Suzy Q & A Explains How to Title and Register a Vehicle by Mail - YouTube

Oh, Hi! So I bought this car from my  buddy but I need to get it titled.

and registered so I can drive it. Right now all I can do is, sit here in the driveway.  

I heard I can title and register by mail. But how do I get that done?

Don't worry sir, I'm here to help. Many people choose to title their vehicles by  mail. If you choose this option there is one key,

Make sure to submit all the required documentation and make sure it's completed correctly.  

Here's how to get it done. Step one. Gather all the necessary documentation. First and foremost,

you will need a title or registration from  the prior owner in Virginia or another state.

If you have a Virginia title, make sure that the reassignment section and the buyer certification  

section have been completed. A bill of sale will be required if the sale price was not entered by  

the seller on the title. If you are requesting plates and registration, be sure to check the  

insurance verification section on the back of  the title and complete the registration section  

If you have a title from a state other than Virginia, the process is slightly different.

Ensure the reassignment section is fully  completed. Complete the application for title  

and registration form VSA 178. This can be found at www.dmvnow.com under forms. Just search for the VSA  

17a, make sure to complete the whole  application to avoid processing delays. 

Don't forget that all applicants who wish  to be listed on the title must sign the  application.

Submit a copy of the bill of sale to confirm the purchase price of the vehicle as well as  

to show proof of any sales and use tax you paid in another state. If you are new to Virginia  

you will need to provide proof of your current address. You can find a list of acceptable address  

documents on our website or on another form the DMV 177. Step two, calculate fees that are owed.  

If you need assistance use the calculator on our website dmvnow.com and search for fee  

calculator. You will need the bill of sale, title or registration card to help you figure out the fees,  

which include the title fee, the motor vehicle sales and use tax, and the registration fee if  

you would like to register the vehicle. You will need to know how many years you want we offer  

up to three years, so decide before you calculate the fees. Step three, record the odometer reading  

accurately on the application and the title. This is how many miles are currently showing  

on the vehicle's odometer. An odometer  reading cannot be lower than a previous  

reading for the same vehicle, so make sure to record the mileage accurately. Step 4, final check.

Make copies of all original documents to keep for your records. DMV must have the original title.

DMV cannot process your request with a photocopy, so make sure to send the original.

Double-check that all sellers and buyers  have signed the title and all applications  

have been signed and are complete. If you are requesting plates and registration, you must check  

the box in the insurance section on the title application and indicate your insurance company.  

Make sure to include a way for DMV to contact you for questions preferably a phone number or email.

This is extra, extra important! Step 5, mailing. Put all original items in an envelope and mail to DMV  

DMV Title Department, 2300 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23269. Using a mailing option  

that includes a tracking number is recommended. If you would like to track your package.

Step 6, processing. Once your title is processed, DMV will mail you your new title if there is no lien

If there is a lien the title will be mailed  to the lien holder. If you indicated you want to  

register your vehicle, you will also receive your registration card, decals, and license plates all at  

the address you indicated on your application. Let's go over those steps one more time.  

Step 1, gather all the necessary documents and make sure they are filled out correctly.

Step 2, calculate fees that you owe using the online fee calculator at dmvnow.com.  

Step 3, record the vehicle's  current odometer reading.  

Step 4, do a final check. Make copies and make sure to provide a way for DMV to contact you

with follow-up questions. Step 5, mail to  DMV, and Step 6, allow time for processing.

Oh, um, yeah, I think I got all that. I really  do need to get this car out on the road  

though before I go stir crazy. Thanks Susie Q & A. You're welcome. If you missed anything you  

can always watch this video again. I'm Susie Q & A here with answers to all your DMV questions.