{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-633.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-633.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-633.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-633.html"}],"law_id":72419,"edition_id":1,"section_id":72419,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-633","catch_line":"Transfer of title by operation of law","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 46-89; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-93; 1964, c. 142; 1968, cc. 187, 605; 1970, c. 287; 1989, c. 727; 2005, cc. 766, 849; 2008, Sp. Sess. II, c. 7; 2009, c. 664.","full_text":"A\n\nExcept as otherwise provided in § 46.2-615 in the event of the transfer by operation of law of the title or interest of an owner in and to a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer registered under the provisions of this chapter to anyone as legatee or distributee or as surviving joint owner or by an order in bankruptcy or insolvency, execution sale, sales as provided for in § 46.2-644.03, repossession on default in the performing of the terms of a lease or executory sales contract or of any written agreement ratified or incorporated in a decree or order of a court of record, or otherwise than by the voluntary act of the person whose title or interest is so transferred, the transferee or his legal representative shall apply to the Department for a certificate of title, giving the name and address of the person entitled to it, and accompany his application with the registration card and certificate of title previously issued for the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, if available, together with whatever instruments or documents of authority, or certified copies of them, are required by law to evidence or effect a transfer of title or interest in or to chattels in the case. The Department shall cancel the registration of the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer and issue a new certificate of title to the person entitled to it.B\n\nNotwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, if a title is presented from a state other than the Commonwealth, the Department shall, upon presentation of the title and a form prescribed by the Commissioner attesting to the lawful repossession of the vehicle and the intent to offer the vehicle for sale in the Commonwealth, issue a new certificate of title to the person entitled to it and request the state in which the vehicle is titled to cancel the title. Nothing in this subsection, however, shall be construed to require the presentation of a title from a state other than the Commonwealth if the vehicle is not required to be titled by the laws of that other state.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":260830,"text":"Except as otherwise provided in § 46.2-615 in the event of the transfer by operation of law of the title or interest of an owner in and to a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer registered under the provisions of this chapter to anyone as legatee or distributee or as surviving joint owner or by an order in bankruptcy or insolvency, execution sale, sales as provided for in § 46.2-644.03, repossession on default in the performing of the terms of a lease or executory sales contract or of any written agreement ratified or incorporated in a decree or order of a court of record, or otherwise than by the voluntary act of the person whose title or interest is so transferred, the transferee or his legal representative shall apply to the Department for a certificate of title, giving the name and address of the person entitled to it, and accompany his application with the registration card and certificate of title previously issued for the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, if available, together with whatever instruments or documents of authority, or certified copies of them, are required by law to evidence or effect a transfer of title or interest in or to chattels in the case. The Department shall cancel the registration of the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer and issue a new certificate of title to the person entitled to it.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":260831,"text":"Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, if a title is presented from a state other than the Commonwealth, the Department shall, upon presentation of the title and a form prescribed by the Commissioner attesting to the lawful repossession of the vehicle and the intent to offer the vehicle for sale in the Commonwealth, issue a new certificate of title to the person entitled to it and request the state in which the vehicle is titled to cancel the title. Nothing in this subsection, however, shall be construed to require the presentation of a title from a state other than the Commonwealth if the vehicle is not required to be titled by the laws of that other state.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A"}},"ancestry":[{"id":12956,"edition_id":1,"name":"Titling Vehicles","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12879,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:04","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:04","permalink":{"id":227953,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12956,"identifier":"2","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2","url":"\/46.2\/II\/6\/2\/","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":83979,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-616","catch_line":"Acquiring vehicle from vendor who does not have certificate of title","url":"\/46.2-616\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-616","metadata":false},{"id":86372,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-617","catch_line":"Sale of vehicle without certificate of title","url":"\/46.2-617\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-617","metadata":false},{"id":60178,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-618","catch_line":"When unlawful to have in possession certificate of title issued to another; remedy of purchaser against persons in possession of title of vehicle purchased from dealer","url":"\/46.2-618\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-618","metadata":false},{"id":72463,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-619","catch_line":"New indicia of title; procedure as to leased vehicles","url":"\/46.2-619\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-619","metadata":false},{"id":59012,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-620","catch_line":"Period of validity of certificate of title","url":"\/46.2-620\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-620","metadata":false},{"id":79969,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-621","catch_line":"Application for certificate of title","url":"\/46.2-621\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-621","metadata":false},{"id":65083,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-621.1","catch_line":"Correcting errors in titling","url":"\/46.2-621.