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Free Virginia Car Bill of Sale

Virginia's 4.15% Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MV-SUT) is lower than most states, but the minimum tax is $75 regardless of sale price — so a $500 beater still owes $75. Annual safety inspection is required statewide, with additional emissions in Northern Virginia. VA uses Form VSA 17A for title applications.

Virginia Requirements: Transfer title within 30 days. 4.15% sales tax.

Seller Information

Buyer Information

Car Details

Sale Information

Condition & Warranty

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First time selling a car privately? Our complete guide covers how to verify the buyer, which payment methods are safe, what paperwork the DMV actually needs, and the odometer disclosure mistake that can make a transaction legally void. Read: Car Bill of Sale: Complete Guide

Virginia Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know

Primary Form
Application for Certificate of Title and Registration
Agency
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Primary ID Field
VIN
Sales Tax
4.15%
Title Required
Yes
Inspection
Required

Sales Tax Details

Virginia charges a 4.15% Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax (MV-SUT) on the sale price (minimum $75). An additional $10–$64 Annual Vehicle License Fee may apply at registration. Plus a $100 EV fee for electric vehicles.

Inspection Requirements

Annual safety inspection required statewide (~$20). Emissions inspection required biennially in Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Stafford).

Virginia Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist

  1. Confirm current VA safety inspection (annual, ~$20). Add NoVA emissions if applicable.
  2. Complete bill of sale with VIN, odometer, sale price, signatures.
  3. Seller completes odometer disclosure on title.
  4. Seller signs title over and files "Notice of Sale" with VA DMV to release liability.
  5. Buyer completes VSA 17A at any VA DMV within 30 days.
  6. Buyer pays 4.15% MV-SUT (min $75) + $15 title fee + registration.
  7. Buyer keeps seller's plates if transferring — VA allows plate transfer between similar vehicle types.
  8. NoVA residents: confirm emissions certificate (biennial) before registration.

Common Pitfalls

  • Forgetting the $75 minimum tax — low-priced sales still owe $75.
  • Missing the Notice of Sale filing — seller stays on the hook for tickets/tolls.
  • Assuming NoVA emissions exemption — the 10-locality list is strictly enforced.
  • Buyer assuming plates transfer — VA allows it only between like vehicle types (car-to-car, not car-to-truck).

Pro Tip

Virginia car sales: VSA 17A, 4.15% MV-SUT (or $75 minimum), annual safety inspection everywhere. NoVA adds biennial emissions.

Virginia Car Bill of Sale — FAQs

What is the Virginia MV-SUT minimum?
Virginia's Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax is 4.15% of sale price OR $75 — whichever is higher. A $1,000 car sale owes $75 tax (the minimum), not $41.50 (4.15%). This catches a lot of private sellers off guard.
Which Virginia localities require emissions testing?
Northern Virginia only: Fairfax County, Arlington County, Alexandria, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax City, Falls Church, and Stafford County. Emissions is biennial (every 2 years) in those 10 localities. Other Virginia localities require only the annual safety inspection.
Can I transfer VA license plates to my new car?
Yes, Virginia allows plate transfer between "like vehicles" — passenger car to passenger car, truck to truck, etc. The buyer can't transfer the seller's plates to a dissimilar vehicle type. Notice of Sale still needs to be filed by the seller.