dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-602.3. Titling and registration of converted electric vehicles.
A. Upon receipt of an application and such evidence of ownership as required by the Commissioner pursuant to § 46.2-625, the Department shall issue a certificate of title for a converted electric vehicle. The first certificate of title issued for a converted electric vehicle shall be an original certificate of title, regardless of the submission of a Virginia certificate of title issued for the vehicle prior to conversion.

B. 1. No converted electric vehicle shall be registered or operated on the highways of the Commonwealth until the owner submits to the Department a certification by a certified Virginia safety inspector that the conversion to electric propulsion is complete and proof that the vehicle has passed a Virginia safety inspection subsequent to the certification. Such certification shall be on a form approved by the Commissioner and the Superintendent and shall state that the inspector has verified that (i) the internal combustion engine has been removed; (ii) the fuel tank has been removed and not replaced; (iii) a traction battery pack has been installed that is distinct from the vehicle's original auxiliary battery system; and (iv) an electric motor has been installed to drive the wheels of the vehicle. The safety inspector may charge a fee not to exceed $40 to complete a certification pursuant to this subsection, but no such charge shall be mandatory. Any fee charged for such certification shall be in addition to any fee imposed pursuant to § 46.2-1167 for the completion of a Virginia safety inspection.

2. The completion of the certification required by this section shall not impose any liability on the safety inspector for the quality of the conversion process; however, nothing in this section shall be construed so as to relieve the safety inspector of any liability that may be imposed pursuant to Article 21 (§ 46.2-1157 et seq.) of Chapter 10 or under any regulation promulgated pursuant to § 46.2-1165, relating to the safety inspection of the converted electric vehicle.

3. The submission of a certification pursuant to this section shall be sufficient documentation to exempt the converted electric vehicle for which it is submitted from the emissions inspection program required by Article 22 (§ 46.2-1176 et seq.) of Chapter 10.

4. When necessary and upon application, the Department shall issue temporary trip permits in accordance with § 46.2-651 for the purpose of transporting the converted electric vehicle to and from an official Virginia safety inspection station.

C. The provisions of this section need only be satisfied once for each converted electric vehicle.

2012, c. 177; 2013, c. 216.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-603. Issuance of certificate of title and registration card.
A. The Department, on receiving an application for a certificate of title for a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, shall issue to the owner a certificate of title and a registration card as separate documents.

B. Subject to all applicable federal laws, the Department may refrain from issuing a certificate of title in paper form and, instead, shall create only the electronic record of such title to be retained by the Department in its existing electronic title record system with a notation that no certificate of title has been printed on paper. The owner of a vehicle will be deemed to have obtained and the Department will be deemed to have issued a certificate of title when such title record has been created electronically as provided in this subsection. An owner or lienholder listed on a title record so created may at any time request and the Department shall provide a paper certificate of title for the vehicle. Except as provided in § 46.2-603.1, all transfers of vehicle ownership shall require a paper certificate of title in accordance with, and subject to, all applicable federal laws.

C. The Department may issue an electronic registration card to an individual who holds a valid physical registration card that the Department is authorized to issue. If the Department issues an electronic registration card, the registration card shall be issued in addition to, and not instead of, the underlying physical registration card for which a person is eligible. No electronic registration card shall be issued unless the applicant holds the corresponding physical registration card. The possession or display of an electronic registration card shall not relieve a person from the requirements of any state law or regulation or local ordinance or regulation requiring the possession or display of the physical credential. Any provision of state law or regulation or local ordinance or regulation that may be satisfied by the display or possession of a physical registration card may be satisfied by displaying or possessing an electronic registration card issued pursuant to this section at the discretion of the person to whom it is presented and subject to the conditions of this section.

