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

How to fill out Form VSA 56, box by box
Owner information
Co-owner
Lien information
Source information
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

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

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
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

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).





