{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-600.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-600.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-600.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-600.html"}],"law_id":87484,"edition_id":1,"section_id":87484,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-600","catch_line":"Owner to secure registration and certificate of title or certificate of ownership","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 46-42; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-41; 1972, c. 301; 1978, c. 402; 1980, c. 469; 1986, c. 228; 1988, c. 363; 1989, c. 727; 2003, c. 297; 2007, c. 934; 2010, c. 135; 2013, cc. 244, 367, 783; 2016, c. 428.","full_text":"Except as otherwise provided, for the purposes of this chapter, a moped shall be deemed a motor vehicle.\n\t\tExcept as otherwise provided in this chapter every person who owns a motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer, or his authorized attorney-in-fact, shall, before it is operated on any highway in the Commonwealth, register with the Department and obtain from the Department the registration card and certificate of title for the vehicle. Individuals applying for registration shall provide the Department with the residence address of the owner of the vehicle being registered. A business applying for registration shall provide the Department with the street address of the owner or lessee of the vehicle being registered.\n\t\tAt the option of the applicant for registration, the address shown on the title and registration card may be either a post office box or the business or residence address of the applicant.\n\t\tUnless he has previously applied for registration and a certificate of title or he is exempted under \u00a7\u00a7 46.2-619, 46.2-626.1, 46.2-631, and 46.2-1206, every person residing in the Commonwealth who owns a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, or his duly authorized attorney-in-fact, shall, within 30 days of the purchase or transfer, apply to the Department for a certificate of ownership.\n\t\tNothing in this chapter shall be construed to require titling or registration in the Commonwealth of any farm tractor or special construction and forestry equipment, as defined in \u00a7 46.2-100.\n\t\tNotwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, provided such vehicle is registered and titled elsewhere in the United States, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require titling or registration in the Commonwealth of any vehicle located in the Commonwealth if that vehicle is registered to a non-Virginia resident active duty military service member, activated reserve or national guard member, mobilized reserve or national guard member living in the Commonwealth, or person who is serving a full-time church service or proselyting mission of not more than 36 months and who is not gainfully employed.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":313186,"text":"Except as otherwise provided, for the purposes of this chapter, a moped shall be deemed a motor vehicle.\n\t\tExcept as otherwise provided in this chapter every person who owns a motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer, or his authorized attorney-in-fact, shall, before it is operated on any highway in the Commonwealth, register with the Department and obtain from the Department the registration card and certificate of title for the vehicle. Individuals applying for registration shall provide the Department with the residence address of the owner of the vehicle being registered. A business applying for registration shall provide the Department with the street address of the owner or lessee of the vehicle being registered.\n\t\tAt the option of the applicant for registration, the address shown on the title and registration card may be either a post office box or the business or residence address of the applicant.\n\t\tUnless he has previously applied for registration and a certificate of title or he is exempted under \u00a7\u00a7 46.2-619, 46.2-626.1, 46.2-631, and 46.2-1206, every person residing in the Commonwealth who owns a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, or his duly authorized attorney-in-fact, shall, within 30 days of the purchase or transfer, apply to the Department for a certificate of ownership.\n\t\tNothing in this chapter shall be construed to require titling or registration in the Commonwealth of any farm tractor or special construction and forestry equipment, as defined in \u00a7 46.2-100.\n\t\tNotwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, provided such vehicle is registered and titled elsewhere in the United States, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require titling or registration in the Commonwealth of any vehicle located in the Commonwealth if that vehicle is registered to a non-Virginia resident active duty military service member, activated reserve or national guard member, mobilized reserve or national guard member living in the Commonwealth, or person who is serving a full-time church service or proselyting mission of not more than 36 months and who is not gainfully employed.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":12880,"edition_id":1,"name":"Titling and Registration, Generally","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12879,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","permalink":{"id":226925,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12880,"identifier":"1","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1","url":"\/46.2\/II\/6\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12879,"edition_id":1,"name":"Titling and Registration of Motor Vehicles","identifier":"6","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12771,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","permalink":{"id":226923,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12879,"identifier":"6","token":"46.2\/II\/6","url":"\/46.2\/II\/6\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12771,"edition_id":1,"name":"Titling, Registration and Licensure","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12770,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225627,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12771,"identifier":"II","token":"46.2\/II","url":"\/46.2\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12770,"edition_id":1,"name":"Motor Vehicles","identifier":"46.