Code 1950, § 46-68; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-68; 1989, c. 727; 2005, c. 305; 2012, c. 650; 2022, c. 183.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-603.1. Electronic titling and registration program.
A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the Department may establish an electronic titling program for any motor vehicle. Participants in the electronic titling program shall submit electronic applications for original motor vehicle titles in a form and format prescribed by the Department. Participants must provide all documentation or information required by the Department to process the electronic title application, including information from a manufacturer's certificate of origin or certificate of ownership and any information required by the Department in accordance with § 46.2-623. The records of a nationally recognized motor vehicle title database may be searched prior to transfer of vehicle ownership. The Department may impose a reasonable service fee in accordance with fair market prices for the use of digital signature services as part of this program. Such fees shall be used to defray the costs of the transaction to the Department. Any transaction fees imposed and collected by the Department shall be paid into the state treasury and set aside as a special fund to be used to meet the expenses of the Department. Upon receipt of a completed electronic application, the Department shall refrain from issuing a certificate of title in paper form and, instead, shall create only the electronic record of such title to be retained by the Department in its existing electronic title record system with a notation that no certificate of title has been printed on paper. The owner of a motor vehicle will be deemed to have obtained and the Department will be deemed to have issued a certificate of title when such title record has been created electronically as provided in this section. An owner listed on a title record so created may at any time request and the Department shall provide a paper certificate of title for the vehicle.

B. Upon receipt of a completed electronic application, the Department shall permit the online registration of a motor vehicle by participants, and is hereby authorized to issue a temporary certificate of registration to participants. The temporary certificate of registration issued by the Department to participants shall expire when the permanent license plates have been affixed to the motor vehicle, but in no event shall any temporary certificate of registration issued under this section be effective for more than 30 days from the date of its issuance.

2012, c. 650; 2022, c. 701.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-604. Contents of registration card and certificate; vehicle color data; notation of certain disabled owners.
The registration card and the certificate of title shall each contain the date issued, the registration number assigned to the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, the name and address of the owner, a description of the registered motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, and other statement of facts as may be determined by the Department. Every applicant for registration or renewal of registration shall indicate on his application the color that best describes the predominant color of the vehicle. In so doing, the applicant shall select a color from a list of standard, primary colors, developed by the Commissioner. Such color information shall be maintained in the Department's records and made available to law-enforcement agencies for their official use and may, in the discretion of the Commissioner, be indicated on the registration card and the certificate of title.

Whenever disabled parking license plates are issued under § 46.2-731 to the parent or legal guardian of a person with a disability that limits or impairs his ability to walk or that creates a concern for his safety while walking, the registration card for such vehicle shall so note.

Whenever (i) disabled parking license plates are issued under § 46.2-731 or DV disabled parking license plates are issued under subsection B of § 46.2-739 and (ii) the vehicle for which such license plates are issued is registered in the name of more than one owner, the registration card for such vehicle shall include a notation indicating which owner or owners of the vehicle is a "person with a disability that limits or impairs his ability to walk" as defined in § 46.2-1240. However, no vehicle owned and used by an organization for the transportation of disabled persons shall be subject to the notation requirement imposed by this paragraph.

The registration card shall contain forms for providing notice to the Department of a transfer of the ownership of the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer. Whenever a Virginia-registered motor vehicle is sold or its ownership otherwise transferred, the seller or transferor shall notify the Department of the sale or transfer by completing the appropriate portion of the registration card. Section 46.2-113 shall not apply to failures to provide such notification.

The certificate of title shall contain a statement of the owner's title and of all liens or encumbrances on the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer described in the certificate and whether possession is held by the owner under a lease, contract, or conditional sale or other like agreement. The certificate of title shall also contain forms of assignment of title or interest and warranty of title with space for notation of liens and encumbrances on the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer at the time of a transfer.

Code 1950, § 46-79; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-79; 1988, c. 363; 1989, c. 727; 1990, c. 79; 1998, cc. 285, 302; 2000, c. 667; 2004, c. 692.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-605. Altering or forging certificate of title, salvage/nonrepairable certificate, or registration card; penalty.
Any person who (i) with fraudulent intent alters any certificate of title, salvage/nonrepairable certificate, or registration card issued by the Department or by any other state, (ii) with fraudulent intent, makes a false statement on any application for a certificate of title, salvage/nonrepairable certificate, or registration card issued by the Department or any other state, (iii) forges or counterfeits any certificate of title, salvage/nonrepairable certificate, or registration card purporting to have been issued by the Department under the provisions of this title or by any other state under a similar law or laws or, with fraudulent intent, alters or falsifies, or forges any assignment of title, or salvage/nonrepairable certificate, (iv) holds or uses any certificate, registration card, or assignment, knowing the same to have been altered, forged, or falsified, shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

It shall be unlawful for any person to conspire with any other person to violate the provisions of this section.

