You release ownership of the vehicle by signing on line 7 on the front of the title. If the vehicle was financed by the lien holder, you will need a lien release by having the holder of the current lien sign on line 1 in the lien release section. 

The notice of transfer/release of liability can be done in two ways: When notifying the DMV after selling or donating your vehicle. You can do this online or by phone at (866) 368-5463 or (800) 435-5137.

I'm the registered owner but I can't find my title:

The registered owner(s) of a vehicle can apply for an "Application for Supplemental Lien and Transfer Liens or Replacement and Substitute Titles" (VSA 66) if the previous title has been lost stolen mutilated or has become illegible. You may call 1-888-337-4782 for any additional questions. 

The owner of the vehicle is deceased:

In the case without the appointment of an Administrator or Executor of the estate: The ownership transfer can be accomplished by the surviving spouse and/or heirs. We require a properly signed title by the spouse and/or heirs, a certified (or notarized) death certificate, a lien release (if applicable), and a completed Statement of Authority to Assign Title (VSA-24) signed by the spouse and/or heirs. In lieu of the VSA-24, the State will also
accept a notarized copy of the deceased's will.

In the case of a deceased owner with the appointment of an Administrator or Executor: The ownership transfer can be accomplished by the Administrator/Executor. We will need a properly endorsed title by the administrator/executor of the deceased's estate, a lien release (if applicable), a certified (or notarized) death certificate, and a court-issued document or will appointing the executor or administrator.

If you want to donate your vehicle, but you need the title and you don't want to go through the process of obtaining a duplicate title, we can take care of the process for you. All you need to do is fill out the forms below and then give them to our tow agent when he comes to pickup your vehicle. 

Two completed generic Powers of Attorney signed by all owners listed on the title (one to apply for the duplicate title and one to sign the duplicate title when it is received from the DMV).

A lien release (if applicable).

Or

A completed Application for Replacement title (VSA-66), including the owner's driver license number.

A POA signed by all owners listed on the title.

A lien release (if applicable).
 
The vehicle was abandoned on my property:

We can only pick up an abandoned vehicle if we are able to obtain a signature from the last registered owner.

In the case of an abandoned vehicle in Virginia it is possible for you to obtain the ownership of the vehilce by filling out the Application for Certificate of Title (VSA 17A), or Application for Certificate of Title-Manufactured Home (VSA 17B).