How long is a temporary certificate of ownership valid in Virginia?

A temporary certificate of ownership in Virginia is valid for 30 days. This document is designed to provide a temporary solution for vehicle ownership documentation when a buyer has not yet received the permanent title. It allows the new owner to operate the vehicle legally while waiting for the formal title to be processed and issued.

The 30-day validity period gives sufficient time for the necessary paperwork to be completed and ensures that the vehicle remains legally registered during this interim period. This time frame is standard across many states to streamline the transition between ownership and to help with the administrative aspects of vehicle titles.