Code 1950, § 46-12; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-85; 1986, c. 490; 1989, c. 727; 1996, cc. 591, 917.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-606. Notice of change of address or incorrect address.
A. Whenever any person who has applied for or obtained the registration or title to a vehicle moves from the address shown in his application, registration card or certificate of title, he shall notify the Department of his change of address within 30 days.

B. The owner or lessee of any real property in the Commonwealth may notify the Department if the address of such real property is used for the titling or registration of a vehicle that does not belong to any owner, lessee, or resident of such real property. The Department shall (i) attempt to notify the vehicle owner of such report of an incorrect address on the vehicle registration or certificate of title and (ii) conduct a search as authorized pursuant to subsection C for an updated mailing address. If the Department is unable to identify the correct address for the owner of such vehicle, the Department may revoke the registration, registration card, license plates, and decals issued for such vehicle.

C. The Department may contract with the United States Postal Service or an authorized agent to use the National Change of Address System for the purpose of obtaining current address information for a person whose name appears in customer records maintained by the Department. If the Department receives information from the National Change of Address System indicating that a person whose name appears in a Department record has submitted a permanent change of address to the Postal Service, the Department may then update its records with the mailing address obtained from the National Change of Address System.

D. Anyone failing to comply with the provisions of subsection A may be charged a fee of $5, to be used to cover the Department's expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing provision of this subsection, no fee shall be imposed on any person whose address is obtained from the National Change of Address System.

1974, c. 347, § 46.1-52.1; 1989, c. 727; 1996, cc. 943, 994; 2010, cc. 25, 55; 2025, c. 173.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-607. Duplicates for lost or mutilated indicia of titling and registration.
If any license plate, decal, registration card, or certificate of title is lost, mutilated, or has become illegible, the person who is entitled to the certificate shall immediately apply for and obtain a replacement after furnishing information of the fact satisfactory to the Department and after payment of the required fees.

A person who has twice obtained a replacement set of license plates or decals shall not be entitled to obtain another set of license plates or decals during the license period for which the original set of plates was issued unless the Commissioner finds that the replacement license plates or decals have been lost or mutilated without the fault of the person entitled to them.

Code 1950, § 46-53; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-55; 1968, c. 334; 1972, c. 609; 1982, c. 671; 1986, c. 165; 1989, c. 727.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-608. When application for registration or certificate of title rejected.
The Department may reject an application for the registration of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer or certificate of title when:

1. The applicant for registration is not entitled to it under the provisions of this title or Title 43;

2. The applicant has neglected or refused to furnish the Department with the information required on the appropriate official form or other information required by the Department;

3. The required fees have not been paid;

4. The vehicle is not equipped with equipment required by this title or the vehicle is equipped with equipment prohibited by this title;

5. The applicant, if not a resident of the Commonwealth, has not filed with the Commissioner a power of attorney appointing him the applicant's authorized agent or attorney-in-fact upon whom process or notice may be served as required in § 46.2-601;

6. There is reason to believe that the application or accompanying documents have been altered or contain any false statement;

7. The vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle and is being operated by a motor carrier that has been prohibited to operate by a federal agency;

8. The vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle and the vehicle has been assigned for safety to a motor carrier that has been prohibited from operating by a federal agency or a motor carrier whose business is operated, managed, or otherwise controlled or affiliated with a person who is ineligible for registration, including the owner or a relative, family member, corporate officer, or shareholder; or

9. The vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle and the applicant has applied on behalf of or for the benefit of the real party in interest who has been issued a federal out of service order or if the applicant's business is operated, managed, or otherwise controlled or affiliated with a person who is ineligible for registration, including the applicant or an entity, relative, family member, corporate officer, or shareholder.

For purposes of this section, the terms "commercial motor vehicle" and "motor carrier" shall be as defined in § 52-8.4.

