Virginia License Plate Search

Submit Virginia Titling Applications by Mail

Whenever you buy a vehicle in Virginia, you must get a pink slip and register it within 30 days. Then, your next step will be to apply for license plates. The overall process is straightforward; you just need to prepare the required documents and ensure their accuracy.

Titling and Registering the Purchased Vehicle in Your Name

If you have bought a used car, you need to follow up on the Virginia title application to change the owner's name to yours. Virginia offers three ways to apply: online, in-person, or via mail. Online applications can be completed on the DMV website, while in-person requests require a visit to your nearest DMV customer service center.

The mail-in option is particularly convenient for Virginia residents who live far from a DMV office, have busy schedules, or prefer to handle paperwork from home. While it may take slightly longer than in-person applications, mailing your documents allows you to avoid waiting in line and gives you time to carefully review all materials before submission.

To start the process via mail, ensure your submission contains a fully completed reassignment and buyer's certification section, including a signature on the back of the title. This signature confirms that you accept ownership of the vehicle and understand your responsibilities as the new owner. Without proper signatures and certifications, the DMV will reject your application and return it for correction, adding weeks to the processing time.

Steps to Submit a Titling Application by Mail

Submitting a titling application by mail in Virginia is a convenient option for those who cannot visit a DMV office in person. It allows you to complete all the necessary paperwork from home, but it requires careful attention to detail to avoid delays or rejections. Each step in the process serves a specific purpose in verifying your identity, confirming vehicle ownership, and ensuring compliance with Virginia state regulations. Follow these steps to ensure your mailed application is complete and accurate.

1. Complete the VSA 17A Form

The VSA 17A form is the primary document used to request a new title or transfer ownership when submitting by mail. You must fill out all sections accurately, including the "Plate Information" section if you want specialized or personalized license plates. This part of the form allows you to specify your preferred plate style, type, or combination of letters and numbers.

Double-check that all personal information matches your DMV records, including your full legal name and current address. Even minor discrepancies, such as using a nickname instead of your legal first name or providing an outdated address, can cause the DMV to flag your application for review or reject it entirely.

Carefully review the vehicle information such as the VIN, make, model, and year to ensure there are no errors. The VIN is particularly critical because it serves as the vehicle's unique identifier in the DMV database. A single incorrect digit in the VIN can lead to your application being matched with the wrong vehicle or rejected as fraudulent.

Mistakes, omissions, or mismatched information may cause your application to be rejected, delaying the processing of your title. Before submitting, it is highly recommended to review the completed form multiple times to confirm accuracy. Consider having a family member or friend review the form as well, as a fresh set of eyes can catch errors you might miss. This step can save you weeks of potential delays and the frustration of having to resubmit corrected documents.

2. Include a Bill of Sale

A comprehensive Bill of Sale is required to verify ownership and prove the purchase of the vehicle. This document serves as legal evidence of the transaction between you and the seller and protects both parties in case of disputes. The Bill of Sale should include buyer and seller names and contact information, vehicle details such as VIN, make, model, and year, sale price and date of purchase, and signatures of both the buyer and the seller.

Including a complete Bill of Sale ensures the DMV can process the title transfer without additional verification requests. The document should be clear, legible, and free of alterations or crossed-out information. If you need to make corrections, it's better to create a new Bill of Sale rather than making handwritten changes that might raise questions about the document's authenticity.

For added security, you may want to make a copy of the Bill of Sale for your personal records before mailing it. This copy can be invaluable if your mailed documents are lost or if you need to reference the transaction details later. Some vehicle owners also choose to have the Bill of Sale notarized, though this is not always required in Virginia. Notarization adds an extra layer of authenticity and can be helpful if the sale price is particularly high or if you anticipate any potential disputes.

3. Calculate and Include Fees

The applicable fees for your title application depend on factors such as vehicle type, weight, and license plate selection. Virginia charges different rates for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, trucks, and commercial vehicles. Additionally, if you're requesting personalized or specialized plates, there are extra fees on top of the standard title and registration costs.

