{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-603.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-603.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-603.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-603.html"}],"law_id":84134,"edition_id":1,"section_id":84134,"structure_id":12880,"section_number":"46.2-603","catch_line":"Issuance of certificate of title and registration card","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 46-68; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-68; 1989, c. 727; 2005, c. 305; 2012, c. 650; 2022, c. 183.","full_text":"A\n\nThe Department, on receiving an application for a certificate of title for a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, shall issue to the owner a certificate of title and a registration card as separate documents.B\n\nSubject to all applicable federal laws, the Department may refrain from issuing a certificate of title in paper form and, instead, shall create only the electronic record of such title to be retained by the Department in its existing electronic title record system with a notation that no certificate of title has been printed on paper. The owner of a vehicle will be deemed to have obtained and the Department will be deemed to have issued a certificate of title when such title record has been created electronically as provided in this subsection. An owner or lienholder listed on a title record so created may at any time request and the Department shall provide a paper certificate of title for the vehicle. Except as provided in § 46.2-603.1, all transfers of vehicle ownership shall require a paper certificate of title in accordance with, and subject to, all applicable federal laws.C\n\nThe Department may issue an electronic registration card to an individual who holds a valid physical registration card that the Department is authorized to issue. If the Department issues an electronic registration card, the registration card shall be issued in addition to, and not instead of, the underlying physical registration card for which a person is eligible. No electronic registration card shall be issued unless the applicant holds the corresponding physical registration card. The possession or display of an electronic registration card shall not relieve a person from the requirements of any state law or regulation or local ordinance or regulation requiring the possession or display of the physical credential. Any provision of state law or regulation or local ordinance or regulation that may be satisfied by the display or possession of a physical registration card may be satisfied by displaying or possessing an electronic registration card issued pursuant to this section at the discretion of the person to whom it is presented and subject to the conditions of this section.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":301555,"text":"The Department, on receiving an application for a certificate of title for a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, shall issue to the owner a certificate of title and a registration card as separate documents.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":301556,"text":"Subject to all applicable federal laws, the Department may refrain from issuing a certificate of title in paper form and, instead, shall create only the electronic record of such title to be retained by the Department in its existing electronic title record system with a notation that no certificate of title has been printed on paper. The owner of a vehicle will be deemed to have obtained and the Department will be deemed to have issued a certificate of title when such title record has been created electronically as provided in this subsection. An owner or lienholder listed on a title record so created may at any time request and the Department shall provide a paper certificate of title for the vehicle. Except as provided in § 46.2-603.1, all transfers of vehicle ownership shall require a paper certificate of title in accordance with, and subject to, all applicable federal laws.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":301557,"text":"The Department may issue an electronic registration card to an individual who holds a valid physical registration card that the Department is authorized to issue. If the Department issues an electronic registration card, the registration card shall be issued in addition to, and not instead of, the underlying physical registration card for which a person is eligible. No electronic registration card shall be issued unless the applicant holds the corresponding physical registration card. The possession or display of an electronic registration card shall not relieve a person from the requirements of any state law or regulation or local ordinance or regulation requiring the possession or display of the physical credential. Any provision of state law or regulation or local ordinance or regulation that may be satisfied by the display or possession of a physical registration card may be satisfied by displaying or possessing an electronic registration card issued pursuant to this section at the discretion of the person to whom it is presented and subject to the conditions of this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B"}},"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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-603\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 5 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; in 2005, chapter 305<\/a>; in 2012, chapter 650<\/a>; in 2022, chapter 183<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":78960,"section_number":"46.2-603.1","catch_line":"Electronic titling and registration program","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-603.1\/"}],"permalink":{"id":226959,"object_type":"law","relational_id":84134,"identifier":"46.2-603","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-603","url":"\/46.2-603\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-603\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/1\/46.2-603","dublin_core":{"Title":"Issuance of certificate of title and registration card","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-603","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Department<\/span>, on receiving an application for a certificate of title for a motor vehicle<\/span>, trailer<\/span>, or semitrailer<\/span>, shall issue<\/span> to the owner<\/span> a certificate of title and a registration card as separate documents. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Subject to all applicable federal laws<\/span>, the Department<\/span> may refrain from issuing a certificate of title in paper form and, instead, shall create only the electronic record of such title to be retained by the Department<\/span> in its existing electronic title record system with a notation that no certificate of title has been printed on paper. The owner<\/span> of a vehicle will be deemed to have obtained and the Department<\/span> will be deemed to have issued a certificate of title when such title record has been created electronically as provided in this subsection. An owner<\/span> or lienholder listed on a title record so created may at any time request and the Department<\/span> shall provide a paper certificate of title for the vehicle. Except as provided in § 46.2-603.1<\/a>, all transfers of vehicle ownership shall require a paper certificate of title in accordance with, and subject to, all applicable federal laws<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The Department<\/span> may issue<\/span> an electronic registration card to an individual who holds a valid physical registration card that the Department<\/span> is authorized to issue<\/span>. If the Department<\/span> issues<\/span> an electronic registration card, the registration card shall be issued in addition to, and not instead of, the underlying physical registration card for which a person is eligible. No electronic registration card shall be issued unless the applicant holds the corresponding physical registration card. The possession<\/span> or display of an electronic registration card shall not relieve a person from the requirements of any state law<\/span> or regulation or local ordinance<\/span> or regulation requiring the possession<\/span> or display of the physical credential. Any provision of state law<\/span> or regulation or local ordinance<\/span> or regulation that may be satisfied by the display or possession<\/span> of a physical registration card may be satisfied by displaying or possessing an electronic registration card issued pursuant to this section at the discretion of the person to whom it is presented and subject to the conditions of this section. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF TITLE AND REGISTRATION CARD (\u00a7 46.2-603)\n\nA. The Department, on receiving an application for a certificate of title for a\nmotor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, shall issue to the owner a certificate\nof title and a registration card as separate documents.\n\nB. Subject to all applicable federal laws, the Department may refrain from\nissuing a certificate of title in paper form and, instead, shall create only the\nelectronic record of such title to be retained by the Department in its existing\nelectronic title record system with a notation that no certificate of title has\nbeen printed on paper. The owner of a vehicle will be deemed to have obtained\nand the Department will be deemed to have issued a certificate of title when\nsuch title record has been created electronically as provided in this\nsubsection. An owner or lienholder listed on a title record so created may at\nany time request and the Department shall provide a paper certificate of title\nfor the vehicle. Except as provided in § 46.2-603.1, all transfers of\nvehicle ownership shall require a paper certificate of title in accordance with,\nand subject to, all applicable federal laws.\n\nC. The Department may issue an electronic registration card to an individual who\nholds a valid physical registration card that the Department is authorized to\nissue. If the Department issues an electronic registration card, the\nregistration card shall be issued in addition to, and not instead of, the\nunderlying physical registration card for which a person is eligible. No\nelectronic registration card shall be issued unless the applicant holds the\ncorresponding physical registration card. The possession or display of an\nelectronic registration card shall not relieve a person from the requirements of\nany state law or regulation or local ordinance or regulation requiring the\npossession or display of the physical credential. Any provision of state law or\nregulation or local ordinance or regulation that may be satisfied by the display\nor possession of a physical registration card may be satisfied by displaying or\npossessing an electronic registration card issued pursuant to this section at\nthe discretion of the person to whom it is presented and subject to the\nconditions of this section.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 46-68; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-68; 1989, c. 727; 2005, c.\n305; 2012, c. 650; 2022, c. 183.","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}}