Code 1950, § 46-54; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-56; 1968, c. 605; 1986, c. 490; 1989, c. 727; 2011, c. 61.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-609. When registration may be suspended or revoked.
A. The Department may revoke the registration of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer and may revoke the registration card, license plates, or decals whenever the person to whom the registration card, license plates, or decals have been issued makes or permits to be made an unlawful use of any of them or permits their use by a person not entitled to them, or fails or refuses to pay, within the time prescribed by law, any fuel taxes or other taxes or fees required to be collected or authorized to be collected by the Department regardless of whether the fee applies to that particular vehicle.

B. The Department may suspend or revoke the registration card, license plates, or decals issued to a commercial motor vehicle if the motor carrier responsible for safety of the vehicle has been prohibited from operating by a federal agency. For purposes of this subsection, the terms "commercial motor vehicle" and "motor carrier" shall be as defined in § 52-8.4.

Code 1950, § 46-57; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-59; 1962, c. 368; 1972, c. 609; 1974, c. 171; 1989, c. 727; 2011, c. 61.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-610. Suspension of registration on theft or embezzlement of vehicle; notices.
Whenever the owner of any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer which is stolen or embezzled notifies the Department directly or through law-enforcement authorities of the theft or embezzlement, the Department shall immediately suspend the registration of that motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer until such time as it shall be notified that the owner has recovered his motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer. In the event of an embezzlement the owner shall obtain a warrant for the arrest of the person charged with the embezzlement before the Department shall suspend the registration. Any such suspension shall be effective only for the current registration period in which the notice was given. If during that period the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer is not recovered, a new notice may be given with like effect during the ensuing period. Every owner who has given a notice of theft or embezzlement shall immediately notify the Department of the recovery of his motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer.

Code 1950, § 46-4; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-60; 1989, c. 727.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-611. Appeal.
From any action by the Department under this title suspending or revoking, rescinding or cancelling the registration of any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer or suspending, revoking, cancelling, or repossessing any registration card, license plates, or decals or denying an application for transfer of title, an appeal shall lie in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).

Code 1950, § 46-60; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-61; 1972, c. 609; 1979, c. 478; 1986, c. 615; 1989, c. 727.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-612. Failure to surrender revoked certificate of title, registration card, license plates or decals; other offenses relating to registration, licensing, and certificates of title; penalties.
A. It shall be unlawful for the owner of any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, for which license plates, decals, or registration cards have been revoked pursuant to this article, to fail or refuse to surrender to the Department, on demand, a certificate of title if it is incorrect in any material particular. Violation of this subsection shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor.

B. No person shall:

1. Display or cause or permit to be displayed any registration card, certificate of title, or license plate or decal that he knows is fictitious or that he knows has been canceled, revoked, suspended, or altered; or display or cause or permit to be displayed on any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer any license plate or decal that he knows is currently issued for another vehicle. Violation of this subdivision shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor.

2. Fail or refuse to surrender to the Department or the Department of State Police, on demand, any certificate of title, registration card, or license plate or decal that has been suspended, canceled, or revoked. Violation of this subdivision shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor.

3. Use a false name or address in any application for the registration of any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, for a certificate of title, or for any renewal or duplicate certificate or knowingly make a false statement of a material fact, knowingly conceal a material fact, or otherwise commit a fraud in any registration application. Violation of this subdivision shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 46-61; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-62; 1962, c. 302; 1972, c. 609; 1989, c. 727; 2019, cc. 71, 79.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-613. Infractions relating to registration, licensing, and certificates of title; penalties.
A. No person shall:

1. Operate, park, or permit the operation or parking of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by him on a highway unless (i) it is registered, (ii) a certificate of title therefor has been issued, and (iii) it has displayed on it the license plate or plates and decal or decals, if any, assigned to it by the Department for the current registration period, subject to the exemptions mentioned in Article 5 (§ 46.2-655 et seq.) and Article 6 (§ 46.2-662 et seq.). The provisions of this subdivision shall apply to the registration, licensing, and titling of mopeds on or after July 1, 2014.

2. Possess or use any registration card, license plate, or decal to which he is not entitled or knowingly permit the use of any registration card, license plate, or decal by anyone not entitled to it.

3. Willfully and intentionally violate the limitations imposed under §§ 46.2-665, 46.2-666, and 46.2-670 while operating an unregistered vehicle pursuant to the agricultural and horticultural exemptions allowed under those sections. A first violation of this subdivision shall constitute a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $250, and a second or subsequent violation of this subdivision shall constitute a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of $250.

