{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-601.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-601.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-601.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-601.html"}],"law_id":75107,"edition_id":1,"section_id":75107,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-601","catch_line":"Appointment of Commissioner agent for service of process","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 46-125; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-139; 1989, c. 727.","full_text":"Each nonresident owner of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer applying for the registration thereof in the Commonwealth shall file with the application a duly executed instrument, constituting the Commissioner and his successors in office his attorney on whom all lawful process against and notice to the owner may be served in any action or legal proceeding brought as the result of the operation or use of any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer registered by or for him, in the Commonwealth; and therein shall agree that any process against or notice to the owner shall have the same effect as if served on the owner within the Commonwealth. The service of the process or notice shall be made by leaving a copy of it in the office of the Commissioner with a service fee of three dollars to be taxed as a part of the costs of the suit. The Commissioner shall forthwith notify the owner of the service by letter.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":269765,"text":"Each nonresident owner of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer applying for the registration thereof in the Commonwealth shall file with the application a duly executed instrument, constituting the Commissioner and his successors in office his attorney on whom all lawful process against and notice to the owner may be served in any action or legal proceeding brought as the result of the operation or use of any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer registered by or for him, in the Commonwealth; and therein shall agree that any process against or notice to the owner shall have the same effect as if served on the owner within the Commonwealth. The service of the process or notice shall be made by leaving a copy of it in the office of the Commissioner with a service fee of three dollars to be taxed as a part of the costs of the suit. The Commissioner shall forthwith notify the owner of the service by letter.","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}],"previous_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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-601\/","history_text":"<p>The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 2 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 1989, chapter 727.<\/p>","references":[{"id":72871,"section_number":"46.2-608","catch_line":"When application for registration or certificate of title rejected","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-608\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":226935,"object_type":"law","relational_id":75107,"identifier":"46.2-601","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-601","url":"\/46.2-601\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-601\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-601","dublin_core":{"Title":"Appointment of Commissioner agent for service of process","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-601","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>Each <span class=\"dictionary\">nonresident<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">owner<\/span> of a <span class=\"dictionary\">motor vehicle<\/span>, <span class=\"dictionary\">trailer<\/span>, or <span class=\"dictionary\">semitrailer<\/span> applying for the registration thereof in the Commonwealth shall file with the application a duly executed instrument, constituting the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commissioner<\/span> and his successors in office his attorney on whom all lawful process against and notice to the <span class=\"dictionary\">owner<\/span> may be served in any action or legal proceeding brought as the result of the operation or use of any <span class=\"dictionary\">motor vehicle<\/span>, <span class=\"dictionary\">trailer<\/span>, or <span class=\"dictionary\">semitrailer<\/span> registered by or for him, in the Commonwealth; and therein shall agree that any process against or notice to the <span class=\"dictionary\">owner<\/span> shall have the same effect as if served on the <span class=\"dictionary\">owner<\/span> within the Commonwealth. The service of the process or notice shall be made by leaving a copy of it in the office of the <span class=\"dictionary\">Commissioner<\/span> with a service fee of three dollars to be taxed as a part of the costs of the suit. The <span class=\"dictionary\">Commissioner<\/span> shall forthwith notify the <span class=\"dictionary\">owner<\/span> of the service by letter.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nAPPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONER AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS (\u00a7 46.2-601)\n\nEach nonresident owner of a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer applying for\nthe registration thereof in the Commonwealth shall file with the application a\nduly executed instrument, constituting the Commissioner and his successors in\noffice his attorney on whom all lawful process against and notice to the owner\nmay be served in any action or legal proceeding brought as the result of the\noperation or use of any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer registered by or\nfor him, in the Commonwealth; and therein shall agree that any process against\nor notice to the owner shall have the same effect as if served on the owner\nwithin the Commonwealth. The service of the process or notice shall be made by\nleaving a copy of it in the office of the Commissioner with a service fee of\nthree dollars to be taxed as a part of the costs of the suit. The Commissioner\nshall forthwith notify the owner of the service by letter.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 46-125; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-139; 1989, c. 727.","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}}