How to Fill Out Form VSA 56

Form VSA 56 at a glance

What it is: Form VSA 56 (07/01/2020), the Salvage Certificate Application, to apply for a salvage certificate and/or to report water damage to a vehicle.

Who signs: All owners must sign.

A filled-in Form VSA 56 example: two owners apply for a salvage certificate

Form VSA 56 example filled out, example: two owners apply for a salvage certificate
Jane and John Sample apply for a salvage certificate. Their 2016 sedan has no lien, so Lien information stays empty. The picture shows the form filled in, and all its values are invented. Page 2 is not pictured, so Parts repaired or replaced, Salvage exam exemption and Certification and signatures stay empty. They are the only owners, so Jane is the owner and John is the co-owner. The sedan is garaged in a county, so the County box is ticked. They bought the sedan from a dealer, so the purchase and current title boxes are filled. Their insurer paid a water damage claim of at least the amount printed on the Water damage claim box, so Water damage claim is ticked and Stolen vehicle stays empty. The cash value is 6000 and repairs cost 3600, so the percent of damage is 60. The odometer reading is the actual mileage, so Odometer statements stay empty.

How to fill out Form VSA 56, box by box

Owner information

Form VSA 56 example filled out, owner information

Under OWNER INFORMATION, enter the OWNER FULL LEGAL NAME as last, first, middle and suffix, then the SSN, FEIN OR VA DRIVER'S LICENSE NUMBER, the TELEPHONE NUMBER, the DEALER/REBUILDER NUMBER and the OWNER STREET ADDRESS with CITY, STATE and ZIP CODE.

Co-owner

Form VSA 56 example filled out, co-owner

If there is a co-owner, enter the CO-OWNER FULL LEGAL NAME as last, first, middle and suffix, then the SSN, FEIN OR VA DRIVER'S LICENSE NUMBER and the EMAIL ADDRESS.

Lien information

Form VSA 56 example filled out, lien information

Under LIEN INFORMATION: Is there a lien on this vehicle? YES - Complete this section. NO - Go to SOURCE INFORMATION section.

In the lien section, enter the LIEN DATE (mm/dd/yyyy), the LIENHOLDER NAME and the LIENHOLDER MAILING ADDRESS with ZIP CODE, CITY and STATE.

Source information

Form VSA 56 example filled out, source information

Under SOURCE INFORMATION, enter the VEHICLE PURCHASED FROM with its STREET ADDRESS, CITY, STATE and ZIP CODE, then the SALE PRICE, the SALES AND USE TAX and the PURCHASE DATE (mm/dd/yyyy).

Enter the CURRENT TITLE ISSUE DATE (mm/dd/yyyy), the CURRENT TITLE NUMBER and the STATE.

Vehicle information

Form VSA 56 example filled out, vehicle information

Under VEHICLE INFORMATION, check the box CITY, COUNTY or TOWN of and enter the name of the city, county or town where the vehicle is principally garaged.

Enter the vehicle identification number, year, make, model, body type, the vehicle color as primary and secondary, then the empty weight, gross weight, number of axles and fuel type.

Actual cash value, estimated repairs cost and insurance claim

Form VSA 56 example filled out, actual cash value, estimated repairs cost and insurance claim

Enter the ACTUAL CASH VALUE (if required), the ESTIMATED REPAIRS COST (if required), the PERCENT OF DAMAGE (if required) and the VEHICLE ACQUIRED DATE (mm/dd/yyyy).

Enter the INSURANCE COMPANY NAME, the INSURANCE CODE NUMBER, the INSURANCE CLAIM NUMBER and the CLAIM PAYMENT DATE (mm/dd/yyyy).

Check WATER DAMAGE CLAIM OF $3,500 OR MORE HAS BEEN PAID BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY or STOLEN VEHICLE (checked November 2, 2026).

Odometer reading

Form VSA 56 example filled out, odometer reading

Enter the ODOMETER READING (no tenths). Federal and state law requires that you state the mileage in connection with the transfer of ownership. Failure to complete the statement or providing a false statement may result in fines and/or imprisonment.

