How to Transfer a Car Title in Virginia

Obtaining a car may be one of the happiest occurrences in your life. Having access to reliable transportation can open many doors for you. But before you can claim that car as yours, it’s important to know how to transfer a car title in Virginia.

Once you have complete legal ownership of the car, you could use the title to obtain swift emergency cash through a title loan!

How to Transfer a Car Title in Virginia after Buying/Receiving It

However, if you bought the car from a private seller, you have to ensure that Section A of the title has been completed and signed by the current car owner. This verifies that ownership of the car has been released. If the car was a donation or a gift, Section A must be filled out and signed as well and “gift” must appear as the sale price.

You can then visit the DMV to request a new car title in Virginia via four steps.

 Step 1: Gather Your Documents to Transfer a Car Title in Virginia

If you have an in-state car title and you want to transfer the car title in Virginia you will need the following documents when you visit the DMV:

• Virginia car title with either the “Assignment of Title by Owner” or “Application for New Owner Certificate of Title and Registration” section completed
• Acceptable proof of address (payroll check stub, W-2 form, annual Social Security statement, driver’s license, recent utility bill, etc.)
• Proof of purchase price (buyer’s order, bill of sale, or the seller’s sale price on the title)

If you have an out-of-state car title, you will also need a completed application for title and registration (Form VSA 17A) to transfer a car title in Virginia.

Step 2: Pay the Necessary Fees to Transfer a Car Title in Virginia

To transfer a car title in Virginia, you will have to pay a few different fees. The standard titling fee is $15, but you will also have to pay the motor vehicles sales and use tax. The tax cost is either 4.15% of the gross sales price or $75, depending on which value is greater. There are exemptions though, which are stated in Statute 58.1-2403.

Step 3: Record the Odometer Reading to Transfer a Car Title in Virginia

If you want to transfer a car title in Virginia, the current mileage must be recorded in the assignment section of the car title by the seller. If you want to transfer a car title that is out-of-state but the car title has no assignment section, you can fill out a separate odometer statement (Form VSA-5).

 Step 4: Choose Your Car Title Format to Transfer a Car Title in Virginia

The final step to transfer a car title in Virginia involves choosing an electronic or paper car title. If you choose to get an electronic title for added security but later decide you want a paper title, you can get one by visiting any customer service center and showing proof that you are the registered owner.

Do I Have to Schedule an Appointment to Transfer a Car Title in Virginia?

You do not have to schedule an appointment at the DMV in order to transfer a car title in Virginia. Walk-in service is available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at select locations that offer weekend hours. But keep in mind that serviced is first come first served, so the amount of time you wait will vary. All services are offered on walk-in days.

If you prefer to visit the DMV on a specific date and time, you can easily schedule an appointment online. Appointment only days include Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. You may also call the DMV customer service center at 804-497-7100 to have an agent schedule an appointment for you.

How Long is the Process to Transfer a Car Title in Virginia?

There are various ways you could transfer a car title in Virginia, and each method has a different wait time. When you visit a DMV location, you could get a car title in your name that same day. If you don’t want to visit a DMV location, you can choose to drop off your transfer application at a DMV customer service center and pick up your new car title in 3-5 business days. If you mail your transfer application, the amount of time you have to wait for your new title will vary because delivery is dependent on the postal service.

How to Get a Title Loan after I Transfer a Car Title Loan in Virginia?

Looking to get your hands on some quick emergency cash to pay those unexpected bills? If your credit is on the lower end, you may be hesitant to inquire for loans, but if you transferred a car title in Virginia, you could inquire for a title loan serviced by LoanMart!¹

Title loans serviced by LoanMart offer flexible qualification requirements. The two main factors for eligibility include the equity in your car and your ability to make payments on time. So even if you have bad credit, you could still be deemed eligible to get same day emergency cash through a title loan with your Virginia car title.^{1, 3}

The approval process only consists of three easy steps: inquiry, paperwork, and approval. You could potentially get a free quote in minutes.¹ Make the most of your Virginia car title today!

There are two main methods to inquire for a title loan serviced by LoanMart in Virginia:

• Speak to a title loan agent over the phone by dialing 855-422-7412
• Complete the free title loan inquiry form online