Virginia Car Bill of Sale: Form + Requirements
Virginia recommends a bill of sale for private vehicle transfers. The state's structural advantage: a relatively low 4.15% Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax — one of the lower vehicle tax rates among US states.
Is a bill of sale required in Virginia?
Recommended but not strictly required.
Notarization
Not required.
State-specific form
Virginia doesn't publish a single mandatory bill of sale form. Generic templates with the required fields are acceptable.
The bill of sale should include:
- Seller's full legal name, address
- Buyer's full legal name, address
- Vehicle year, make, model, body type, VIN
- Odometer reading
- Sale price
- Date of sale
- Both signatures
Sales tax implications
Virginia Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax: 4.15% (state-only; no local). Lower than most US states' standard sales tax.
The buyer pays at the VA DMV at title transfer.
State-specific seller disclosures
- Odometer disclosure: federally required for vehicles under 20 years old
- Annual safety inspection: required for all VA-registered vehicles
- Emissions testing: required in 13 northern Virginia jurisdictions for vehicles 4+ years old
- Salvage title disclosure: required if branded
Where to file
The buyer files at any Virginia DMV office within 30 days of sale.
For a more complete national reference, see the national bill of sale guide, Virginia Beach, and Richmond guides.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale in VA?
Recommended but not strictly required.
Does VA require a notarized bill of sale?
No.
What's the sales tax on a private car sale in VA?
4.15% Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax (state-only). Lower than most US states.
What form do I use?
No single mandatory form. Generic templates with the required fields are acceptable.
Where do I file the bill of sale in VA?
At any VA DMV office, with the signed title. Within 30 days of sale.
Does VA require inspection?
Yes — annual safety inspection statewide. Emissions testing in 13 northern Virginia jurisdictions.
What if I lost the title in VA?
Apply for a duplicate at the VA DMV.
Should I disclose flaws on the bill of sale?
The "as-is" disclosure covers most. Disclose salvage or rebuilt status and major defects.
Selling a car in Virginia?
Generate a Virginia Beach-, Richmond-, or Norfolk-ready listing for Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Cars.com from one upload. About ten minutes total.
For specific cities, see our Virginia Beach guide or Richmond guide.