To the best of my knowledge the odometer reading is the actual mileage of the vehicle unless one of the following statements is checked. Statement one: The mileage stated is in excess of its mechanical limits. Statement two: The model year is at least 10 years or older than the current calendar year and was exempt from odometer disclosure in the prior state of title (Applicant must present the out-of-state title showing the exemption). Statement three: The odometer reading is not the actual mileage.

Parts repaired or replaced

Form VSA 56 example filled out, parts repaired or replaced

Under PARTS REPAIRED/REPLACED (Required), check REPAIRED or REPLACED for each part listed, then list other damaged parts and SPECIFY REPAIRS.

If you have replaced a Pickup Cab or Frame, vehicle is reconstructed and may need to be assigned a new Vehicle Identification Number.

Salvage exam exemption

Form VSA 56 example filled out, salvage exam exemption

The SALVAGE EXAM EXEMPTION section must be completed when applying for a rebuilt certificate of title without an examination.

An examination is not required for applicants who meet the following conditions: The person rebuilding the vehicle has been licensed under chapter (46.2-1605) for at least 10 years and has not had any penalties pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. The rebuilt vehicle is at least 10 years old but does not qualify as an antique motor vehicle. The resale value is less than $10,000 (checked November 2, 2026). All of these conditions must be met in order to obtain a rebuilt title without an examination.

Complete the following for each license type you currently possess: the Business Type (Salvage Dealer, Rebulider, Demolisher, Auto Recycler, Scrap Metal Processor, Salvage Pool or Vehicle Removal Processor), its License Number and its Established Date (mm/dd/yyyy).

Enter the Rebuilt Vehicle Resale Value.

Certification and signatures

Form VSA 56 example filled out, certification and signatures

Any person who refuses to supply the required information will be denied a salvage certificate.

Under CERTIFICATION, the applicant makes application for a Salvage Certificate for the vehicle described herein and certifies and affirms that all information presented in this form is true and correct, that any documents presented to DMV are genuine, and that the information included in all supporting documentation is true and accurate. The certification and affirmation are under penalty of perjury, and knowingly making a false statement or representation on this form is a criminal violation.

Each applicant signs on a SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT line and enters the DATE (mm/dd/yyyy).

Common questions about Form VSA 56

Who signs it?

All owners must sign.

Where do I file it?

Submit the completed application with the estimated cost of repairs to the Vehicle Branding Work Center.

Is there a penalty?

Giving misinformation with fraudulent intent is punishable as provided by law. Any person who falsely states the selling price or evades payment of tax shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Sources

[1] Form VSA 56 (07/01/2020), Salvage Certificate Application, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (the Official source link on this page).

Vsa 56 Form Dmv PDF Details

Navigating the complexities of vehicle recovery and registration after an unfortunate event leading to salvage can be a daunting process. The VSA 56 DMV form, an essential document for such instances, facilitates this by serving a dual purpose: to apply for a salvage certificate and to report substantial water damage to a vehicle. A painstakingly detailed application, it requires comprehensive information from the vehicle's owner, including legal name, contact details, and specifics about the lien on the vehicle, if applicable. Further intricacies involve the vehicle's purchase and insurance claim details, alongside a precise account of the damage incurred, categorized by the extent and type of repairs needed. Additionally, the form delves into the precise estimation of repair costs and the vehicle's condition, crucial for accurately assessing its salvage status. Establishing eligibility for a salvage exemption is another vital aspect covered, applicable under certain conditions to bypass the need for a salvage examination. This intricate procedure underscores the necessity for complete and accurate disclosure to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, underscored by a stern warning against the provision of false information, which carries legal penalties. Thus, the VSA 56 form stands as a comprehensive tool, guiding vehicle owners through the salvage certification process, ensuring that all necessary legal and procedural boxes are checked, facilitating a smoother transition towards vehicle recovery or salvage.

QuestionAnswer
Form NameVsa 56 Form Dmv
Form Length2 pages
Fillable?No
Fillable fields0
Avg. time to fill out30 sec
Other namesvsa56, vsa certificate application, virginia salvage certificate, dmv form vsa 56