B. For any summons issued for a violation of this section, the court may, in its discretion, dismiss the summons, where proof of compliance with this section is provided to the court on or before the court date.

Code 1950, § 46-63; 1950, p. 251; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-64; 1960, c. 79; 1972, c. 609; 1974, c. 400; 1975, c. 124; 1979, c. 620; 1989, c. 727; 1997, c. 283; 1999, c. 212; 2002, c. 93; 2006, cc. 444, 472; 2013, c. 783; 2017, cc. 204, 670; 2018, c. 425; 2019, cc. 71, 79.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-613.2. Service of process in civil penalty cases for violation of license, registration, and tax requirements and vehicle size limitations.
Any person, whether resident or nonresident, who permits the operation of a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth by his agent or employee shall be deemed to have appointed the operator of such motor vehicle his statutory agent for the purpose of service of process in any proceeding against such person growing out of any violation under § 46.2-613.1. Acceptance by a nonresident of the rights and privileges conferred by Article 5 (§ 46.2-655 et seq.) of Chapter 6 shall have the same effect under this section as operation of such motor vehicle by such nonresident, his agent, or his employee.

2011, cc. 62, 73.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-613.5. Procedures for issuing and serving process in civil penalty cases.
Any size and weight compliance agent authorized to enforce the provisions of § 46.2-613.1 may issue a citation for a violation of such provisions. Such size and weight compliance agent may also serve an attachment summons issued by a judge or magistrate in connection with a violation of § 46.2-613.1.

Service of any such citation shall be made upon the driver of the motor vehicle involved in the violation. Such service on the driver shall have the same legal force and validity as if served within the Commonwealth personally upon the owner, operator, or other person charged with the violation, whether such owner, operator, or other person charged is a resident or nonresident.

2011, cc. 62, 73.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-614. Right to recover damages not affected.
Nothing contained in this chapter shall affect the right of any person injured in his person or property by the negligent operation of any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or locomotive to sue and recover damages.

Code 1950, § 46-67; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-67; 1989, c. 727.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-615. Registration effective after death of owner.
Upon the death of an owner of a registered motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, its registration shall continue in force as a valid registration until (i) the end of the registration period for which the license plates or decals are issued or (ii) the ownership of the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer is transferred before the end of the registration period by the executor or administrator of the estate of the deceased owner or by a legatee or distributee of the estate, as provided in § 46.2-632 or 46.2-633, (iii) its ownership is transferred to a new owner before the end of the registration period by the survivor of its two joint owners, or (iv) its ownership is transferred pursuant to § 46.2-633.2.

Code 1950, § 46-92; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-96; 1968, c. 187; 1972, c. 609; 1989, c. 727; 2013, c. 318.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-616. Acquiring vehicle from vendor who does not have certificate of title.
Except as otherwise provided in this title, no person shall purchase, trade, exchange, or barter for a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer in the Commonwealth, knowing or having reason to believe that its seller has not secured a certificate of title, or knowing or having reason to believe that its seller does not legally have in his possession a certificate of title to the vehicle issued to its owner. Except as otherwise provided in this title, for the purposes of this article, off-road motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles shall be deemed motor vehicles.

Code 1950, § 46-7; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-5; 1978, c. 605; 1989, c. 727; 2006, c. 896.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-617. Sale of vehicle without certificate of title.
Except as provided in §§ 46.2-644.03 and 58.1-3942, any person who sells, trades, exchanges, or barters a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer in the Commonwealth without first having secured a certificate of title for it or without legally having in his possession a certificate of title for the vehicle issued to its owner, except as otherwise provided in this title, shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 46-7; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-88; 1968, c. 605; 1978, c. 605; 1988, c. 363; 1989, c. 727; 2009, c. 664; 2012, c. 623.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-618. When unlawful to have in possession certificate of title issued to another; remedy of purchaser against persons in possession of title of vehicle purchased from dealer.
A. It shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person in the Commonwealth to possess a certificate of title issued by the Commissioner to a person other than the holder thereof, unless the certificate of title has been assigned to the holder as provided in this title. This section, however, shall apply neither to secured parties who legally hold certificates of title as provided in this title nor to the spouse of the person to whom the certificate of title was issued.