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225289,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12770,"identifier":"46.2","token":"46.2","url":"\/46.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":87484,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-600","catch_line":"Owner to secure registration and certificate of title or certificate of ownership","url":"\/46.2-600\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-600","metadata":false},{"id":64770,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-600.1","catch_line":"Indication of special communication needs","url":"\/46.2-600.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-600.1","metadata":false},{"id":75107,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-601","catch_line":"Appointment of Commissioner agent for service of process","url":"\/46.2-601\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-601","metadata":false},{"id":69821,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-602","catch_line":"Titling and registration of foreign market vehicles","url":"\/46.2-602\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-602","metadata":false},{"id":64808,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-602.1","catch_line":"Titling and registration of replica vehicles","url":"\/46.2-602.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-602.1","metadata":false},{"id":75086,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-602.2","catch_line":"Titling and registration of company vehicles of automotive manufacturers","url":"\/46.2-602.2\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-602.2","metadata":false},{"id":66957,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-602.3","catch_line":"Titling and registration of converted electric vehicles","url":"\/46.2-602.3\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-602.3","metadata":false},{"id":58198,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-602.4","catch_line":"Titling and registration of off-road motorcycle converted to on-road use","url":"\/46.2-602.4\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-602.4","metadata":false},{"id":84134,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-603","catch_line":"Issuance of certificate of title and registration card","url":"\/46.2-603\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-603","metadata":false},{"id":78960,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-603.1","catch_line":"Electronic titling and registration program","url":"\/46.2-603.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-603.1","metadata":false},{"id":63997,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-604","catch_line":"Contents of registration card and certificate; vehicle color data; notation of certain disabled owners","url":"\/46.2-604\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-604","metadata":false},{"id":69241,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-605","catch_line":"Altering or forging certificate of title, salvage\/nonrepairable certificate, or registration card; penalty","url":"\/46.2-605\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-605","metadata":false},{"id":60976,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-606","catch_line":"Notice of change of address or incorrect address","url":"\/46.2-606\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-606","metadata":false},{"id":55505,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-607","catch_line":"Duplicates for lost or mutilated indicia of titling and registration","url":"\/46.2-607\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-607","metadata":false},{"id":72871,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-608","catch_line":"When application for registration or certificate of title rejected","url":"\/46.2-608\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-608","metadata":false},{"id":75843,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-609","catch_line":"When registration may be suspended or revoked","url":"\/46.2-609\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-609","metadata":false},{"id":78476,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-610","catch_line":"Suspension of registration on theft or embezzlement of vehicle; notices","url":"\/46.2-610\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-610","metadata":false},{"id":86199,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-611","catch_line":"Appeal","url":"\/46.2-611\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-611","metadata":false},{"id":54007,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-612","catch_line":"Failure to surrender revoked certificate of title, registration card, license plates or decals; other offenses relating to registration, licensing, and certificates of title; penalties","url":"\/46.2-612\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-612","metadata":false},{"id":63815,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-613","catch_line":"Infractions relating to registration, licensing, and certificates of title; penalties","url":"\/46.2-613\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-613","metadata":false},{"id":55667,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-613.1","catch_line":"Civil penalty for violation of license, registration, and tax requirements and vehicle size limitations","url":"\/46.2-613.