How to Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member in Virginia

Transferring a vehicle to a family member or in a private sale is an important transaction. Removing your name from the Virginia title is essential when you no longer own the car. Understanding the steps necessary to transfer a vehicle to a family member or private party ensures you’re no longer liable for the vehicle.

Can You Gift a Car to a Family Member in Virginia?

You can gift a car to a family member in Virginia, and the process is similar to transferring ownership through a private sale. The only exception is the transaction may be exempt from sales and use tax because you aren’t exchanging money. However, you must provide the necessary documentation to prove it qualifies as a gift.

What Documents are Needed?

To gift a car to a family member, you will need the following documents:

• The original title completed and signed by the seller
• Application for Registration to register the vehicle
• A valid Vehicle Safety Inspection sticker
• Proof of current address in Virginia
• Bill of sale (marked as a gift) or Vehicle Price Certification

Steps to Transfer Ownership of a Car to a Family Member

To transfer ownership of a car to a family member, take the following steps:

1.   Gather the necessary documents

Bring all the necessary documents to the DMV, including the Application for Registration. The title proves legal ownership of the car, but the registration card allows you to drive the vehicle on Virginia roads. You must pay vehicle registration fees along with the title costs.

2. Choose your Method

In Virginia, you have several options to obtain the new title after a title transfer:

• Walk in service at your local DMV and wait for the title
• Drop off at DMV and pick the title up in 3 – 5 business days
• Make an appointment and receive the title the same day
• Visit a DMV Select and receive the title the same day
• Receive the title via regular mail; time varies
• Use Virginia’s electronic title services

3. Pay the $15 fee

The state of Virginia charges a $15 titling fee. If the transfer counts as a gift to a family member, you may qualify for a tax exemption and not have to pay the sales tax.

4. Provide the odometer reading

The seller must provide the odometer reading either on the title or with an Odometer Disclosure Statement.

Transferring a Car Title From a Deceased Owner in Virginia

If the vehicle owner passed away, you can transfer the car title, but the method depends on how the owner held the car title.

Co-owner with Right of Survivorship

If you are the surviving co-owner of a vehicle, the title certificate will have an ‘or’ between your name and the other owner’s name. It may also say ‘or survivor.’ If this applies, you’ll need the following to transfer the Virginia car title:

• Certified death certificate
• Original vehicle title
• Applicable payment

Not a Co-Owner or Without Right of Survivorship

If your name is not on the title or your name is on the title, but there is an ‘and’ between your name and the other owners, you do not have the right of survivorship, and you’ll need the following to transfer the certificate of title to your name:

• Certified death certificate
• Original vehicle title
• Proof of address
• Applicable payment
• Owner’s will and Certification of Authority to Transfer Virginia Title

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How to Transfer a Car Title When Selling a Car in Virginia

If you’re selling a car in Virginia, it’s important to know how to transfer the title to remove your name from it, eliminating any liability you have for the vehicle. The process is similar to transferring a car title to a family member in Virginia, except for the need for a purchase price and bill of sale.

When you provide the buyer with the title with the ‘Certification of Buyer’ section completed, they’ll also need a bill of sale. This is the proof of purchase price the DMV needs to transfer the title to the buyer after the buyer completes the Application for Certificate of Title and Registration.

The buyers can also choose whether they want a paper or electronic title by checking the appropriate box on the application.

• Paper title: You are responsible for maintaining and keeping the title safe. There is a $15 fee for printing the new title.
• Electronic title: The DMV customer service center can keep an electronic record of your title. If you need a paper copy at any time, you visit your local DMV and prove your identity to get a copy.

How to Transfer Out-of-State Car Title in Virginia

If you’re transferring out-of-state vehicles in Virginia, you must provide the following:

• Complete the Application for Title and Registration
• Provide proof of address
• Provide the original title signed over to you
• Provide the title from your previous state (if not buying the car)
• Proof of purchase price (bill of sale or Vehicle Price Certification)

How Much Does it Cost to Transfer a Car Title in Virginia?

The basic fee to transfer a Virginia car title is $15. But unless it is a gift, you will owe sales and use tax. The tax is 4.15% of the sales price or $75, whichever is greater.

FAQ: Transferring a Car Title in Virginia

Final Thoughts

It’s important to properly transfer the vehicle title when selling or gifting the car to a family member. Motor vehicle sales are subject to sales and use taxes, but gifted cars are not. New owners must pay the vehicle registration fees and ensure the car is legal to drive on Virginia streets, including a valid safety inspection sticker.

Taking the appropriate steps to transfer the title protects the buyer and seller. When the buyer has the title in his name, a title loan can be an option if you need emergency funds. Learn more about how title loans work, and contact us with any questions, or get a free quote with our online application.