Virginia used car dealer paperwork and sales tax guide
How Virginia sales tax works on a used-car deal, how trade-ins and dealer fees are treated, and the title forms and notices a Virginia dealer prints.
Last checked November 14, 2026
This is a plain-language summary of how a used-car deal works out in Virginia: the sales tax, what happens to a trade-in, how dealer fees are treated, and the paperwork a dealer prints. DMS Apex uses these same rules to work out each Virginia deal.
Virginia tax and fees at a glance
| Item | Virginia |
|---|---|
| State tax | 4.15% state rate |
| Who pays it | Collected by the dealer |
| Trade-in | Does not reduce the tax |
| Processing fee | Part of the taxable amount |
| Service contract | Not taxed |
| Starting title fee in DMS Apex | $15 |
How Virginia sales tax is worked out
Virginia: the 4.15% sales and use tax (minimum $75) is figured on the whole sale price including the processing fee, with no deduction for a trade-in (Va. Code 58.1-2401). A service contract bought at the sale is not part of the taxable price. The Buyer's Order lists the processing fee and amount, as Va. Code 46.2-1530 requires, and prints the required as-is statement when the sale is as is. If no liability insurance is included, add the 'No Liability Insurance Included' notice (18-point bold) required by 46.2-1530. Title fee starts at $15. The processing-fee disclosure is also a sign the dealership must post (8.5 x 11 inches). The DMV title fee is $15.
The as-is notice
Virginia sets the wording for an as-is sale. DMS Apex prints it on the Buyer's Order when the sale is as is.
I understand that this vehicle is being sold "AS IS" with all faults and is not covered by any dealer warranty. I understand that the dealer is not required to make any repairs after I buy this vehicle. I will have to pay for any repairs this vehicle will need.
Virginia paperwork a dealer prints
DMS Apex prints these documents for a Virginia deal, all in black and white:
- Buyer's Order with the processing fee line and the as-is statement
- Buyers Guide
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Virginia rules change: confirm current requirements with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles or the Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board.
Common questions
How much is sales tax on a used car in Virginia?
4.15% state rate. A trade-in does not reduce the tax. See the table above and confirm the current rate with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles or the Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board.
Does a trade-in lower the tax in Virginia?
No. In Virginia the trade-in allowance does not reduce the tax.
Is the dealer fee taxed in Virginia?
Yes. In DMS Apex the processing fee is part of the taxable amount for Virginia.
Does DMS Apex print Virginia dealer forms?
Yes. It prints Buyer's Order with the processing fee line and the as-is statement, Buyers Guide.
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