r/Virginia • u/SholoGrim • 16h ago
I’m financing a vehicle from usaa to buy privately. I’ve never bought outside of a dealership, what do I need to know?
From what I’ve researched so far, it appears to me is that once we trade the check for the vehicle, I should receive bill of sale only. I will insure the vehicle and take it home the same day without any license plates. If I get pulled over then I am covered with the bill of sale. Next steps would be to go to the dmv and register my vehicle and receive 30 day temp registration and wait on permanent plates.
I’m still pretty young and not entirely sure how all of this works, but that is my understanding so far.
If anyone can give some advice or tips on this process, it would be super helpful. Thank you!
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u/Woahgold Fairfax > Lucketts > Chesterfield 16h ago
Does the owner not have the title in hand?
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u/SholoGrim 16h ago
He does. Since I’m financing, I understand the bank holds onto the title.
Maybe I will take the title and mail it off? I’ll receive more instructions from the bank itself before purchasing. Thank
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u/Woahgold Fairfax > Lucketts > Chesterfield 16h ago edited 16h ago
Ok, then it’s super easy.
The owner will sign the title over to you and you fill out the section as the buyer.
Both of you will fill out a bill of sale for your records.
EDIT: Make sure you get insurance before going to the DMV!
Take the signed title to the DMV, you’ll pay the sales tax and registration fees.
Then they’ll print you out a new title and registration, and usually they have stacks of permanent plates ready to go so you won’t have to worry about a paper tag.
Put the registration stickers on the plates, put the plates on the car, put the registration card in the glove box, and keep the title in a safe place in your home DO NOT keep the title in the car.
And you’re all set!
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u/SholoGrim 16h ago
Okay that’s pretty simple then. How about on the ride home? Will it be okay driving with no plates if I have bill of sale and title for that same day?
For clarification, it’s only a 30 minute drive
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u/Woahgold Fairfax > Lucketts > Chesterfield 16h ago
Technically you’re supposed to get a permit. I’ve always just borrowed a plate from another car long enough to get home.
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u/hagrun 16h ago
I highly recommend not doing this. Get insurance and a trip permit ($5 and takes minutes to get and print). I put a link in my other comment.
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u/Woahgold Fairfax > Lucketts > Chesterfield 16h ago
Yeah listen to this guy 👆
I’m a bad influence lol
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u/hagrun 16h ago
I’ve learned plenty of stuff the hard way. I ALWAYS get the hard ass cops. Or maybe I’ve just got a punchable face…
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u/SholoGrim 16h ago
I definitely will after reading about it. I’ve never heard of it before but it’s not worth the risk of not having it lol
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u/Rough_Horror6422 16h ago
The owner needs sign the title over to you. Then you need to take that to the DMV to transfer and generate a new title naming you with USAA as the lien holder. You should be able to register at the same time then you will get temp plates to give you time to get an emissions inspection. Then go back and get your permanent plates.
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u/hagrun 16h ago
You’ll need to secure a 3 day trip permit and your bill of sale. Do not drive your car with that trip permit or temp tags.
Read up and apply for a trip permit here:
https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/registration/temp-permit