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Administering the Laws and Regulations to the Motor Vehicle Dealers of the Commonwealth of Virginia

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New Legislation July 1, 2026
The Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB) is providing an update on six bills passed during the 2026 General Assembly session. Each measure has now been signed by the Governor. All six bills will take effect July 1, 2026. These legislative changes modernize dealer operations, streamline administrative processes, and clarify compliance requirements.
HB 586 – Conduct of Business; Business Hours; Filing Changes
Approved by Governor – Chapter 181 (Effective July 1, 2026)

Changes the entity with which a dealer must file business hour modifications from the Department of Motor Vehicles to the Motor Vehicle Dealer Board. This adjustment codifies current process and ensures that oversight and recordkeeping remain within MVDB’s jurisdiction, improving administrative efficiency.
HB 570 – Dealer Records and Advertisements
Approved by Governor – Chapter 182 (Effective July 1, 2026)

Allows dealer records to be preserved in original or electronic form and removes outdated archival methods. The bill eliminates the requirement for prior approval to maintain computerized records and expands naming requirements for advertisements to all media formats.

This does not alleviate the requirement of maintaining records on premises of the licensed location without Board approval.
HB 608 – Dealer’s License Plates; Permitted Uses
Approved by Governor – Chapter 183 (Effective July 1, 2026)

Authorizes the use of dealer license plates on vehicles delivering or transporting parts, accessories, and limited quantities of fuel (up to five gallons in approved containers). It also permits authorized individuals to operate vehicles with dealer plates for business-related errands.
HB 1386 – Motor Vehicle Transaction Recovery Fund; Extended Service Contracts
Approved by Governor – Chapter 184 (Effective July 1, 2026)

Allows recovery from the Motor Vehicle Transaction Recovery Fund for losses resulting from breaches of extended service contracts, subject to existing limitations. The measure ensures that only dealers contributing to the Fund are covered under this provision.
SB 441 – Use of License Plates; Special Permit Validity Period
Approved by Governor – Chapter 185 (Effective July 1, 2026)

Extends the validity period of special permits for temporary license plate use from five to thirty days when a vehicle is undergoing repairs at a licensed dealer’s facility. The bill removes renewal limitations previously imposed on such permits.
SB 440 – Use of License Plates from Another Vehicle; Authorized Time Period
Approved by Governor – Chapter 186 (Effective July 1, 2026)

Extends from five to thirty days the period during which a vehicle owner may use license plates from another vehicle owned by a dealer or garage operator while their vehicle is being repaired or loaned for demonstration purposes.
Cash Transactions
Please note that starting March 2026, The Motor Vehicle Dealer Board is no longer accepting cash payments for any transactions exceeding $10.
For any amounts above this limit, we kindly ask that you use a credit card, debit card, check, or electronic payment method instead.
This change helps us streamline our operations and ensure a more secure environment for everyone.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation! If you need to process a payment, please contact us!
CONTACT US!
Maintaining Business Hours

Providing reliable customer service is key to a successful business; maintaining business hours is part of that service.

Anytime a dealership is closed outside of the posted business hours, you must notify the MVDB preferably by email at dboard@mvdb.virginia.gov

  • Submit the closing date and time as well as the return date and time by completing the MVDB 40 (Dealership Notice of Temporary Closing).
  • The MVDB 40 or alternative notice is to be posted at or in close proximity to the front entrance to be visible to the public.
  • Do not forget to include the Dealer name and Certificate # on the MVDB 40

§ 46.2-1533. Failure to Maintain Business Hours
Each motor vehicle dealer shall be open for business a minimum of 20 hours per week, at least 10 of which shall be between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except that the Board, on written request by a dealer, may modify these requirements for good cause.
The dealer's hours shall be posted and maintained conspicuously on or near the main entrance of each place of business.
Each dealer shall include his business hours on the original and every renewal application for a license, and changes to these hours shall be immediately filed with the Department.

1st Violation: Dealer receives an educational warning (email or letter notification).
2nd Violation: a $750 civil penalty (if appealed, granted an informal hearing).
3rd Violation: The dealer will be advised of an informal hearing on §46.21533 violation for Failure to maintain Business Hours
Dealer Records Compliance

§ 46.2-1529 requires all Motor Vehicle Dealers to keep the originals or a copy of all original records at the site (dealership) of origination for five (5) years.

MVDB field staff will ask you to produce many different types of dealer records. These records include the following examples:

  • W-2 Records: for all your licensed salespersons.
  • Vehicle Safety Inspections: Proof of state safety inspections for retail sales.
  • D-tag Insurance: Certificate of Liability Insurance
  • Vehicle: purchases, sales, trades, and transfer of ownership
  • Transport plates and Temporary certificates of registration
  • DSD 27 (Permission For Use Of Dealer's License Plates)

Proper Use of Pod Tags

Our field representatives have uncovered multiple instances of dealer misuse of Print on Demand (PoD) tags.