B. When a purchaser of a motor vehicle is unable to obtain the title for such vehicle because the motor vehicle dealer who sold the vehicle to the purchaser is no longer engaged in business in the Commonwealth as a dealer as defined in § 46.2-1500 and the purchaser must petition a court of competent jurisdiction to direct that a person other than the dealer holding the title to release the title to the purchaser, the Court may order the title be released to the buyer if the court finds that the purchaser has a right to the title superior to that of the person holding the title under the laws of the Commonwealth. The court may also, upon finding that the person holding the title must release it, award reasonable attorney fees, expenses, and costs incurred by the purchaser in making the petition to the court.

Code 1950, § 46-81; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-80; 1966, c. 558; 1972, c. 208; 1982, c. 205; 1989, c. 727; 2012, c. 119; 2015, c. 615.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-619. New indicia of title; procedure as to leased vehicles.
When the Department receives a certificate of title properly assigned and acknowledged, accompanied by an application for registration, it shall register the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer described in the application and shall issue to the person entitled to it by reason of the transfer a new registration card, license plate, or plates and certificate of title in the manner and form and for the fees provided in this chapter for original registration. For leased vehicles, such application shall include (i) if the lessee is an individual, the name and residence street address of the lessee and the name of the locality in which the leased vehicle will be principally garaged or parked and (ii) if the lessee is a business, the name of the business, its street address, and the name of the locality in which the leased vehicle will be principally garaged or parked. The Department shall also make this information available to the commissioner of the revenue or other assessing officer of the locality in which the leased vehicle is to be principally garaged or parked. Nothing in this section shall permit the registration of all-terrain vehicles or off-road motorcycles titled pursuant to this title.

Code 1950, § 46-87; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-91; 1989, c. 727; 1996, c. 761; 2006, c. 896; 2012, c. 135.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-620. Period of validity of certificate of title.
Every certificate of title issued under this chapter shall be valid for the life of the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer so long as the owner to whom it is issued shall retain legal title or right of possession of or to the vehicle. Such certificates need not be renewed except on a transfer of title or interest of the owner.

Code 1950, § 46-83; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-86; 1989, c. 727; 2002, c. 93.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-621. Application for certificate of title.
The owner of a vehicle, or his duly authorized attorney-in-fact, shall apply for a certificate of title in the name of the owner on appropriate forms prescribed and furnished by the Commissioner. Officers and employees of the Department are vested with the authority to administer oaths and take acknowledgments and affidavits incidental to the administration and enforcement of this section and all other laws relating to the operation of motor vehicles, the collection and refunding of taxes levied on motor fuels and sales and use tax, for which services they shall receive no compensation.

Code 1950, § 46-49; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-51; 1972, cc. 301, 378; 1989, c. 727.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-621.1. Correcting errors in titling.
If the owner of a vehicle or his duly authorized attorney-in-fact make a sufficient showing by providing an affidavit stating that the vehicle identification information provided on the application for certificate of title, the certificate of origin, manufacturer's statement of origin, or title, as the case may be, forwarded to the Commissioner by any means generally allowed, was incorrect, the Commissioner may take all actions necessary to correct the error.

2005, c. 283.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-622. Issuance of certificate of title in names of joint owners.
When the Department receives an application for a certificate of title for a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, to be issued in the names of two natural persons, jointly with right of survivorship, the Department shall issue to its owners a certificate of title accordingly. Any certificate issued in the name of two persons may contain an expression such as "or the survivor of them," which shall be deemed sufficient to create joint ownership during the lives of the two owners, and individual ownership in the survivor. A certificate issued in the names of two persons, with their names separated only by "or," shall create joint ownership during the lives of the owners, and individual ownership in the survivor of them.

Nothing herein shall (i) prohibit the issuance of a certificate of title in the names of two or more persons as owners in common which shall be sufficient evidence of ownership of undivided interests in the vehicle; (ii) grant immunity from enforcement of any liability of any person owning the vehicle, as one of two joint owners, to the extent of his interest in the vehicle, during the lives of its owners; (iii) permit the issuance of a certificate of title in the names of two persons as tenants by the entireties; or (iv) be used by one of the joint owners as a defense to the secured party's enforcement of a security interest in the vehicle that was granted by one or both of the joint owners of the vehicle on the same date or prior to the issuance of the certificate of title.

