Free Virginia Bill of Sale Template

A Virginia bill of sale is a legal document proving the transfer of ownership between a seller and buyer. It provides evidence of the transaction, protects both parties in case of disputes, and may be required for registration or titling through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) for boats.

A valid Virginia bill of sale should include:

• Buyer and seller names, addresses, and signatures
• Description of the property (make, model, year, VIN/HIN/serial number)
• Purchase price and date of sale
• Notarization, if desired

A Virginia bill of sale is required or recommended for the following:

• Vehicles: Recommended when the purchase price is not on the title or when registering certain private sales. Buyers must register vehicles with the state within 30 days of purchase, and depending on the county, counties may require 30-60 days.
• Boats: Required to register and title a motorized watercraft, depending on specific circumstances, with the DWR. Sailboats over 18 feet in length with no motor require titling but not registration.
• Trailers: Required for titling and registration. Virginia requires all trailers to be titled regardless of weight or use.
• Firearms: Recommended for private sales. Virginia law requires background checks for most firearm transfers through licensed dealers.
• Motorcycles: Required if proof of purchase price is needed for titling and tax purposes.

Notarization rules in Virginia:

• Vehicles: Not required.
• Boats: Not required unless no bill of sale exists, in which case a notarized affidavit may be needed.
• Trailers: Not required.
• Firearms: Not required.
• Motorcycles: Not required.

Notarization is optional but can help verify authenticity if ownership is disputed.

Keep these requirements in mind for Virginia bill of sale transactions:

• Vehicle emissions: Required in specific counties and cities such as Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria.
• Insurance minimums: $50,000/$100,000/$25,000.
• Boat registration: Required within 90 days if moving from another state or before operating on public waters with exemptions.
• Trailer titling: Virginia offers permanent registration for a one-time fee, providing license plates that never require renewal; however, assembled or replica trailers must first pass a special inspection to qualify.
• Firearm transfers: Virginia requires background checks for most private sales unless transferring to immediate family.