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

Welcome to the MVDB
Dedicated to administering laws and regulations
to the Motor Vehicle Dealers of the Commonwealth
What We Do
Process Applications, Provide Guidance and Education, Test and License Dealers and
Salespersons, Provide Consumer Support and Resources
all throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia
Field Operations
Expert Field Representatives assisting dealers and consumers by providing education,
guidance and enforcement as it pertains to dealer licensing laws.
Consumer / Advertising Analyst
MVDB Consumer Advocates provide the general public of Virginia with helpful information
on consumer rights, filing a complaint and consumer related resources.
MVDB Advertising Analyst monitor and evaluate Advertising Laws and Dealer Advertisements.


Located Downtown Richmond
Motor Vehicle Dealer Board
2201 West Broad, Suite #104, St. Richmond Va. 23220
Open Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
(804-367-1100)

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Search franchise and independent dealers selling cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers RVs and motor homes.
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Forms, Publications and Resources

Search a comprehensive list of downloadable forms, publications, public reports and more.
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Consumer Assistance

Need Help?
Whether its filing a complaint or inquiring about a dealer, our experienced Consumer Analysts are available to assist.
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Dealer Talk Newsletter

Complete coverage of current legislation,
news and information that affects you.

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MVDB YouTube Channel

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Board Meetings

Watch past board meetings and be informed on
upcoming in person and virtual board meetings

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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

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 for each license. If mailing, please keep in mind this could take up to 7 days before we actually receive your mailing.
  2. To expedite the process, complete, scan and email an MVDB 61 to mvdb61@mvdb.virginia.gov using Virtru Encryption.
    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 Virtru Encryption 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 $50
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.

Legislation HB316, regarding recertification takes effect July1, 2022

This legislation makes changes to the IDO Recertification program that Independent dealer-operators are already accustomed to. Below outlines the main changes of the new law effective July 1, 2022 vs. the prior regulation.

  • Independent dealer-operators will recertify every 24 months instead of every 36 months.
  • The dealer-operator recertification course will be instructor-led (in person or virtual) for 4 hours in duration instead of 6 hours digitally.
  • An exam will be given at the conclusion of the course instead of each “chapter”
  • The Motor Vehicle Dealer Board fee for recertification is $50 instead of $25, and will be collected by the vendor at time of registration

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)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you are a consumer or a dealer, you have questions. The MVDB continues to compile those frequently asked questions and keep you informed and educated. 

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