Virginia

Title Fee

$15.00

Who must title a vehicle in Virginia?

All motor vehicles, RVs, mopeds, trailers, motorized watercraft, and sailboats over 18 feet must be titled.
Exempt: Some ATVs/off-road motorcycles (pre-7/1/2006), snowmobiles, farm tractors/machinery, implements of husbandry, special/road/forestry equipment, canoes, barges, documented vessels, and some emergency vehicles.

Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Application: Certificate of Title/Registration (VSA 17A or VSA 17B for manufactured homes), in person at any DMV Customer Service Center or by mail.
Fee: $15.00 (vehicles); $10.00 (watercraft, via Department of Wildlife Resources).

What documents are needed as proof of ownership?

New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate/Statement of Origin.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title.
Non-title states: Registration card (unexpired or expired <1 year).
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs, CBP 7501/3461, NHTSA HS-7, EPA 3520-1, bond release if needed, manufacturer’s letter if needed, English translation.

How are special titles or brands handled?

Non-Negotiable Title: For recording lien or some foreign market vehicles (≥25 years old); not transferable.
Brands: Branded if Rebuilt/Repaired, Converted Electric, Ex-Taxi, Glider Kit, Hull Damaged, Junk Nonnegotiable, Non-Repairable, Off-Road MC Converted to On-Road, Rebuilt, Repaired, Replica, Reconstructed, Specially Constructed, Water Damaged, and odometer brands. Out-of-state brands are carried forward.
Salvage: Required if insurer acquires, or vehicle is damaged >75% value, or water damage claim ≥$3,500; title must be surrendered within 15 days.
Nonrepairable: No value except parts/scrap; must be reported, title surrendered, and nonrepairable certificate issued (not transferable except to licensed recyclers/dealers).
Repairable: Repaired to pre-loss condition by insurer, not rebuilt; pre-7/1/2015, “Repaired” brand if repair ≤75% of value.
Rebuilt: Salvage vehicles repaired for road use; must pass safety inspection and DMV exam ($125 fee); title branded “Rebuilt.”
Junk: Nonnegotiable junk title issued for vehicles branded junk/parts only/destruction in another state; cannot be retitled.

How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?

Replacement/Substitute: Application (VSA 67), $15.00 fee; online option available ($1.00 discount).
Watercraft: BRT-011, $7.00 fee.

Other notes:

Odometer disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs., ATVs, mopeds, off-road MCs).
VIN/HIN inspection required for vehicles without valid VIN, rebuilt/reconstructed/replica vehicles, and some others ($125 exam fee).

Are electronic signatures accepted?

What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?

Motor Vehicle Sales/Use Tax: 4.15% of gross sales price (min $75);Manufactured home: 3.0%; mobile office: 2.0%; ATVs/mopeds/off-road MCs: 6.0%/5.3% depending on location.
Credit for taxes paid in another state (reciprocity).
Exemptions: Nonresidents, certain business/ag use, and more.
Watercraft Sales/Use Tax: 2.0% (max $2,000); credit for trade-in and taxes paid to another state.
Property Tax: Varies by county; must be paid before registration/renewal.
- Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Proof required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.

How are liens recorded and perfected?

Filed with DMV and noted on title; Application for Transfer/Supplemental Liens (VSA 66) for later liens.
Perfected as of acquisition if filed within 30 days; otherwise, as of filing.
ELP (Electronic Lien Program) mandatory for ≥50 liens/year; optional for others.

How are liens released or assigned?

Lienholder must notify DMV/owner and send title within 10 days of release; Application for Replacement/Substitute Title (VSA 67) to remove lien from DMV records.
Assignment: VSA 66 completed by old/new lienholder + title + fee.

How does repossession work in VA?

Lienholder must obtain REPO title before transfer; title fee applies; sales tax exempt unless registering.
Out-of-state repos: VSA 98 + out-of-state repo docs; VA dealers can buy/sell out-of-state repo vehicles without VA REPO title.

Other notes:

Mechanic/storage liens: Lien may be enforced 10 days after bill due; online MSL process; court order required if owner is active military.

Enforcement Agency:

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles2300 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23269
804.497.7100 | VA DMV

Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:

Key Regulations:

Insurance required: $50,000/$100,000/$25,000 minimum (as of July 2025); higher for commercial.
Proof required at registration and must be carried.
Annual safety inspection; biennial emissions in many areas.
Two plates for most vehicles; one for motorcycles, trailers, semitrailers.
- Title records kept indefinitely.