by Armando Martinez
Introduction
When you buy a car from a private owner, you'll need to register it with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This process can be done online or by mail. The following steps will walk you through how to register your newly purchased vehicle.
Step 1: Obtain a Bill of Sale and Complete the Title Application Form
To register a car bought in a private owner car sale, you must first obtain a bill of sale and complete the Virginia Motor Vehicle Title Application Form (VSA-17).
The VSA-17 form can be obtained at your local DMV office or online at [https://www.dmvnow.com/va/motorists/forms/]. The completed form must be submitted to your local DMV office along with payment for registration fees and titling fees.
Step 2: Obtain Insurance for Your Vehicle
You must obtain insurance for your vehicle. You can do so by contacting an insurance company and purchasing a policy, or you may be able to add the car to your current policy. If you're buying from a private owner, they might be willing to help pay for the cost of insurance--but don't count on it!
Step 3: Get a Trip Permit
Prospective purchaser’s trip permits are for Virginia residents who intend to purchase a vehicle that will be titled and registered in Virginia.
They are valid for three consecutive days, starting on the vehicle’s date of purchase (as indicated on the bill of sale). If you have not purchased the vehicle within 15 days after printing the permit, you must purchase another permit. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles website or https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/#temp_permit.asp
Step 4: Get an Emissions and Safety Test Before Registering Your Vehicle
Once you have your title and registration, it's time to get your car inspected. You can take it to any DMV location or an emissions testing center. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles recommends that you call ahead and make an appointment with the emissions testing center before going in person so they know when you'll be there.
If you're registering a used vehicle that was purchased from a private owner sale, then the seller must sign an affidavit stating that no taxes were paid on the vehicle within one year prior to its sale date (or if they were paid within one year prior). If this is not done by both parties before registration occurs, then penalties may apply for tax evasion--so make sure everyone signs their part!
Step 5: Submit the Registration Application
Once you have the title in hand, it's time to register your vehicle. To do so, you'll need to complete a Virginia DMV Title Application (Form VSA 15A).
The application requires information about yourself and your car, including:
- The year, make and model of the vehicle being registered.
- Your name on both sides of the title certificate.
- A statement that indicates if there are liens against this vehicle at any time during its existence as an automobile or truck (see below).
You can submit your registration application by mail or in person at any DMV customer service center location throughout Virginia. If submitting by mail and paying with a cashier's check or money order made payable to "Department of Motor Vehicles," please include a copy of proof-of-insurance before mailing off your documents--this will help speed up processing time!
Step 6: Get License Plates for Your Vehicle
Now that you have a title and registration in hand, it's time to get your license plates. The DMV will send you a notification when it's time for them to be renewed. If you don't receive this notification, follow these steps:
- Go online at the DMV website or call 804-497-7100 (toll free) or 703-777-0220 (outside Virginia).
- Select "Vehicle Services" from the menu options on the left side of the screen and then select "Online Services" from there. You'll need your VIN number ready when registering online; if necessary, write down this number before beginning the process!
Step 7: Keep Your Registration and License Plates Updated
You must renew your registration and license plates at least 30 days before they expire. If you do not, you will be fined $100.
You can renew online or by mail; there is no cost to renew online and it only takes a few minutes to complete the process. To do so, visit http://www.dmvnow.com and select "Vehicle Services" from the dropdown menu under "My Account." Once there, select "Renew Registration" and follow the prompts on screen to enter information about yourself as well as details about your vehicle (such as make/model). Once finished with this part of the process, print out proof of payment (for mailing purposes) by clicking on "Print Receipts" near the bottom right corner of the page before closing out the browser window; do not exit without printing the receipt first!
Conclusion
So there you have it. The process for registering a car bought in a private owner car sale in Virginia. You'll need to provide the seller with their copy of the title, and then register your new vehicle at the DMV within 30 days of purchasing it. For more information, please visit the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles website at https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/#buying.asp.
This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.
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