State guide
Virginia
Virginia does not list a routine VIN inspection for a standard out-of-state title transfer on its main title page. Virginia does require DMV examinations or VIN-install/verification steps for rebuilt salvage vehicles and for vehicles involving assigned VIN issues, including reconstructed, specially constructed, replica, and homemade-trailer cases.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- When a VIN verification is required
- Virginia's standard out-of-state title-transfer page does not list VIN inspection as a routine requirement, but rebuilt salvage vehicles must pass a DMV examination, and VSA 22 is used for VIN verification or assigned-VIN situations involving missing/changed/altered VINs, reconstructed vehicles, specially constructed vehicles, replica vehicles, and homemade trailers.
- Who can do it
- VSA 22 says homemade-trailer VIN plate installation certification must be signed by a Virginia Law Enforcement Officer, while reconstructed, specially constructed, replica, or missing-VIN cases require a DMV special agent to install the assigned VIN plate and certify installation; rebuilt salvage exams are scheduled with a DMV Special Agent.
- Official form
- VSA 22 Application for Assigned Vehicle Identification Number; LES 022A Request for Examination of Rebuilt Salvage Vehicle
- Fee
- $125 Examination Fee; $5 VIN Plate Fee if applicable; $15 Title Fee or $15 substitute title fee as published on the applicable DMV page/form.
- Official instructions
- Official page →
Official resources in Virginia
Main Virginia title page showing standard in-state and out-of-state titling requirements.
Official instructions for rebuilt salvage examinations, fees, and mailing address.
Official instructions for reconstructed, specially constructed, and replica vehicles, including VSA 22 and fees.
Official page for homemade-trailer VIN verification or VIN install situations and the listed fees.
Explains that DMV law enforcement verifies vehicle identification numbers as mandated by law and provides contact details.
Key facts for Virginia
- Virginia's out-of-state title checklist does not list a VIN inspection among standard titling documents.
- Rebuilt salvage vehicles must pass a DMV examination before Virginia will title them.
- The rebuilt salvage page lists a $125 examination fee and a $15 substitute title fee.
- The reconstructed/specially constructed/replica page lists VSA 22 if required.
- VSA 22 says homemade trailer applications have a $5.00 fee.
- The DMV Law Enforcement Division page lists VIN verification among its mandated duties.
Official VIN inspection locations in Virginia
| Location | city | phone | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| DMV Law Enforcement Division | Richmond | (804) 367-1678 | Handles VIN-verification matters mandated by law and accepts law-enforcement related requests. |
| DMV Law Enforcement Division | Richmond | (804) 367-1997 | Second published DMV Law Enforcement contact number on the official division page. |
| Vehicle Branding Work Center | Richmond | Not published* | Mailing destination for rebuilt salvage packets and reconstructed/specially constructed/replica submissions. |
| Richmond Central Customer Service Center | Richmond | Not published* | Full-service DMV customer service center at 2300 West Broad Street for in-person vehicle transactions. |
| Virginia DMV Customer Service Centers | Not published* | Not published* | Official statewide location finder for DMV customer service centers handling title and registration work. |
* Not published: the official page doesn't list it. Call the office to confirm before you rely on it.
What to do next
- For a normal out-of-state title transfer, start with the Title Your Vehicle page and bring the ownership document listed there.
- If the vehicle is rebuilt salvage, mail the title packet and LES 022A first; a DMV Special Agent then schedules the exam.
- If the VIN is missing, changed, altered, or you have a homemade trailer or specially constructed vehicle, review VSA 22 and the matching DMV page before visiting a service center.
Not seeing your location or county?
Not every location publishes its rules online. Try these, in order:
- General Start with the statewide information above.
- Closest verified Nearest places where we have verified local data outside this state (distance from Virginia's population center, for comparison only):
- La Plata Salvage Inspection Site, Maryland · about 65 miles
- Inspection Station, District of Columbia · about 84 miles
- Southwest Service Center, District of Columbia · about 84 miles
- Call to confirm Ask the official office.Title Your Vehicle or Trailer
Website →Phone not shown: use the contact page on the official website above.Your city or county office: Local governments →Not sure who handles it locally? USAGov's free help line, 1-844-872-4681, or the Virginia page on USA.gov can point you to the right office. - Know the current info? Tell us with a link to the official page.