1968, c. 188, § 46.1-68.1; 1983, c. 586; 1989, c. 727; 2002, c. 432.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-623. Statements in application.
A. Every application for a certificate of title shall contain (i) a statement of the applicant's title and of all liens or encumbrances on the vehicle and the names and addresses of all persons having any interest in the vehicle and the nature of every interest in the vehicle; (ii) the Social Security number, if any, of the owner and, if the application is in the name of an employer for a business vehicle, the employer's identification number assigned by the United States Internal Revenue Service; and (iii) a brief description of the vehicle to be titled or registered, including the name of the maker, the vehicle identification or serial number and, when titling or registering a new vehicle, the date of sale by the manufacturer or dealer to the person first operating the vehicle.

B. The lessor of a qualifying vehicle, as defined in § 58.1-3523, shall send a report to the Department for each such qualifying vehicle containing (i) the name and address of the lessee as it appears in the lease contract; (ii) the social security number of the lessee; and (iii) the registration number of the vehicle as described under Article 1 (§ 46.2-600 et seq.) of Chapter 6.

C. Such lessor shall send a monthly report to the Department, by the fifteenth day of the month or such later day as may be prescribed in the guidelines promulgated under § 58.1-3532, listing any changes, additions or deletions to the information provided under subsection B as of the last day of the preceding month.

D. The application for title or registration shall contain such additional information as may be required by the Department.

E. The Department may require that an applicant present proof reasonably acceptable to the Department of the accuracy of information provided on the application, including proof of identity, and may refuse to issue a certificate of title until such proof has been provided.

F. The application for registration shall include any additional information required to determine if the vehicle is a qualifying vehicle, as defined in § 58.1-3523. Any vehicle held in a trust shall be evaluated in the same manner as a vehicle owned by a natural person.

Code 1950, § 46-50; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-52; 1972, c. 230; 1989, c. 727; 1998, Sp. Sess. I, c. 2; 2005, c. 305; 2006, c. 896; 2008, c. 171; 2012, c. 650; 2022, c. 237.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-624. Information required on vehicles damaged by water.
A. When a vehicle has been damaged by water to such an extent that the insurance company insuring it has paid a claim of $3,500 or more because of this water damage, the insurance company shall report the payment of such claim to the Department.

B. Upon receipt of information from an insurance company pursuant to subsection A, the Commissioner shall issue a new certificate of title and place an appropriate indicator upon such certificate in order to convey that information to the new owner of the motor vehicle.

1966, c. 550, § 46.1-64.1; 1989, c. 727; 2011, cc. 652, 678; 2019, c. 72.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-625. Specially constructed, reconstructed, replica, converted electric, or foreign vehicles.
If a vehicle for which the registration or a certificate of title is applied is (i) a specially constructed, reconstructed, replica, converted electric, or foreign vehicle or (ii) off-road motorcycle converted to on-road use, the fact shall be stated in the application and, in the case of any foreign vehicle registered outside the Commonwealth, the owner shall present to the Department the certificate of title and registration card or other evidence of registration as he may have. The Commissioner may require such other evidence of ownership as he may deem advisable and promulgate regulations establishing what additional evidence of ownership, if any, shall be required for titling and registration of (i) specially constructed, reconstructed, replica, converted electric, or foreign vehicles or (ii) off-road motorcycles converted to on-road use. All titles and registrations for specially constructed, reconstructed, replica, and converted electric vehicles and off-road motorcycles converted to on-road use shall be branded with the words "specially constructed," "reconstructed," "replica," "converted electric," or "off-road motorcycle converted to on-road use," as appropriate. Titles for vehicles that are both converted electric vehicles and reconstructed vehicles shall be branded with the words "reconstructed" and "converted electric."

Code 1950, § 46-51; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-53; 1970, c. 632; 1989, c. 727; 2007, cc. 325, 393; 2012, c. 177; 2015, c. 259.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-626. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1996, cc. 591 and 917.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-626.1. Motorcycle purchased by manufacturer for parts; documentation required for sale of parts.
For the purposes of this section, "certificate of origin," "line-make," "manufacturer," and "new motorcycle" have the meanings ascribed to them in § 46.2-1500.

