Selling a car privately in Virginia
In a Virginia private sale, the seller assigns the title to the buyer; buyer name and address, sale date, price, and odometer reading; and the buyer takes it to Virginia DMV to title, register, and pay the state's motor vehicle sales and use tax (4.15% of the price, with a minimum). Virginia titles do not need to be notarized, but complete the assignment carefully; corrections can force a substitute title.
Seller protection in Virginia is two steps: notify the DMV of the sale (you can do this online), and remove your plates; Virginia plates belong to the seller and should be transferred to another vehicle or surrendered. Virginia has an annual statewide safety inspection (plus emissions in Northern Virginia), and the inspection stays with the vehicle, so document when it expires.
The checklist
- 1
Assign the title to the buyer (Virginia)
Complete the assignment on the Virginia title: buyer name and address, sale date, price, and odometer. No notary required; but no corrections either.
- 2
Notify Virginia DMV of the sale
Report the sale to Virginia DMV (online) so the state records the transfer date and your liability ends.
- 3
Remove your license plates
Virginia plates belong to the seller. Transfer them to another vehicle or surrender them to DMV; never leave them on the sold car.
- 4
Disclose inspection status (Virginia)
Virginia requires an annual statewide safety inspection (plus emissions in Northern Virginia). The sticker stays with the vehicle; tell the buyer when it expires.
- 5
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 6
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 7
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 8
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 9
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 10
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 11
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 12
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 13
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
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Does a Virginia car title need to be notarized?
No. Complete the assignment on the title accurately; buyer info, date, price, odometer; and sign it; no notary is required for a standard private sale.
What tax does the buyer pay in a Virginia private sale?
Virginia's motor vehicle sales and use tax; 4.15% of the sale price (a minimum tax applies); paid when the buyer titles the vehicle at DMV.
How do I end my liability after selling in Virginia?
Notify Virginia DMV of the sale (available online) and surrender or transfer your plates. Both are quick, and together they record that the vehicle is no longer yours.
Does Virginia's safety inspection affect the sale?
The annual inspection stays with the vehicle, so the buyer inherits the remaining time. Northern Virginia buyers also face emissions testing at registration. Neither blocks a sale; but disclose the status honestly.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 11, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.