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-613.1","metadata":false},{"id":77208,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-613.2","catch_line":"Service of process in civil penalty cases for violation of license, registration, and tax requirements and vehicle size limitations","url":"\/46.2-613.2\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-613.2","metadata":false},{"id":77914,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-613.3","catch_line":"Special processing provisions for civil penalties levied for violation of license, registration, and tax requirements and vehicle size limitations","url":"\/46.2-613.3\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-613.3","metadata":false},{"id":77194,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-613.4","catch_line":"Special seizure provisions for unpaid fees and penalties","url":"\/46.2-613.4\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-613.4","metadata":false},{"id":67437,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-613.5","catch_line":"Procedures for issuing and serving process in civil penalty cases","url":"\/46.2-613.5\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-613.5","metadata":false},{"id":61717,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-614","catch_line":"Right to recover damages not affected","url":"\/46.2-614\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-614","metadata":false},{"id":57242,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-615","catch_line":"Registration effective after death of owner","url":"\/46.2-615\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-615","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":64770,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-600.1","catch_line":"Indication of special communication needs","url":"\/46.2-600.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-600.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-600\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 12 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1958, chapter 541; in 1972, chapter 301; in 1978, chapter 402; in 1980, chapter 469; in 1986, chapter 228; in 1988, chapter 363; in 1989, chapter 727; in 2003, chapter 297<\/a>; in 2007, chapter 934<\/a>; in 2010, chapter 135<\/a>; in 2013, chapters 244<\/a>, 367<\/a>, and 783<\/a>; in 2016, chapter 428<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":76938,"section_number":"29.1-733.2","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-733.2\/"},{"id":59917,"section_number":"46.2-1220","catch_line":"Parking, stopping, and standing regulations in counties, cities, or towns; parking meters; presumption as to violation of ordinances; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1220\/"},{"id":74268,"section_number":"46.2-1221","catch_line":"Authority of county to regulate parking on county-owned or leased property or on county highways; parking meters; presumption as to violation of ordinances","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1221\/"},{"id":62827,"section_number":"46.2-1242","catch_line":"Parking in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities; local ordinances; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1242\/"},{"id":76206,"section_number":"46.2-1508.2","catch_line":"Display, parking, selling, advertising sale of certain used motor vehicles prohibited","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1508.2\/"},{"id":65866,"section_number":"46.2-1543","catch_line":"Use of old license plates and registration number on another vehicle","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1543\/"},{"id":56166,"section_number":"46.2-2130","catch_line":"Registration violations; penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-2130\/"},{"id":74428,"section_number":"46.2-623","catch_line":"Statements in application","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-623\/"},{"id":71623,"section_number":"46.2-633.2","catch_line":"Transfer of title on death","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-633.2\/"},{"id":67726,"section_number":"46.2-756","catch_line":"Collection by Department of certain license fees","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-756\/"},{"id":70851,"section_number":"46.2-772","catch_line":"(For contingent expiration, see Acts 2020, cc. 1230 and 1275) Highway use fee","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-772\/"},{"id":69210,"section_number":"46.2-844","catch_line":"Passing stopped school buses; prima facie evidence; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-844\/"},{"id":66821,"section_number":"46.2-908.3","catch_line":"Low-speed vehicles; operation on highways; license required; registration required; safety and emissions inspections not required","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-908.3\/"},{"id":70726,"section_number":"58.1-2403","catch_line":"Exemptions","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-2403\/"},{"id":79478,"section_number":"58.1-3507","catch_line":"Certain machinery and tools segregated for local taxation only; notice prior to change in valuation, hearing","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-3507\/"},{"id":58763,"section_number":"58.1-3523","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-3523\/"},{"id":57216,"section_number":"59.1-353","catch_line":"Chapter title; definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-353\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":82691,"section_number":"46.2-100","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-100\/"},{"id":65709,"section_number":"46.2-1206","catch_line":"Surrender of certificate of title, etc., where motor vehicle acquired for demolition; records to be kept by demolisher or scrap metal processor","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1206\/"},{"id":72463,"section_number":"46.2-619","catch_line":"New indicia of title; procedure as to leased