How to Complete a VIN Inspection in Virginia

A Virginia VIN inspection is not part of the ordinary process for titling a vehicle transferred in from another state. If you already hold a valid title from your previous state, Virginia's DMV generally only needs you to submit that title, along with an Application for Certificate of Title and Registration (Form VSA 17A) and the applicable fees and taxes, to title the vehicle. A physical VIN inspection instead becomes mandatory in two situations: titling a reconstructed, specially constructed, or replica vehicle, and titling a rebuilt salvage vehicle.

When is a Virginia VIN Inspection Required?

All reconstructed, specially constructed, and replica vehicles must be inspected by the DMV's Law Enforcement Division before titling, even if the vehicle already has an existing, usable VIN. Separately, before a repaired salvage vehicle can be issued a title, it must first pass a DMV examination to confirm the vehicle and its parts are in safe operating condition and have not been stolen.

Who Performs a Virginia VIN Inspection, and Where

Both types of inspection are handled by DMV's Law Enforcement Division. For a reconstructed or specially constructed vehicle, a DMV Investigator contacts you to schedule an appointment to inspect the vehicle and, if applicable, install a new VIN plate. For a rebuilt salvage vehicle, a DMV Special Agent contacts you to schedule an examination appointment once your paperwork has been submitted to the Vehicle Branding Work Center.

What to Bring to a Virginia VIN Inspection

For a reconstructed, specially constructed, or replica vehicle, submit by mail:

• Completed Form VSA 17A, and Form VSA 22 if an assigned VIN is needed
• Bills of sale or ownership documents for the frame, body, and engine/drivetrain (and additional components for kit vehicles or motorcycles)
• A detailed, notarized statement describing how the vehicle was constructed, plus photographs of the vehicle
• The $125 inspection fee, the $15 title fee, and any applicable VIN plate fee, sales and use tax, and registration fee

For a rebuilt salvage vehicle, submit:

• The salvage certificate (or a completed Form VSA 56 if the vehicle was recently purchased or has an out-of-state title), plus the completed Request for Examination of Rebuilt Salvage Vehicle (Form LES 022A)
• The $125 examination fee and the $15 substitute title fee
• At the exam appointment: proof of a passed Virginia state inspection, receipts for the original parts, a pre-repair photograph of the vehicle, and old component parts bearing the VIN

What Happens After the Inspection

Once the vehicle passes its exam, the DMV agent notifies the Vehicle Branding Work Center to release and mail the certificate of title, branded to reflect the vehicle's history. Completing the inspection is only one step — DMV still needs to process the accompanying paperwork and collect any sales and use tax before your Virginia title is issued.