When a licensed dealer sells or conditionally sells to a purchaser a motor vehicle, the dealer may issue temporary license plates.

Records associated with insurance of a temporary license plate shall be maintained by the dealership for no less than (5) years.

What's Wrong With This Picture?
boat tags

Not for use on the family trip!


In this season of vacations and boating, you may not pull your boats and RV’s with a vehicle using a dealer tag. § 46.2-1550 states in part; “It shall be unlawful for any dealer to cause or permit dealer's license plates to be used on: 2. Vehicles used to deliver or transport (i) other vehicles; (ii) portions of vehicles; (iii) vehicle components, parts, or accessories; or (iv) fuel;…”

Transfer of Salesperson License

To Transfer a Salesperson License, you have one of two options available.

  1. Complete and submit an MVDB 61 for each salesperson and mail to the MVDB office location with a check in the amount of $50.00 per year, per license. If mailing, please keep in mind this could take up to 7 days before we actually receive your mailing.
  2. You may also complete, scan and email an MVDB 61 to dboardlicensing@mvdb.virginia.gov using email encryption software.
    Please ensure the application is complete, as incomplete applications will not be accepted and your processing time will be impacted.

    You must provide the following information in addition to the MVDB61:
    • Dealership Name
    • Certificate Number
    • Payment Contact Person and Phone Number

When submitting personal or private information through email, you must use an email encryption software for data protection.

Fee Increase Effective December 1, 2021

During July 2021, the Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (Board) unanimously voted an increase in fees to cover the costs of much needed technology advances, and increasing operating expenses.

In order to ensure the viability of the agency and to operate effectively it has become necessary to adjust dealer and salesperson licensing fees.

Category Current Fee Effective Dec. 1,2021
Dealer Certificate $255/per license year $270/per license year
Endorsements $25/per license year $50/per license year
Salesperson License ** $30/ per license $50/ per license
Foreign Registrant $75/per license year $100/per license year

** Includes Initials, Transfers and Renewals
Read the full article in the October 2021 News Letter

Lost or Stolen Tags

How do I replace a lost or stolen dealer tag?

  • If your dealer plate was stolen, please report the theft to the police and get a police report file number.

  • For stolen plates, complete a  MVDB 9, write the police report number on the form, and write the plate number that was stolen.  Indicate on the
      MVDB 9 that you want a replacement.  Submit the MVDB 9 with the $10.00 fee(s) per stolen plate.

  • For lost plates, complete a  MVDB 9.  Indicate on the  MVDB 9 that you want a replacement, and write the lost plate number. 
    Submit the MVDB 9 with the $10.00 fee(s) per replacement plate.

  • Note: Police agencies do not notify the MVDB when you report your dealer plate as stolen to the police. Therefore, it is your responsibility to contact the MVDB to report your plate as lost or stolen. When submitting the MVDB 9, make sure to include the police case# in stances of stolen plates.

Keep Your Contact Information Current

Changing emails, cell phone providers, home addresses and work place environments can cause a disruption in how you receive the necessary information for recertification, licensing, laws and regulations that affect you and your dealership.

Keep your contact information current with MVDB by contacting us through email at dboard@mvdb.virginia.gov or fax {804-367-1053}. Please provide the following information when doing so:

  • Certificate License Number
  • Your Name
  • Dealership Name
  • Valid email address and contact phone number

Use the Email Compliance Form to update your Dealership Contact Information.

Dealer Plate Insurance

Having insurance on your dealer plates is not only to protect you, but to protect other motorist on the road in case of an unfortunate accident. Proof of liability insurance must be submitted with new applications and renewals.
MVDB main office staff will not issue dealer tags without verifying sufficient insurance coverage.

  • MVDB Field Representatives conduct dealership inspections, and part of those inspections is to determine if your dealership has insurance coverage on each and every Dealer license plate you posses.
  • Every dealer plate you possess is required by law to have liability insurance coverage.

dealer tag

Avoid Penalties and Unsatisfactory Inspections… Get Insurance on your Plates!

New Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealers

Interested in becoming a Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer?

You can find all the information you need in our section on "How To Become a Dealer". There you will find our step by step process on Dealership Type, Registering with the SCC, Zoning Requirements, Getting Bonded and How to submit forms to the MVDB.

Once you have reviewed the steps necessary to become a dealer, it's time to visit the "New Dealer Packet" section. There you will find all the essential documents and informational links you need in order to get licensed as a Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer.

To help you in the process to become a New Motor Vehicle Dealer, you can download our "How to Become a Dealer Checklist".

Do Not Mail Blank Checks or Credit Card Information

blank check When making a payment to the MVDB, please do not send a signed blank check if you are unsure of the amount. Also never send cash or your credit card information through the mail.

Mail can be lost, stolen or sent to the wrong address; you may be able to recover your mail, but the damage will already be done if your credit card information or blank check falls into the wrong hands.

Blank checks mailed to the MVDB will be destroyed and we will contact the dealer for payment information. Please call ahead and request the exact amount if your are unsure. (804-367-1100)