A Virginia Vehicle Bill Of Sale: Requirements & How To Write One

in Buying By State
Fall road in Virginia

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Buying or selling a vehicle might seem like a lot, especially with all the paperwork involved. While scrolling the internet for more information on required documents, you might notice a bill of sale. If it’s the first time you’ve seen one, you might wonder - what is a Virginia vehicle bill of sale? Is it necessary? What’s included in it, and what does it do?

If you want to learn more about the vehicle bill of sale in Virginia, you’re in the right place. The clearer this document is, the more confidence you can put into completing the sale as the buyer or the seller. Read on to learn more about the requirements for a Virginia bill of sale, whether it’s necessary to register a machine in Virginia, and other valuable information.

Virginia Bill of Sale Requirements

There is no legal requirement for a Virginia vehicle bill of sale, which means they don’t have any requirements private buyers and sellers must place on the document if they decide to create one. However, several items will make your bill of sale effective if it’s homemade. 

According to getjerry.com, here are some things that should be on a bill of sale in Virginia:

  • Names and signature of buyer and seller: Note the printed and signed names of the buyer and seller. 
  • Sale price: Write the final sale price for the product, determined at the end.
  • Date of sale: Note the specific date ownership transferred from one person to the next.
  • VIN: The Vehicle Identification Number helps determine the car being moved.
  • Contact information: Add the phone number and/or email address of the buyer and seller.
  • Vehicle description: This portion should include the model, make, body type, and more.

These are the core of a typical vehicle bill of sale.

If you want a receipt for a private transaction, a bill of sale is the way to go. You can draft your own with these details or use a generic outline to save time. Whatever the case, ensure you print a copy for the buyer and seller to ensure everyone involved documents the exchange.

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Is A Bill of Sale Required to Register a Vehicle in Virginia?

According to getjerry.com, Virginia is one of the few states that doesn’t require a bill of sale, whether to register the vehicle or as a simple proof of the transaction between parties. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to abstain from their creation.

Many benefits are associated with a bill of sale for a vehicle in Virginia, from providing security to proving the transfer. A bill of sale isn’t necessary, but it will make your life much easier in the future.

Does the Bill of Sale Mean Ownership?

A bill of sale doesn’t mean ownership in Virginia. However, it does prove that ownership moved from one person to another. It shows evidence that the car left one person’s hands and entered those of another.

Although a bill of sale does not define ownership, proof of a transaction can be critical. You never know when a bill of sale could mean the difference between winning and losing a case.

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What Are the Benefits of a Bill of Sale in Virginia?

A Virginia vehicle bill of sale isn’t a requirement for investors or sellers. However, if you don’t have one, you’ll miss out on several significant benefits. While these aren’t the end of the world, they might be an issue if you run into a legal battle surrounding the car and have no proof of the sale. 

According to investopedia.com, here are the benefits of a bill of sale in Virginia:

  • Release of liability: A bill of sale will release liability from the seller. The owner is responsible for the car, which protects the seller from being held liable for damage if something happens.
  • Proof of transaction: This document proves a transaction between two people, showing distinct evidence of a car sale.

These are valuable assets from a single receipt-like document.

Many critical items are necessary to successfully register a car after a sale in Virginia, and a bill of sale isn’t one of them. However, it’s still valuable to complete one and have a copy stored in your filing cabinets.

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Conclusion

The Virginia vehicle bill of sale isn’t necessary when buying or selling a car, but it is a good idea to create one yourself or use a template. The information held here will permit validation of the exchange and protect both parties in case of liability.

We hope this information comes in handy! Although it might feel overwhelming to understand the various documents associated with the buying or selling of a car, the bill of sale is pretty straightforward. The more you know, the easier it will be to complete the piece for both parties.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a bill of sale?

A bill of sale proves that the selling process happened, and the car moved from the seller to the buyer. It determines the details of the situation and the state of the machine.

Items that show up in a standard bill of sale include the following:

  • Purchase date
  • VIN
  • Car description
  • Amount paid

These determine a transaction that occurred between two parties.

If you’re the new owner, a bill of sale won’t prove that ownership. However, it will show the car shifted into your possession to a degree.

Does Virginia require a bill of sale?

Virginia doesn’t require a bill of sale. Still, it’s ideal to have one on hand for proof of the sale.

What do I do after getting a Virginia bill of sale?

A title transfer and registration come after a bill of sale in Virginia. The new owner should take the vehicle to become theirs. 

A bill of sale functions as a receipt. Hold it in your files for potential use in the future.

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