How to Register a Vehicle

In Virginia, you will need to provide proof of the vehicle’s purchase price to calculate the 4.15% sales and use tax owed. To legitimize this, you must either furnish a completed Vehicle Title with sales price information, A Virginia Vehicle Price Certification (SUT-1), or the bill of sale.

You must also determine the proper course of action for titling the vehicle. Suppose the automobile is currently titled within the state of Virginia. In that case, you will want to complete the “Assignment of Title by Owner” and “Application for New Owner Certificate of Title and Registration” sections before visiting. In addition, you will also need to fill out a Vehicle Registration Application (VSA-14). If the vehicle is not currently titled in Virginia, you will instead complete the Application for Certificate of Title and Registration (VSA 17A).

Once you have selected a format to present the sale amount and determine which way is appropriate to title and/or register, you can then attend your local Virginia DMV location with the following items:

• Completed bill of sale, Vehicle Price Certification, or Vehicle Title supplemented with the purchase price.
• Finalized Vehicle Registration Application (VSA-14) form or Application for Certificate of Title and Registration (VSA 17A) dependent on the status of the current vehicle title.
• A state of Virginia-issued identification or, if out-of-state/federally issued identification, come prepared with proof of address within Virginia.
• Evidence of valid automobile insurance or form of payment for the alternative uninsured motorist expense.
• Certification of the vehicle passing an Emissions Inspection.
• A form of payment for all fees and taxes for Registration and Title.