Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn in my damaged car title?
The Virginia DMV recommends that all damaged car titles be turned in during the process of transferring and replacing car title. However, if a driver believes their original title to be lost and then discovers it in a damaged condition, there is no need to visit a local DMV office to turn it in. It can simply be destroyed, because it is no longer valid.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Virginia

How do I file a police report if my car title was stolen?
In the event that you are dealing with a stolen car title in Virginia, it is recommended that you visit a local police station and ask to file a police report in case the missing vehicle title comes up. This will also help you prevent any unauthorized use of your car title. After doing so, request a copy of the police report for your records.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Virginia

How do I obtain a duplicate car title?
Drivers can replace car title credentials online through Virginia s digital system or in person at a local customer service center. To obtain a car title copy in person, you must go to the DMV office withyour:

If the owner of the car has died, the legal heir or the executor or administrator of the estate must fill out the Application for Supplemental Lien and Transfer Liens or Replacement and Substitute Titles (VSA 66) form and take it to the customer service center with a notarized or certified death certificate and one of the below:

Unless your vehicle has a lien that has not been satisfied, completing these steps will gain you a VA car title replacement.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Virginia

How do I obtain a salvaged car title?
To declare a titled car in the state of Virginia as a salvage vehicle, one must take the following steps:
  • Complete and submit a Salvage Certification Application (VSA 56) form to the DMV.
  • Provide the current car title with a detailed description of the damage, as well as an itemized estimate of car repairs.
  • Pay the fee to obtain auto title.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Virginia

How do I transfer my car title between states?
In order to transfer car title to another state, it is recommended that you contact the DMV of the state you will be moving to. Each DMV office has different procedures and requirements for the transfer of vehicle title.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Virginia

How do I transfer my car title if I lost the original?
In the event you have misplaced the current auto title, you must apply for a VA car title replacement. Drivers can complete the process online or they can visit a local customer service center and provide:

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Virginia

How do I transfer my car title?
The steps a driver must take to transfer car title varies based on the specific instance. If buying a used vehicle, the buyer must visit a DMV office and provide the following:
  • A completed title document from the seller, including the following information:
    • The seller s signature
    • Federal odometer disclosure, if the car is less than 10 years old
    • Date of sale
    • Selling price
  • A filled out odometer disclosure and bill of sale, if the above information is not listed on the title.
  • Acceptable proof of address:
    • Utility bills
    • Paycheck stubs

Variants of the car title transfer process include transfers with a lien, which require the completion of a Transfer of Certificate of Title with Lien (SUT 4) form, and transfers to family members, which ask drivers to fill out the Purchaser s Statement of Tax Exemption (SUT 3) form.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Virginia

How do I transfer the title of my RV?
The process to transfer car title in Virginia is the same as the steps necessary to transfer RV ownership. One must complete the necessary application, pay the appropriate fees and taxes and provide proof of address and selling price.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Virginia

How long does it take to receive my replacement car title after ordering online?
In order to apply for a VA duplicate car title online, a driver must provide their:
  • Customer Number (found on the VA drivers license).
  • PIN number.
  • Birth date.
  • Credit card information for $10 fee.

Once you have completed and submitted the order, you can contact the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles at (804) 497-7100 for specific information on processing times. Their hours of operation are from Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST) and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (EST).

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Virginia

If a family member dies and leaves his or her car to me, how do I switch over the title?
If your name is listed on the title or the words “or survivor” is written after the names of the owners on the vehicle title, then follow these steps to complete a VA car title transfer:
  1. Submit a certified or notarized death certificate to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
  2. Provide the current car title.
  3. Fill out an Application For Supplemental Lien, Replacement Title, Transfer of Lien and Substitute Title (VSA 66) form if the current auto title has been lost or stolen.
    • The same thing goes if the title is illegible or badly damaged, but you must also surrender the document.
  4. Pay the appropriate fee and taxes (which will vary).

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Virginia

What are some reasons that may require me to transfer my car title?
Some of the most common reasons why one must learn how to transfer car title are:
  • If you are inheriting a vehicle from a deceased family member.
  • If you have purchased a used carIf you have received a vehicle as a gift.
    • The transfer of title for new vehicles is typically handled by the dealers.
  • If a car owner is changing their name on the title/adding or removing an owner.
  • If a lien has been satisfied.
  • If you are donating a vehicle.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Virginia

What are the required fees to get a replacement car title?
To obtain a car title replacement in the state of Virginia, you must pay a fee of $10. This is the fee whether you are requesting a title with or without changes or a supplemental lien title. However, fees and taxes may vary from time to time and from office to office.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Virginia

What documents do I need to present for a replacement car title?
The documents that every driver must provide when applying to replace lost car titles are as follows:

Some situational documents that may also be necessary are:

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Virginia

What documents do I need to transfer my car title?
The documents required to transfer car titles in Virginia vary depending on the situation. When buying, selling or gifting a used vehicle, one must provide the following:
  • The current vehicle title with an odometer disclosure for vehicles under ten years of age
    • Must be signed by the seller or donor
  • An odometer reading, if the automobile is under ten years of age and the title does not provide this information
  • A bill of sale signed by seller and buyer, if the title does not show the selling price or date of sale
  • Proof of address:
    • Payroll check stub
    • Utility bill
  • A filled out Application for Certificate of Title and Registration (VSA 17A) form

If the vehicle comes with a lien, then a Transfer of Certificate of Title with Lien (SUT 4) form must be filled out as well. Additionally, if transferring the car to family, a Purchaser s Statement of Tax Exemption (SUT 3) form must be completed.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Virginia

What forms must I fill out for a duplicate car title?
All drivers must fill out an Application for Supplemental Lien and Transfer Liens or Replacement and Substitute Titles (VSA 66) form when requesting a car title copy in Virginia. This form must also be filled out if the owner of the car has died. Furthermore, if that is the case, a Certification of Authority to Transfer Virginia Title (VSA 24) form can also be filled out as the necessary proof of an administrator or executor s eligibility for a replacement title.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Virginia

What if the original is located after my car title replacement has been issued?
One important fact to note is that the moment a car title replacementis issued; all prior vehicle titles are no longer invalid. Thus, you do not have to return the previous title, but it is recommended that you destroy it as a precaution.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Virginia

What is the process to get a title for a scooter or motorcycle?
Since the year 2014, mopeds must be registered in the state of Virginia. As for the process of obtaining car title, the steps are the same. Visit our Vehicle Registration page to learn more.

Similarly, if you want to transfer title for a scooter or a motorcycle, you must follow the same rules that apply to passenger vehicles.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Virginia

When should I complete a Bill of Sale?
A Virginia bill of sale should be completed if a vehicle title does not include the date of an automobile s sale or its selling price. It should be signed by both the buyer and the seller.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Virginia

Where can I mail my request for a replacement title?
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles does not provide drivers the option to apply for a duplicate car title by mail. One can only apply online, via their digital DMV system, or in person.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Virginia

Will I need to present proof of insurance to get a car title replacement?
No, in the state of Virginia, it is not required that drivers present proof of VA car insurance when going to replace car titles. The only documents required are those listed on our Replace Car Title page.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Virginia