Virginia Title Transfer Cost
Transferring a car title in Virginia costs $15 in title fees. Buying a used car privately for $15,000, you'd pay about $668.25 in total, with $622.50 of that in tax and the rest for title and registration.
Virginia title fees
These are the title-related fees in Virginia's official schedule (source). Most buyers pay only the standard title fee, plus a lien fee if the car is financed.
| Title | $15 |
|---|---|
| Lien | $15 |
| Late registration fee | $10 |
| Registration transfer | $2 |
Example: buying a used car from a private seller in Virginia
A 4-year-old car bought from a private seller for $15,000, worked out with the Virginia car tax calculator:
| Title | $15 |
|---|---|
| Tax on the sale | $622.50 |
| Registration (if you register it now) | $30.75 |
| Estimated total | $668.25 |
Local taxes, county fees and inspections aren't included. Run your own numbers in the calculator.
Deadline and late fees
Virginia charges a penalty if the title isn't transferred on time. Late penalties: late registration fee $10.
Transferring a title to a family member or as a gift
| Family gift: spouse, parent, son or daughter | Tax $0 |
|---|
Inherited vehicles
| Inheritance | Tax $0 |
|---|
Other cases that change the cost in Virginia
| Trade-in | Does not reduce the tax |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer rebate | Reduces the taxable base |
| New resident or Armed Forces title (owned 12+ months or proof of out-of-state tax) | Tax $0 |
| New resident under 12 months without out-of-state tax proof | Tax on fair market value |
How Virginia works out what you owe
- Taxable = price + dealer processing fee - rebate (trade-in ignored)
- Private: taxable = greater of price or NADA value if provided
- Tax = max($75, taxable x 4.15%)
- Total = tax + title + lien + registration + emissions + highway use fee + local tag + personal property tax + processing fee
What to bring
The title signed over by the seller (with the odometer reading), a bill of sale, proof of insurance and your ID. If the car still has a loan, the lender must release the lien first.
Official sources checked for Virginia: www.dmv.virginia.gov.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in Virginia?
The title fee is $15. For a used car bought privately for $15,000, the title, tax and registration come to about $668.25.
Do I pay sales tax when a title is transferred in Virginia?
Usually yes. On a $15,000 private sale, Virginia charges about $622.50. Gifts, family transfers and inheritances can be treated differently (see below).
Is there a late fee for transferring a title in Virginia?
Yes. Late registration fee: $10.
How do I transfer a car title to a family member in Virginia?
Family gift: spouse, parent, son or daughter: Tax $0.
What happens to a car title after a death in Virginia?
Inheritance: Tax $0.