You can calculate the correct fees using the Virginia DMV website, which provides a fee estimator tool. This tool walks you through a series of questions about your vehicle and desired services, then calculates the total amount due. Prepare a cheque or money order made payable to the Virginia DMV for the total amount due.

Do not send cash or credit card payments when applying by mail, as these are not accepted. Cash can be lost or stolen in transit, and the DMV's mailing system is not equipped to process credit card information securely. Ensure that the VIN on the payment and forms exactly matches the vehicle registration; any discrepancy can delay processing.

Double-check your calculations before mailing to avoid payment issues or delays in receiving your title. If you underpay, the DMV will contact you to request additional payment, which can add several weeks to the processing time. If you overpay, you'll eventually receive a refund, but this also extends the timeline for completing your registration.

4. Mail to the Correct Address

To ensure timely processing, send your completed forms, payment, and supporting documents to the correct DMV address based on your shipping method. Using the wrong address can result in your application being delayed by several days or even weeks as it's rerouted to the proper department.

For the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), mail your documents to P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269. For UPS or FedEx deliveries, use the physical street address at 2300 West Broad St, Richmond, VA 23269. The reason for different addresses is that private carriers like UPS and FedEx cannot deliver to P.O. boxes, so a street address is necessary for these services.

Using the proper address ensures your documents reach the correct DMV department for processing. Consider using tracking or delivery confirmation for peace of mind and to monitor the status of your mailed application. Certified mail with return receipt is an excellent option through USPS, as it provides proof of delivery. For UPS and FedEx, signature confirmation services give you similar assurance that your important documents arrived safely.

Before submitting your application for a personalized license plate, it is recommended to run a Virginia license plate lookup to confirm your desired combination of letters and numbers is available. Nothing is more disappointing than waiting weeks for processing only to find out your chosen plate combination is already taken or violates Virginia's plate guidelines.

Replacing a Lost Pink Slip

If your current vehicle title (pink slip) has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for a Virginia title replacement to maintain legal proof of ownership. A title is your primary evidence that you own the vehicle, and without it, you cannot legally sell, transfer, or in some cases even register the vehicle. Replacing a lost title ensures you can continue to sell, transfer, or legally operate your vehicle without complications. The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to the required forms and documentation.

Steps to Replace a Lost Title

Before submitting your replacement application, notify your local Virginia DMV office about the lost or stolen title. This helps prevent potential fraudulent use of the missing document and flags your vehicle record for the DMV. If someone finds your old title, reporting it as lost ensures they cannot use it to fraudulently transfer ownership of your vehicle.

Complete the Application

Use the VSA 66 form (Application for a Duplicate Title) to request a replacement. Ensure all information is accurate, including your full legal name, address, and vehicle details. Incomplete or incorrect forms may result in delays or rejection. The VSA 66 form is specifically designed for duplicate title requests and cannot be substituted with other forms.

Scenarios Based on Ownership

If you are the only owner of the vehicle, a single application is sufficient. Once processed, the DMV will issue a replacement title in your name. However, if the vehicle has more than one registered owner, each co-owner must submit a separate application. This ensures that all owners consent to issuing the duplicate title and avoids legal disputes. In cases of joint ownership, both owners must sign the application acknowledging the title replacement request.

Additional Considerations

Include proof of identity such as a driver's license or passport with your application. The DMV needs to verify that you are indeed the registered owner before issuing a duplicate title. If available, include the current registration card to help verify ownership. Your registration card contains important vehicle information that can expedite the verification process.

Pay the required $15 replacement fee, which can be submitted by cash, check, or card, depending on whether you apply online or in person. For mailed applications, you must use a check or money order. This fee covers the administrative costs of researching your vehicle record, verifying ownership, and producing a new title document.

By following these steps, Virginia drivers can safely and efficiently replace a lost or stolen pink slip, keeping their vehicle records up to date and secure. It's worth noting that if you need to sell your vehicle soon after losing your title, you should prioritize getting the replacement as quickly as possible, as most buyers will not complete a purchase without seeing the title.