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-621.1","metadata":false},{"id":61253,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-622","catch_line":"Issuance of certificate of title in names of joint owners","url":"\/46.2-622\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-622","metadata":false},{"id":74428,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-623","catch_line":"Statements in application","url":"\/46.2-623\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-623","metadata":false},{"id":67974,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-624","catch_line":"Information required on vehicles damaged by water","url":"\/46.2-624\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-624","metadata":false},{"id":69007,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-625","catch_line":"Specially constructed, reconstructed, replica, converted electric, or foreign vehicles","url":"\/46.2-625\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-625","metadata":false},{"id":64146,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-626","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-626\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-626","metadata":false},{"id":75060,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-626.1","catch_line":"Motorcycle purchased by manufacturer for parts; documentation required for sale of parts","url":"\/46.2-626.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-626.1","metadata":false},{"id":85078,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-627","catch_line":"Fee for certificate of title; use in special fund","url":"\/46.2-627\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-627","metadata":false},{"id":71729,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-628","catch_line":"How certificate of title transferred","url":"\/46.2-628\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-628","metadata":false},{"id":69663,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-629","catch_line":"Odometer reading to be reported on certificate of title, application, or power of attorney","url":"\/46.2-629\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-629","metadata":false},{"id":56148,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-630","catch_line":"Transfer and application for certificate of title forwarded to Department","url":"\/46.2-630\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-630","metadata":false},{"id":62224,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-631","catch_line":"When transferred certificate of title need not be forwarded","url":"\/46.2-631\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-631","metadata":false},{"id":66534,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-631.1","catch_line":"Electronic sales by dealers; titling","url":"\/46.2-631.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-631.1","metadata":false},{"id":63795,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-632","catch_line":"Transfer when certificate of title lost","url":"\/46.2-632\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-632","metadata":false},{"id":72419,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-633","catch_line":"Transfer of title by operation of law","url":"\/46.2-633\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-633","metadata":false},{"id":59621,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-633.1","catch_line":"Sale in Virginia of vehicle repossessed in another state","url":"\/46.2-633.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-633.1","metadata":false},{"id":71623,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-633.2","catch_line":"Transfer of title on death","url":"\/46.2-633.2\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-633.2","metadata":false},{"id":71249,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-634","catch_line":"Transfer of title when no qualification on estate","url":"\/46.2-634\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-634","metadata":false},{"id":80251,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-635","catch_line":"Surrender of certificates for vehicles to be demolished; securing new title certificates","url":"\/46.2-635\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-635","metadata":false},{"id":86490,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-636","catch_line":"Certificate to show security interests","url":"\/46.2-636\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-636","metadata":false},{"id":60463,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-636.1","catch_line":"Security interests in farm tractors and special construction and forestry equipment","url":"\/46.2-636.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-636.1","metadata":false},{"id":55770,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-637","catch_line":"Security interests subsequently created","url":"\/46.2-637\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-637","metadata":false},{"id":59161,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-638","catch_line":"Certificate as notice of security interest","url":"\/46.2-638\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-638","metadata":false},{"id":64135,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-639","catch_line":"Security interest may be filed within thirty days after purchase","url":"\/46.2-639\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-639","metadata":false},{"id":66722,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-640","catch_line":"Priority of security interests shown on certificates of title","url":"\/46.2-640\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-640","metadata":false},{"id":85614,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-640.1","catch_line":"Vehicle leases that are not sales or security interests","url":"\/46.2-640.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-640.1","metadata":false},{"id":78295,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-641","catch_line":"Who to hold certificate of title subject to security interest","url":"\/46.2-641\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-641","metadata":false},{"id":61531,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-642","catch_line":"Release of security interest shown on certificate of title","url":"\/46.2-642\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-642","metadata":false},{"id":54050,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-643","catch_line":"Surrender of certificate of title required when security interest paid","url":"\/46.2-643\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-643","metadata":false},{"id":82679,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-644","catch_line":"Levy of execution","url":"\/46.2-644\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-644","metadata":false},{"id":71754,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-644.01","catch_line":"Lien of keeper of vehicles","url":"\/46.2-644.01\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-644.01","metadata":false},{"id":78093,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-644.02","catch_line":"Lien of mechanic for repairs","url":"\/46.2-644.02\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-644.02","metadata":false},{"id":56129,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-644.03","catch_line":"Enforcement of liens acquired under \u00a7\u00a7 46.2-644.01 and 46.2-644.02","url":"\/46.2-644.03\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-644.03","metadata":false},{"id":67489,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-644.04","catch_line":"Relinquishment of liens acquired under \u00a7\u00a7 46.2-644.01 and 46.2-644.02","url":"\/46.2-644.04\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-644.04","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":63795,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-632","catch_line":"Transfer when certificate of title lost","url":"\/46.2-632\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-632","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":59621,"structure_id":12956,"section_number":"46.2-633.1","catch_line":"Sale in Virginia of vehicle repossessed in another state","url":"\/46.2-633.