Virginia Vehicle Bill of Sale (2026)
A Virginia vehicle bill of sale is a legally binding document that serves as proof of a transaction between a buyer and a seller. It officially records the transfer of vehicle ownership, outlining essential details such as the purchase price, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the contact information of both parties. Having a properly completed bill of sale protects both the buyer and the seller from future disputes and provides a clear, documented paper trail for the sale.
While the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) primarily relies on the properly assigned certificate of title to officially transfer ownership, a bill of sale is highly recommended and sometimes required. Specifically, if the vehicle is five years old or newer and is being sold below the current NADA trade-in value, the DMV requires a Vehicle Price Certification (Form SUT 1) to determine the correct sales and use tax. Fortunately, Virginia does legally require your bill of sale or title transfer signatures to be notarized.
Virginia Automobile Bill of Sale
Official printable document required for the private sale and title transfer of a vehicle in Virginia. This PDF is optimized for clear printing and accepted by local county tax and DMV offices.
How to Sell a Vehicle in Virginia: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Negotiate the purchase price and acceptable payment method with the buyer. Ensure both parties agree to the final terms and conditions before drafting any paperwork.
Step 2: Complete the bill of sale and accurately assign the Virginia Certificate of Title. You must fill in the buyer's name, address, date of sale, and the exact purchase price. The seller must also provide an accurate odometer reading in the designated section on the title.
Step 3: Sign the documents. Virginia does not require the bill of sale or the title transfer signatures to be notarized, so both the buyer and the seller can simply sign and date the paperwork.
Step 4: Remove your license plates before handing over the keys. Under Virginia law, license plates remain with the seller, not the vehicle. You can transfer them to another vehicle or surrender them to the DMV. The seller should also immediately notify the DMV that the vehicle has been sold to be released from future liability.
Step 5: The buyer must take the assigned title, bill of sale (or Form SUT 1 if applicable), and proof of active auto insurance to a Virginia DMV Customer Service Center within 30 days to register the vehicle. If the buyer lives in Northern Virginia, they must also provide a valid vehicle emissions inspection certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Vehicle Bills of Sale
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a vehicle in Virginia?
A bill of sale is strongly recommended for all private vehicle sales in Virginia. While the certificate of title acts as the primary transfer document, a bill of sale proves the purchase price. If the vehicle is five years old or newer and sold below the NADA trade-in value, you must complete a Vehicle Price Certification (Form SUT 1).
Does a Virginia vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No, Virginia does not require a notary public to witness a vehicle bill of sale or the certificate of title transfer. Both the buyer and the seller simply need to sign and date the documents.
Can I write my own bill of sale in Virginia?
Yes, the Virginia DMV accepts generic, handwritten, or typed bills of sale for most transactions. It must include the vehicle's make, model, year, VIN, purchase price, date of sale, and the names and signatures of both the buyer and seller. However, if the purchase price is well below market value on a newer vehicle, the official Form SUT 1 must be used for tax assessment purposes.
Are private vehicle sales in Virginia considered "as-is"?
Yes. Private party vehicle sales in Virginia are considered "as-is" and "where-is" unless the seller explicitly provides a written warranty. Virginia's Lemon Law only applies to new vehicles, so buyers are strictly responsible for having the vehicle inspected by a mechanic prior to purchasing.
How is sales tax calculated on a private vehicle sale in Virginia?
Virginia imposes a 4.15% Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax (SUT). The tax is calculated based on the vehicle's gross sales price or $75, whichever is greater. If the vehicle is less than five years old, the DMV will charge tax based on the NADA trade-in value unless you provide Form SUT 1 (Vehicle Price Certification) signed by the seller verifying the lower price.
What documents does the buyer need to bring to the Virginia DMV?
To register and title a vehicle, the buyer must bring the fully completed and signed original Virginia title, a bill of sale or Form SUT 1 (if applicable), proof of active Virginia auto insurance, an emissions inspection certificate (if living in an applicable Northern Virginia jurisdiction), and payment for the title fee, registration fees, and 4.15% sales tax.