Required Documents for Title Replacement

To apply for a replacement pink slip, make sure you include proof of identity (e.g., driver's license, passport), current registration card (if available), and driver's license. Having multiple forms of identification strengthens your application and reduces the likelihood of verification delays. If you've recently changed your name or address, include supporting documentation such as a marriage certificate or court order to ensure your replacement title reflects current information.

Making Changes to Your Pink Slip

Certain changes to your title, such as updating the owner's name or address, require filing forms and supporting documentation with the Virginia DMV. Life changes happen, and the DMV has established processes to help you keep your vehicle records current and accurate.

Name Changes

Bring proof of identity and notarized court documents for a legal name or surname change. Common reasons for name changes include marriage, divorce, or legal name change petitions. The notarized court documents provide legal proof of your name change and ensure the DMV updates your records correctly. Without proper documentation, the DMV cannot modify the name on your title, which could create problems when you try to sell or register the vehicle in the future.

Address Changes

Submit a certificate from the court showing your new address. Once processed, the DMV will notify you when your new registration card is ready to pick up. Keeping your address current is important because the DMV uses it to send renewal notices, correspondence about your vehicle, and other important documents. If your address is outdated, you might miss critical deadlines or legal notices.

Mailing Tips for a Smooth Process

Always double-check your forms for accuracy to avoid delays or rejection. Include all supporting documents to prevent follow-up requests. Use a traceable mailing method, such as UPS, FedEx, or certified mail, to track your submission. Keep copies of all forms and supporting documents for your records.

Additionally, consider mailing your application during the middle of the week rather than right before a weekend or holiday. This can help ensure faster processing since your documents arrive when DMV staff are actively working. If you're mailing multiple documents, use a large envelope rather than folding papers, as creased or damaged forms can sometimes be harder for DMV staff to process.

How to Track Your Application

After mailing your documents, you can call the DMV customer service line to confirm receipt. Having your VIN and mailing date ready when you call will help the representative locate your application more quickly. You can also check online for status updates if you provided a tracking or reference number.

Expect a processing time of several weeks for mailed applications, especially for personalized plates or replacement titles. During peak periods, such as summer months when many people buy vehicles, processing times may be longer than usual. If you haven't received your title or registration within six weeks, it's advisable to contact the DMV to check on the status and ensure your application wasn't lost or set aside for additional review.

Virginia Titling Fees

Service Type	Standard Fee	Processing Time	Additional Notes
Title Transfer	$15-$75	2-4 weeks	Varies by vehicle type and weight
Replacement Title	$15	2-3 weeks	Each co-owner must submit separate application
Personalized Plates	$10 extra annually	4-6 weeks	Plus standard registration fees; check availability first
Standard Registration	$40.75-$88.75	2-4 weeks	Based on vehicle weight; calculated at dmvNOW kiosks or online
Name/Address Change	Varies	2-3 weeks	May require notarized documents and court certificates

Virginia Titling Applications FAQ

1. Can I submit a titling application entirely by mail?
Yes, Virginia allows titling applications by mail. You need to complete all required forms, include a Bill of Sale, proof of identity, and payment via cheque or money order. Online or in-person options are also available for faster processing.

2. How long does it take for a mailed application to be processed?
Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks, but it can take longer for personalized plates or replacement titles. Mailing delays can also affect the timeline, so it's best to use a traceable method.

3. Can I pay for a mailed application with a credit card?
No, the Virginia DMV only accepts cheques or money orders for mailed titling applications. Cash and credit card payments must be processed in person or online.

4. What do I do if my VIN does not match the DMV records?
Check all submitted forms for accuracy before mailing. If your VIN does not match, your application may be rejected. Contact the DMV for guidance to correct the issue.

5. Do I need a safety inspection sticker for a mailed application?
Yes, vehicles in Virginia must have a valid safety inspection certificate before registration. Include proof of inspection when submitting your titling application.