Virginia — quick answer
In Virginia, a bill of sale is situational for a private vehicle sale and notarization is situational. No witnesses are required. The relevant state form is SUT 1A. Ownership is transferred through the Virginia DMV via the assigned title.
Is a bill of sale required in Virginia?
Situational. A bill of sale can be handwritten. For vehicles 5 years old or newer, a notarized SUT 1A is used to certify the price for tax.
Seller assigns the title; the buyer titles and registers at the Virginia DMV (often available online).
Does a Virginia bill of sale need to be notarized?
Situational (situational). Notarization is required for the SUT 1A (vehicles 5 years old or newer, to certify a below-average price). The title itself is not notarized.
Witness requirements
No. Virginia does not require witnesses for a standard private bill of sale.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires a written odometer disclosure when title is transferred for vehicles less than 20 years old. As of 2026 that means model year 2011 and newer; model year 2010 and older are generally exempt. Record the exact mileage — never round it. See the NHTSA rule.
How to transfer a vehicle title in Virginia
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Fill in the buyer, seller, price, odometer, and date. Both parties sign and date the document.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller assigns the title; the buyer titles and registers at the Virginia DMV (often available online).
- 3Register with the Virginia DMV.
The buyer titles and registers the vehicle, bringing Purchase Price Certification (SUT 1) / Affidavit (SUT 1A) (SUT 1A). Confirm the current fees and documents on the official Virginia DMV page.
Official Virginia sources
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) — buying & selling a vehicle
- NHTSA — federal odometer disclosure rule
We link to primary government sources and review this page regularly, but requirements change. This is general information, not legal advice.
Virginia bill of sale by type
Get requirements and a free template tailored to Virginia for each item type — the generator applies the Virginia notary and witness rules automatically:
Virginia bill of sale — FAQ
Is a bill of sale required in Virginia?
In Virginia, a separate bill of sale is situational. A bill of sale can be handwritten. For vehicles 5 years old or newer, a notarized SUT 1A is used to certify the price for tax.
Does a Virginia bill of sale need to be notarized?
Sometimes. Notarization is required for the SUT 1A (vehicles 5 years old or newer, to certify a below-average price). The title itself is not notarized.
Do I need a witness for a bill of sale in Virginia?
No. Virginia does not require witnesses for a standard private bill of sale.
How do I transfer a vehicle title in Virginia?
Seller assigns the title; the buyer titles and registers at the Virginia DMV (often available online). Titling and registration in Virginia are handled by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.