A licensed motorcycle manufacturer shall not be required to obtain a certificate of title for a new motorcycle of a different line-make purchased by the manufacturer for the purpose of obtaining parts used in the production of another new motorcycle or an autocycle, provided such manufacturer obtains a salvage dealer license in accordance with § 46.2-1601. The manufacturer shall not be required to obtain a nonrepairable certificate for the purchased motorcycle, as required by § 46.2-1603.1, but shall stamp the words "Va. Code § 46.2-626.1: DISASSEMBLED FOR PARTS" in a minimum font size of 14 point across the face of the original manufacturer's certificate of origin. The certificate of origin shall be forwarded to the Department, which shall make a record of the disassembly of the motorcycle. The manufacturer shall retain a photocopy of the stamped certificate of origin for its records.

Any parts remaining from the purchased motorcycle and sold as parts by the manufacturer shall be accompanied by documentation of how such parts were obtained. Documentation accompanying the frame of the purchased motorcycle shall include a photocopy of the stamped manufacturer's certificate of origin and certification from the manufacturer that the original certificate of origin has been forwarded to the Department.

2013, cc. 244, 367; 2014, cc. 53, 256; 2015, c. 615.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-627. Fee for certificate of title; use in special fund.
The fee to be paid to the Department for the issuance of each original certificate of title shall be ten dollars. The fee to record a supplemental lien and issue a new title shall be six dollars. All fees collected under the provisions of this section shall be paid into the state treasury and set aside as a special fund to be used to meet the expenses of the Department.

Code 1950, § 46-78; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-78; 1962, c. 368; 1964, c. 218; 1974, c. 454; 1982, c. 671; 1986, c. 553; 1987, c. 696; 1989, c. 727.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-628. How certificate of title transferred.
The owner of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer registered under this chapter, when transferring or assigning his title or interest thereto, shall fully and correctly endorse the assignment and warranty of title on the certificate of title of the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer to its purchaser, with a statement of all security interests on it, and shall deliver the certificate to the purchaser or transferee at the time of delivering the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer. Any owner who willfully fails fully and correctly to endorse the assignment and warranty of title shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 46-84; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-87; 1966, c. 558; 1972, c. 378; 1988, c. 363; 1989, c. 727.
Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-630. Transfer and application for certificate of title forwarded to Department.
The transferee shall write his name and address in ink on the certificate of title and, except as provided in §§ 46.2-619 and 46.2-631, shall within thirty days forward the certificate to the Department with an application for the registration of the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer and for a certificate of title.

Code 1950, § 46-85; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-89; 1988, c. 363; 1989, c. 727.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-631. When transferred certificate of title need not be forwarded.
When the transferee of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer is a dealer who holds it for resale and operates it only for sales purposes under a dealer's license plate, the transferee shall not be required to register it nor forward the certificate of title to the Department, as provided in § 46.2-630, but the transferee, on transferring his title or interest to another person, shall notify the Department of the transfer and shall endorse and acknowledge an assignment and warranty of title on the certificate and deliver it to the person to whom the transfer is made.

Code 1950, § 46-86; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-90; 1988, c. 363; 1989, c. 727.

Code of Virginia — Title 46.2 (Motor Vehicles), Chapter 6 (Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles)
§ 46.2-631.1. Electronic sales by dealers; titling.
A licensed motor vehicle dealer that participates in an online program as set forth in subsection C of § 46.2-216.1 may choose to sell a motor vehicle electronically by obtaining a title in the dealer's name for resale. The dealer shall disclose the odometer reading to the purchaser using a secure power of attorney prescribed by 49 C.F.R. Part 580 and in a form approved by the Department. The dealer shall provide all documentation or information required by the Department to process the dealer's application for a title in the dealer's name for resale, including a manufacturer's certificate of origin or certificate of ownership and any information required by the Department in accordance with § 46.2-623. The dealer shall submit such documentation or information in a form prescribed by the Department within 30 days of the dealer's application for the title in the dealer's name for resale. Failure to timely submit such documentation or information may result in the dealer's suspension from the online program set forth in subsection C of § 46.2-216.1.

2024, c. 418.