Virginia Bill of Sale Requirements & Free Form
This page covers how a bill of sale fits into a private vehicle or personal property sale in Virginia, including what the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles expects when the buyer applies for a title.
Virginia requirements
- For a titled vehicle, ownership transfers on the certificate of title itself: the seller signs Section A, enters the buyer's name and address, the sale date and the sale price, and records an accurate odometer reading.
- Virginia DMV does not require a specific bill of sale form, but it does ask for proof of purchase price, which can be a buyer's order, a bill of sale, a handwritten statement signed by both parties, or a Vehicle Price Certification. Our general bill of sale is a general purpose alternative that can serve as that proof.
- Under Va. Code 46.2-600 the new owner must apply to DMV for a certificate of ownership within 30 days of the purchase or transfer.
- Title applications are submitted to Virginia DMV at a customer service center, a DMV Select office, or by mail.
- Va. Code 46.2-617 makes it a Class 3 misdemeanor to sell a motor vehicle in Virginia without first securing, or legally holding, a certificate of title for it, so settle the title before the sale.
- Virginia DMV does not list notarization as a requirement for a private vehicle bill of sale. For a gift transfer, DMV references the Purchaser's Statement of Tax Exemption (SUT-3) instead of a price document. Confirm the current forms and fees with Virginia DMV before you file.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Virginia bill of sale need to be notarized?
Virginia DMV does not list notarization as a requirement for a private vehicle bill of sale. It asks for proof of the purchase price, which can be a bill of sale or a signed statement from the parties. Notarizing is optional and only adds evidentiary weight.
How long do I have to title a vehicle I bought in Virginia?
Va. Code 46.2-600 requires the new owner to apply to the Department of Motor Vehicles for a certificate of ownership within 30 days of the purchase or transfer. Bring the assigned title and your proof of purchase price.
Official sources
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