Junk a Car in Virginia: Title, No-Title & Plate Rules

How do I sign over a car title in Virginia?

In Section A on the front of a Virginia title, print and sign your name as seller (all owners listed must sign), enter the buyer's name and address, record the actual odometer reading (do not guess or estimate), enter the date of sale, and fill in the sale price or 'gift'.

How do I get a duplicate title in Virginia?

Apply online, or bring your registration card and driver's license or ID to a DMV customer service center and complete VSA 66 (Application for Transfer and Supplemental Liens) or VSA 67 (Application for Replacement and Substitute Titles). If there are multiple owners, only one needs to apply. If a lien has not been satisfied, the replacement title goes to the lienholder.

Do I need to file a release of liability in Virginia?

Yes. You must notify DMV that you sold, traded or donated the vehicle, online, at a customer service center or by phone. Turn in or inactivate the plates before you cancel insurance; otherwise DMV records show an uninsured registered vehicle and DMV may suspend your license and registration privileges.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in Virginia?

Remove the plates before the buyer takes the vehicle. You can transfer them to a replacement vehicle, or turn in or inactivate them online, at a customer service center or at DMV Select. With six or more months of registration left, you may qualify for a partial refund using Form FMS-210.

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in Virginia?

Citizens, insurers and salvage businesses must hold a salvage certificate, nonrepairable certificate or title for each salvage or nonrepairable vehicle they possess. A licensee who demolishes a vehicle or removes its parts must notify DMV. An owner of a Virginia-titled vehicle may declare it nonrepairable by applying for a nonrepairable certificate with the title, at no fee (Va. Code §46.2-1603.2). A nonrepairable vehicle may only be sold to a licensed auto recycler or vehicle removal operator (§46.2-1602).

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in Virginia?

A vehicle left on private property for more than 48 hours without the property owner's consent is abandoned, even if it was first parked with consent (Va. Code §46.2-1200). The person in possession uses DMV's Abandoned Vehicle Process ($40). DMV sends the owner a certified letter giving 15 days to reclaim. If unclaimed, you post an intent to auction for 21 days, after which the vehicle may be auctioned, titled or demolished. If no Virginia owner is found, it may be demolished without the posting.