by Armando Martinez

License Plate Transfer Process in Virginia

In Virginia, license plates are issued to the vehicle owner. The buyer will be able to transfer license plates from another vehicle registered in the state of Virginia otherwise new license plates will be issued during the registration process.

Transfer Process for Buyers

As a buyer, you have 30 days from the date of purchase to complete the registration of your vehicle. If you already have Virginia license plates, you can transfer your plates when you register the new vehicle. Both vehicles must be in your name.

1. Obtain the vehicle title, a bill of sale from the seller that includes the VIN, purchase price, and date of sale.

2. Visit your local Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and bring the license plates you are looking to transfer, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and your driver's license or other government-issued ID.

3. Pay the required transfer fee, which varies based on the type of vehicle and whether the license plate is personalized or specialty.

Transfer Process for Sellers

As a seller, it's your responsibility to remove the license plates from the vehicle and return them to the DMV. If you're replacing the vehicle or purchasing a new one, you can transfer the license plates to your new vehicle by following these steps:

1. Bring the old license plates and registration to your local Virginia DMV office.

2. Pay the required transfer fee, which varies based on the type of vehicle and whether the license plate is personalized or specialty.

Surrender of License Plates by Seller

If you choose not to transfer your license plates to another vehicle being registered in your name or you plan to cancel your insurance and stop operating the vehicle, you’ll need to surrender your license plates. This can be done in person at a DMV Service Center or by mailing them to: Registration Renewal Work Center, VA DMV, P.O.B. 27412, Richmond, VA. 23269. 

You can also apply for a refund if you have at least 6 months left on your registration. You will need to complete an Application for a Vehicle Registration Refund (Form FMS 210). You can mail this form in along with your license plates to the same address listed above.

Seller Notification to DMV

You must notify the DMV that you have sold, traded or donated your vehicle. You may do this online, at a customer service center or by phone .

License Plate Fees

In Virginia, license plate fees vary depending on the type of vehicle and the type of license plate. Here are the fees you can expect to pay:

- Standard license plate and registration fee: $30.75

- Personalized license plate: $10

- Specialty plate: $10-$25, depending on the plate type

It's important to note that these fees are subject to change, so be sure to check with your local DMV office for the most up-to-date information.For more information, please visit the Virginia DMV License Plate home page.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth license plate transfer process when buying or selling a used car in a private party sale in Virginia. Remember to obtain a bill of sale, remove the license plates if you're the seller, and check with your local DMV office for any additional requirements. Happy buying or selling!

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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