vehicles","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-619\/"},{"id":75060,"section_number":"46.2-626.1","catch_line":"Motorcycle purchased by manufacturer for parts; documentation required for sale of parts","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-626.1\/"},{"id":62224,"section_number":"46.2-631","catch_line":"When transferred certificate of title need not be forwarded","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-631\/"}],"permalink":{"id":226927,"object_type":"law","relational_id":87484,"identifier":"46.2-600","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-600","url":"\/46.2-600\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-600\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-600","dublin_core":{"Title":"Owner to secure registration and certificate of title or certificate of ownership","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-600","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Except as otherwise provided, for the purposes of this chapter, a moped<\/span> shall be deemed a motor vehicle<\/span>.\n\t\tExcept as otherwise provided in this chapter every person who owns a motor vehicle<\/span>, trailer<\/span> or semitrailer<\/span>, or his authorized attorney-in-fact<\/span><\/span>, shall, before it is operated on any highway<\/span> in the Commonwealth, register with the Department<\/span> and obtain from the Department<\/span> the registration card and certificate of title for the vehicle. Individuals applying for registration shall provide the Department<\/span> with the residence address of the owner<\/span> of the vehicle being registered. A business applying for registration shall provide the Department<\/span> with the street address of the owner<\/span> or lessee of the vehicle being registered.\n\t\tAt the option of the applicant for registration, the address shown on the title and registration card may be either a post office box or the business or residence address of the applicant.\n\t\tUnless he has previously applied for registration and a certificate of title or he is exempted under \u00a7\u00a7 46.2-619<\/a>, 46.2-626.1<\/a>, 46.2-631<\/a>, and 46.2-1206<\/a>, every person residing in the Commonwealth who owns a motor vehicle<\/span>, trailer<\/span>, or semitrailer<\/span>, or his duly authorized attorney-in-fact<\/span><\/span>, shall, within 30 days of the purchase or transfer, apply to the Department<\/span> for a certificate of ownership.\n\t\tNothing in this chapter shall be construed to require titling or registration in the Commonwealth of any farm tractor<\/span> or special construction and forestry equipment<\/span>, as defined in \u00a7 46.2-100<\/a>.\n\t\tNotwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, provided such vehicle is registered and titled elsewhere in the United States, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require titling or registration in the Commonwealth of any vehicle located in the Commonwealth if that vehicle is registered to a non-Virginia resident active duty military service member, activated reserve or national guard member, mobilized reserve or national guard member living in the Commonwealth, or person who is serving a full-time church service or proselyting mission of not more than 36 months and who is not gainfully employed.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nOWNER TO SECURE REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATE OF TITLE OR CERTIFICATE OF\nOWNERSHIP (\u00a7 46.2-600)\n\nExcept as otherwise provided, for the purposes of this chapter, a moped shall be\ndeemed a motor vehicle.\n\t\tExcept as otherwise provided in this chapter every person who owns a motor\nvehicle, trailer or semitrailer, or his authorized attorney-in-fact, shall,\nbefore it is operated on any highway in the Commonwealth, register with the\nDepartment and obtain from the Department the registration card and certificate\nof title for the vehicle. Individuals applying for registration shall provide\nthe Department with the residence address of the owner of the vehicle being\nregistered. A business applying for registration shall provide the Department\nwith the street address of the owner or lessee of the vehicle being registered.\n\t\tAt the option of the applicant for registration, the address shown on the\ntitle and registration card may be either a post office box or the business or\nresidence address of the applicant.\n\t\tUnless he has previously applied for registration and a certificate of title\nor he is exempted under \u00a7\u00a7 46.2-619, 46.2-626.1, 46.2-631, and 46.2-1206,\nevery person residing in the Commonwealth who owns a motor vehicle, trailer, or\nsemitrailer, or his duly authorized attorney-in-fact, shall, within 30 days of\nthe purchase or transfer, apply to the Department for a certificate of\nownership.\n\t\tNothing in this chapter shall be construed to require titling or registration\nin the Commonwealth of any farm tractor or special construction and forestry\nequipment, as defined in \u00a7 46.2-100.\n\t\tNotwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, provided such\nvehicle is registered and titled elsewhere in the United States, nothing in this\nchapter shall be construed to require titling or registration in the\nCommonwealth of any vehicle located in the Commonwealth if that vehicle is\nregistered to a non-Virginia resident active duty military service member,\nactivated reserve or national guard member, mobilized reserve or national guard\nmember living in the Commonwealth, or person who is serving a full-time church\nservice or proselyting mission of not more than 36 months and who is not\ngainfully employed.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 46-42; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-41; 1972, c. 301; 1978, c.\n402; 1980, c. 469; 1986, c. 228; 1988, c. 363; 1989, c. 727; 2003, c. 297; 2007,\nc. 934; 2010, c. 135; 2013, cc. 244, 367, 783; 2016, c. 428.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}