assignment.
Virginia DMV — Buy or Sell a Vehicle ↗Odometer disclosure is required for vehicles under 10 years old, completed when the title is assigned.
Virginia DMV — Buy or Sell a Vehicle ↗Quick reference
Notary required?
✗NoBill of sale?
◆ConditionalOdometer disclosure?
✓Yes⏱ Important Deadlines
- 30-day deadline: Virginia generally expects the buyer to title the vehicle within about 30 days of purchase; a late fee may apply after that. Verify the current deadline with the Virginia DMV.Official source ↗
Seller Checklist
Items the seller typically needs to prepare or provide.
Required Forms
Special requirements
Virginia does not require notarization for a standard private-party title assignment.
A bill of sale or Vehicle Price Certification (Form SUT-1) is commonly needed when the sale price is not recorded on the title, so the buyer's Sales and Use Tax can be calculated. Keep a signed copy for your records.
Required by federal law for vehicles under 10 years old; the seller completes the odometer section when assigning the title.
Step-by-step process
- 1Verify the title is clear of liens before selling.
- 2Sign the title over to the buyer in the designated section.
- 3Complete the odometer disclosure on the title.
- 4Provide the buyer with the signed title and any other required documents.
- 5Notify the state motor vehicle agency of the sale if required.
- 6Remove your license plates if required by your state.
- 7Cancel your insurance or transfer it to your new vehicle.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Leaving your license plates on the car — Virginia plates belong to the owner, not the vehicle, so remove them before handing it over.
- ✗Assuming the sale must be notarized — Virginia does not require notarization for a standard private-party title assignment.
- ✗Skipping the odometer disclosure on the title for a vehicle under 10 years old.
- ✗Not keeping a signed copy of the bill of sale for your records and the buyer's tax calculation.
Official links
Source verification
This page covers 3 researched claims about Virginia sell a car:
Directly cited from official sources
Inferred — confirm with agency before acting
Researched from Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Requirements can change — always verify with the official agency before submitting documents.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car privately?
Requirements vary by state. In Virginia, check with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for the current requirement. A bill of sale is always recommended as a record of the transaction.
What happens if the buyer doesn't transfer the title?
You could remain liable for tickets, tolls, and accidents. File a release of liability or notice of sale with your state agency as soon as the sale is complete.
Can I sell a car with a lien?
Yes, but the lien must be satisfied at or before closing. The lienholder must release the lien before a clean title can be issued to the buyer.
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Last reviewed: 2026-07-06 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice