Motor Vehicle Dealer Board Logo Blue and White

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

What can we help you

with today?

Contact us info card
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Allows dealer records to be preserved in original or electronic form and removes outdated archival methods.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 via the Temporary Closing Form by clicking the button below

In order to complete the form, you will need to submit the following:
Certificate Number, Dealership, Point of Contact, as well as the Closing Date and Time and Re-Opening Date and Time
Complete the Form
§ 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 Cash, Blank Checks, Credit Cards and/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)

Latest News

VIADA News

Background Checks
Background Checks
Attention New Dealers: Background Results Required by MVDB

Attention New Dealers: As of August 1, 2020 every new applicant applying to be a dealer and/or salesperson in the Commonwealth of Virginia will have to submit his/her background results [...]

Title and Registration Workshops

Interested in attending the next Title and Registration Workshop?  If you are a Title Clerk or handle those responsibilities, attend the next workshop to learn about Power of Attorneys, Reassignments, [...]

NAAA ALERT! Theft of Air Bags On the Rise Nationally

Recent Model Hondas Most Popular Targets 50,000 Air Bags Stolen Annually Florida, New York City, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia Are Major Hot Spots for Air Bag Criminals Law enforcement [...]

2018 VIADA Convention Highlights
2018 VIADA Convention Highlights

Click here to view all of the convention images. Congratulations to Don Sullivan, Sr., Sullivan Auto Trading Inc., Fredericksburg, as the 2018 State Quality Dealer.  He is pictured with his sons [...]

Immediate Action Required for Awareity Training

Immediate Action Required – More Info From Dealertrack About Awareity Training – Deadline Pushed to 9/15/18 DMV-Mandated Awareity Security Training – ALL Virginia Online and Print on Demand Program users MUST complete this [...]

Reach Your Target Market with VIADA 2019 Marketing Opportunities!
Reach Your Target Market with VIADA 2019 Marketing Opportunities!

» Download the 2019 Marketing Opportunities Brochure [...]

August 3 Update: IMPORTANT DMV INFORMATION Regarding the August 4, 2018 Closing

ATTENTION ALL DEALERS IMPORTANT DMV INFORMATION Regarding the August 4, 2018 Closing Pre-assigned Temporary Tags/Offline Processing On Saturday, August 4, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) system will be down and [...]

ATTENTION ALL DEALERS: Virginia DMV CLOSED on August 4, 2018 for mainframe move

UPDATE: All dealers should be able to contact their online vendor and get a backup set of dealer tags on their computers for any 30-day tags needed while the system [...]

12 Reasons Independent Dealers Should Join VIADA

VIADA represents YOU. VIADA is the only trade association in Virginia that represents the interests of independent dealers before the Virginia Legislature, Department of Motor Vehicles and the Motor Vehicle Dealer [...]

TOPSPEED News

The Motorcycle You Buy When You Realize You Don’t Actually Need A Fast Bike
The Motorcycle You Buy When You Realize You Don’t Actually Need A Fast Bike

The 2026 Yamaha MT-07 starts at $8,599 and delivers a 689cc parallel-twin engine, sharp handling, and modern rider aids for everyday fun. [...]

The Adventure Bike That Feels Balanced, Capable, And Easy To Ride Anywhere
The Adventure Bike That Feels Balanced, Capable, And Easy To Ride Anywhere

This middleweight adventure bike strikes the perfect balance between capability and approachability for everyday riders. [...]

The Toyota SUV That's Growing While The RAV4 Falls
The Toyota SUV That's Growing While The RAV4 Falls

The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross is surging in sales as the RAV4 declines—here's what's behind the shift in Toyota's SUV lineup. [...]

The Honda Pilot Is Playing A Different Game While Rivals Chase Luxury Badges
The Honda Pilot Is Playing A Different Game While Rivals Chase Luxury Badges

The Honda Pilot focuses on family-friendly space, practical storage, comfortable seating, and everyday usability in the crowded three-row SUV market. [...]

The Mile-Munching Motorcycle That Makes Premium Tourers Look Financially Unhinged
The Mile-Munching Motorcycle That Makes Premium Tourers Look Financially Unhinged

Trading for $10,500 used, the carbon-clad Moto Guzzi MGX-21 pairs Brembo brakes with an 89 lb-ft shaft-driven twin to undercut domestic baggers. [...]

Mustang vs. F-150: Why Ford's 5.0L Coyote V8 Feels Totally Different
Mustang vs. F-150: Why Ford's 5.0L Coyote V8 Feels Totally Different

The Mustang GT and F-150 share Ford's 5.0L Coyote V8 but feel nothing alike. Here's why tuning, gearing, and weight change everything. [...]

The Honda Dirt Bike That Nails Modern Reliability And Style
The Honda Dirt Bike That Nails Modern Reliability And Style

Honda's CRF range is already renowned in the US for its impeccable abilities, but this flagship takes things to the next level [...]

The Practical Features That Make A Car Easier To Live With As You Get Older
The Practical Features That Make A Car Easier To Live With As You Get Older

From adaptive LED headlights to ideal step-in height, these 10 car features make daily driving easier and more comfortable for years to come. [...]

2027 Kawasaki Ninja 500 First Look: Same Versatility For $100 More
2027 Kawasaki Ninja 500 First Look: Same Versatility For $100 More

Here's everything you need to know about the Kawasaki Ninja 500 that returns to the US for 2027. [...]

Lexus Built A Muscle Car Disguised As A Reliable Luxury Sedan
Lexus Built A Muscle Car Disguised As A Reliable Luxury Sedan

This premium Japanese performance sedan features a high-power engine that lasts forever. [...]

MVBD News

View the VIADA Course Schedule

Practice with our Dealer/Salesperson Practice Questions

Try our Online Consumer Request For Assistance Form

How to Obtain a DMV Exam Appointment?

Latest Current Dealer and Salesperson Fees

Latest in IDO Recertification Program Changes

VADA news

Former VADA Chair Liza Borches Named Virginia’s 2027 TIME Dealer of the Year Nominee

Former VADA Board Chair Liza Borches is one of 48 dealers nationwide nominated for the 2027 TIME Dealer of the Year award, recognized for employee ownership and community impact. The [...]

Koons gives $30 Million to Dealer-Centric Northwood University

Koons, who sold to Asbury in 2023, committed millions for residential facilities, automotive education, and scholarships. The post Koons gives $30 Million to Dealer-Centric Northwood University appeared first on Virginia [...]

In The Room

For Eley Duke III, leading Virginia’s franchised auto dealers is the latest chapter in a family story that has always been about showing up. The post In The Room appeared [...]

Virginia’s EV market slows as buyers weigh cost, convenience.

Virginia remains one of the nation's stronger markets for electric vehicles, but new data suggests consumers are taking a more measured approach to buying them as affordability, charging convenience and [...]

Kevin Tynan returns to VADA ’26 with an economic outlook

A convention favorite, Kevin Tynan takes a look at the automotive retail market economics — for better or worse. The post Kevin Tynan returns to VADA ’26 with an economic [...]

FTC advertising compliance at VADA ’26: What dealers need to know

Get the powerhouse legal and regulatory update from VADA '26, featuring our partners at ComplyAuto. The post FTC advertising compliance at VADA ’26: What dealers need to know appeared first [...]

The “Indifference Tax”: F&I & HR guru Joe St. John on why process drives success

The Kansas City dealer leader explains the hidden factors costing dealerships millions and shares five strategies to reduce turnover and build better systems. The post The “Indifference Tax”: F&I & [...]

Dealer Data Scientist: Dealers can’t wait for the old market to come back

ACV's John Coles told VADA dealers that margin compression is here to stay, affordability is reshaping demand and AI should support — not replace — people. The post Dealer Data [...]

Dealer tech company CEO: ‘Own your data, or someone else will’

Diana Lee of Constellation says the future of automotive marketing belongs to dealers who own their data, embrace AI and make pricing easy to find. The post Dealer tech company [...]

Five Things we learned from a panel of auto retail media moguls

From FTC compliance to Carvana, brokers and customer experience, Don Hall, Sam D'Arc and Jim Fitzpatrick shared five important lessons for dealers navigating a changing industry. The post Five Things [...]

MOTORONE News

This Copper Maserati Looks Like Nothing Else On The Road
This Copper Maserati Looks Like Nothing Else On The Road

The GFG Peralta D is a one-off 2+2 Gran Turismo coupe in hand-hammered copper. [...]

60 Years Of The Toyota Corolla: These Are All The Generations
60 Years Of The Toyota Corolla: These Are All The Generations

A whopping 57 million Corollas have been built to date. [...]

Audi Q4 E-Tron Recall Affects 9,048 EVs Over Battery Fire Risk
Audi Q4 E-Tron Recall Affects 9,048 EVs Over Battery Fire Risk

Volkswagen Group of America flags 9,048 Audi Q4 E-Tron models while engineers work on a permanent high-voltage battery remedy. [...]

Mitsubishi Is Keeping The Lancer Evo's Spirit Alive... In An SUV Built By Another Company
Mitsubishi Is Keeping The Lancer Evo's Spirit Alive... In An SUV Built By Another Company

Mitsubishi wants to keep its rally-bred icon's legacy alive, even if it means borrowing someone else's SUV to do it. [...]

Jeep’s Most Popular Gladiator Upgrade Is Finally Available From The Factory
Jeep’s Most Popular Gladiator Upgrade Is Finally Available From The Factory

The 2027 Jeep Gladiator 35-inch Tire Launch Edition adds a factory lift, 12.9 inches of clearance, and upgraded hardware on Willys, Rubicon, and Rubicon X. [...]

The Volkswagen Group Reportedly Wants To Put Chinese Software In European Cars To Cut Costs
The Volkswagen Group Reportedly Wants To Put Chinese Software In European Cars To Cut Costs

Internal calculations suggest the company could save up to €5 billion on its most important model, but VW refuses to comment. [...]

Chevy Wants The Next Corvette To Stay Affordable, Even With More Power
Chevy Wants The Next Corvette To Stay Affordable, Even With More Power

Tony Roma wants the next Chevrolet Corvette to outperform the C8 while keeping pricing clear of Ferrari and Lamborghini territory. [...]

Audi Reveals Which Models It Plans To Build In America
Audi Reveals Which Models It Plans To Build In America

Naturally, all will be large SUVs. [...]

Tony Stark's Acura NSX Roadster From 'The Avengers' Is For Sale, But There's A Catch
Tony Stark's Acura NSX Roadster From 'The Avengers' Is For Sale, But There's A Catch

This Acura NSX Roadster concept, built for The Avengers on a 1991 chassis, is auctioned as a display piece only. [...]

Alpine's Next Four-Seat Sports Car Is Ditching Retro Styling
Alpine's Next Four-Seat Sports Car Is Ditching Retro Styling

The Alpine electric 2+2 shares the A110 platform and adopts its own modern design while the A310 idea becomes a limited-run special. [...]

MVBD News

Explore Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Licensing Laws

Check out our MVDB 58-Self Inspection Checklist

Upcoming Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board Meetings

Latest MVDB Approved Criminal Background Check Providers 

Stay up-to-date with the latest innovations and changes affecting our Agency, Website, and Dealers with our Motor Vehicle Dealer Board Communications SendPulse!
Subscribe Now!