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-633.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-633\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 7 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 1964, chapter 142; in 1968, chapters 187 and 605; in 1970, chapter 287; in 1989, chapter 727; in 2005, chapters 766<\/a> and 849<\/a>; in 2009, chapter 664<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":54656,"section_number":"46.2-1606","catch_line":"Certificates of title issued by other states; nonnegotiable titles","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1606\/"},{"id":69821,"section_number":"46.2-602","catch_line":"Titling and registration of foreign market vehicles","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-602\/"},{"id":57242,"section_number":"46.2-615","catch_line":"Registration effective after death of owner","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-615\/"},{"id":61885,"section_number":"54.1-4005","catch_line":"Sale of goods pawned","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-4005\/"},{"id":86455,"section_number":"58.1-3921","catch_line":"Treasurer to make out lists of uncollectable taxes and delinquents","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-3921\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":57242,"section_number":"46.2-615","catch_line":"Registration effective after death of owner","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-615\/"},{"id":56129,"section_number":"46.2-644.03","catch_line":"Enforcement of liens acquired under \u00a7\u00a7 46.2-644.01 and 46.2-644.02","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-644.03\/"}],"permalink":{"id":228035,"object_type":"law","relational_id":72419,"identifier":"46.2-633","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-633","url":"\/46.2-633\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-633\/","token":"46.2\/II\/6\/2\/46.2-633","dublin_core":{"Title":"Transfer of title by operation of law","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-633","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Except as otherwise provided in § 46.2-615<\/a> in the event of the transfer by operation of law<\/span> of the title or interest of an owner<\/span> in and to a motor vehicle<\/span>, trailer<\/span>, or semitrailer<\/span> registered under the provisions of this chapter to anyone as legatee or distributee or as surviving joint owner<\/span> or by an order<\/span> in bankruptcy<\/span> or insolvency, execution sale, sales as provided for in § 46.2-644.03<\/a>, repossession on default<\/span> in the performing of the terms of a lease or executory sales contract<\/span> or of any written agreement ratified or incorporated in a decree<\/span> or order<\/span> of a court<\/span> of record, or otherwise than by the voluntary act of the person whose title or interest is so transferred, the transferee or his legal representative shall apply to the Department<\/span> for a certificate of title, giving the name and address of the person entitled to it, and accompany his application with the registration card and certificate of title previously issued for the motor vehicle<\/span>, trailer<\/span>, or semitrailer<\/span>, if available, together with whatever instruments or documents of authority, or certified copies of them, are required by law<\/span> to evidence<\/span> or effect a transfer of title or interest in or to chattels in the case. The Department<\/span> shall cancel<\/span> the registration of the motor vehicle<\/span>, trailer<\/span>, or semitrailer<\/span> and issue<\/span> a new certificate of title to the person entitled to it. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, if a title is presented from a state other than the Commonwealth, the Department<\/span> shall, upon presentation of the title and a form prescribed by the Commissioner<\/span> attesting to the lawful repossession of the vehicle and the intent<\/span> to offer the vehicle for sale in the Commonwealth, issue<\/span> a new certificate of title to the person entitled to it and request the state in which the vehicle is titled to cancel<\/span> the title. Nothing in this subsection, however, shall be construed to require the presentation of a title from a state other than the Commonwealth if the vehicle is not required to be titled by the laws<\/span> of that other state. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nTRANSFER OF TITLE BY OPERATION OF LAW (\u00a7 46.2-633)\n\nA. Except as otherwise provided in § 46.2-615 in the event of the transfer\nby operation of law of the title or interest of an owner in and to a motor\nvehicle, trailer, or semitrailer registered under the provisions of this chapter\nto anyone as legatee or distributee or as surviving joint owner or by an order\nin bankruptcy or insolvency, execution sale, sales as provided for in §\n46.2-644.03, repossession on default in the performing of the terms of a lease\nor executory sales contract or of any written agreement ratified or incorporated\nin a decree or order of a court of record, or otherwise than by the voluntary\nact of the person whose title or interest is so transferred, the transferee or\nhis legal representative shall apply to the Department for a certificate of\ntitle, giving the name and address of the person entitled to it, and accompany\nhis application with the registration card and certificate of title previously\nissued for the motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, if available, together\nwith whatever instruments or documents of authority, or certified copies of\nthem, are required by law to evidence or effect a transfer of title or interest\nin or to chattels in the case. The Department shall cancel the registration of\nthe motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer and issue a new certificate of title\nto the person entitled to it.\n\nB. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, if a title is presented from\na state other than the Commonwealth, the Department shall, upon presentation of\nthe title and a form prescribed by the Commissioner attesting to the lawful\nrepossession of the vehicle and the intent to offer the vehicle for sale in the\nCommonwealth, issue a new certificate of title to the person entitled to it and\nrequest the state in which the vehicle is titled to cancel the title. Nothing in\nthis subsection, however, shall be construed to require the presentation of a\ntitle from a state other than the Commonwealth if the vehicle is not required to\nbe titled by the laws of that other state.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 46-89; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-93; 1964, c. 142; 1968, cc.\n187, 605; 1970, c. 287; 1989, c. 727; 2005, cc. 766, 849; 2008, Sp. Sess. II, c.\n7; 2009, c. 664.","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}}