{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/51.1-205.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/51.1-205.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/51.1-205.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/51.1-205.html"}],"law_id":69138,"edition_id":1,"section_id":69138,"structure_id":13260,"section_number":"51.1-205","catch_line":"Service retirement generally","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 51-134, 51-150; 1950, p. 884; 1954, c. 139; 1956, c. 562; 1962, c. 585; 1966, c. 628; 1970, c. 657; 1977, c. 620; 1982, c. 427; 1984, c. 430; 1986, c. 474; 1988, c. 222; 1989, c. 484; 1990, c. 832; 1995, cc. 152, 692, 811; 1996, c. 997; 1999, c. 111; 2000, cc. 66, 657, 911; 2002, c. 466; 2004, c. 83; 2005, c. 146; 2008, c. 28; 2011, c. 483; 2012, c. 85.","full_text":"A\n\nNormal retirement. — Any member in service at his normal retirement date with five or more years of creditable service (i) as a member in the retirement system established by this chapter, (ii) as a member in the retirement system established by Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211 et seq.), or (iii) while earning the benefits permitted by § 51.1-138 may retire upon written notification to the Board, setting forth the date the retirement is to become effective. Any member, except one appointed by the Governor or elected by the people, or a regional jail or jail farm superintendent, who attains 70 years of age shall be retired within 60 days of attaining age 70. Any employer, subsequent to the employee’s normal retirement date, may provide for compulsory service retirement upon a determination that age is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the particular business or that the employee is incapable of performing his duties in a safe and efficient manner. Any such determination shall be made by the employer.\n\t\t\tEffective December 31, 2003, any member in service on June 30, 2002, and July 1, 2002, who is credited with five or more years of creditable service rendered under Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-100 et seq.), this chapter, or Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211 et seq.) shall not be subject to the vesting requirements of this section, and §§ 51.1-138 and 51.1-216.B\n\nEarly retirement. — Any member in service who has attained his fiftieth birthday with five or more years of creditable service (i) as a member in the retirement system established by this chapter, (ii) as a member in the retirement system established by Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211 et seq.), or (iii) while earning the benefits permitted by § 51.1-138 may retire upon written notification to the Board setting forth the date the retirement is to become effective.\n\t\t\tEffective December 31, 2003, any member in service on June 30, 2002, and July 1, 2002, who is credited with five or more years of creditable service rendered under Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-100 et seq.), this chapter, or Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211 et seq.) shall not be subject to the vesting requirements of this section, and §§ 51.1-138 and 51.1-216.C\n\nDeferred retirement for members terminating service. — Any member who terminates service after five or more years of creditable service (i) as a member in the retirement system established by this chapter, (ii) as a member in the retirement system established by Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211 et seq.), or (iii) while earning the benefits permitted by § 51.1-138, may retire under the provisions of subsection A, B, or D if he has not withdrawn his accumulated contributions prior to the effective date of his retirement or if he has five or more years of creditable service (a) as a member in the retirement system established by this chapter, (b) as a member in the retirement system established by Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211 et seq.), or (c) while earning the benefits permitted by § 51.1-138, regardless of termination date, for which his employer has paid the contributions and such contributions cannot be withdrawn. For the purposes of this subsection, any requirements as to the member being in service shall not apply.\n\t\t\tEffective December 31, 2003, any member in service on June 30, 2002, and July 1, 2002, who is credited with five or more years of creditable service rendered under Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-100 et seq.), this chapter, or Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211 et seq.) shall not be subject to the vesting requirements of this section, and §§ 51.1-138 and 51.1-216.D\n\nEffective date of retirement. — The effective date of retirement shall be after the last day of service of the member, but shall not be more than 90 days prior to the filing of the notice of retirement.E\n\nNotification on behalf of member. — If the member is physically or mentally unable to submit written notification of his intention to retire, the member’s appointing authority may submit notification on his behalf.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":250182,"text":"Normal retirement. — Any member in service at his normal retirement date with five or more years of creditable service (i) as a member in the retirement system established by this chapter, (ii) as a member in the retirement system established by Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211 et seq.), or (iii) while earning the benefits permitted by § 51.1-138 may retire upon written notification to the Board, setting forth the date the retirement is to become effective. Any member, except one appointed by the Governor or elected by the people, or a regional jail or jail farm superintendent, who attains 70 years of age shall be retired within 60 days of attaining age 70. Any employer, subsequent to the employee’s normal retirement date, may provide for compulsory service retirement upon a determination that age is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the particular business or that the employee is incapable of performing his duties in a safe and efficient manner. Any such determination shall be made by the employer.\n\t\t\tEffective December 31, 2003, any member in service on June 30, 2002, and July 1, 2002, who is credited with five or more years of creditable service rendered under Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-100 et seq.), this chapter, or Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211 et seq.) shall not be subject to the vesting requirements of this section, and §§ 51.1-138 and 51.1-216.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":250183,"text":"Early retirement. — Any member in service who has attained his fiftieth birthday with five or more years of creditable service (i) as a member in the retirement system established by this chapter, (ii) as a member in the retirement system established by Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211 et seq.), or (iii) while earning the benefits permitted by § 51.1-138 may retire upon written notification to the Board setting forth the date the retirement is to become effective.\n\t\t\tEffective December 31, 2003, any member in service on June 30, 2002, and July 1, 2002, who is credited with five or more years of creditable service rendered under Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-100 et seq.), this chapter, or Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211 et seq.) shall not be subject to the vesting requirements of this section, and §§ 51.1-138 and 51.1-216.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":250184,"text":"Deferred retirement for members terminating service. — Any member who terminates service after five or more years of creditable service (i) as a member in the retirement system established by this chapter, (ii) as a member in the retirement system established by Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211 et seq.), or (iii) while earning the benefits permitted by § 51.1-138, may retire under the provisions of subsection A, B, or D if he has not withdrawn his accumulated contributions prior to the effective date of his retirement or if he has five or more years of creditable service (a) as a member in the retirement system established by this chapter, (b) as a member in the retirement system established by Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211 et seq.), or (c) while earning the benefits permitted by § 51.1-138, regardless of termination date, for which his employer has paid the contributions and such contributions cannot be withdrawn. For the purposes of this subsection, any requirements as to the member being in service shall not apply.\n\t\t\tEffective December 31, 2003, any member in service on June 30, 2002, and July 1, 2002, who is credited with five or more years of creditable service rendered under Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-100 et seq.), this chapter, or Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211 et seq.) shall not be subject to the vesting requirements of this section, and §§ 51.1-138 and 51.1-216.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":250185,"text":"Effective date of retirement. — The effective date of retirement shall be after the last day of service of the member, but shall not be more than 90 days prior to the filing of the notice of retirement.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":250186,"text":"Notification on behalf of member. — If the member is physically or mentally unable to submit written notification of his intention to retire, the member’s appointing authority may submit notification on his behalf.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13260,"edition_id":1,"name":"State Police Officers' Retirement System","identifier":"2","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12947,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:32","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:32","permalink":{"id":235905,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13260,"identifier":"2","token":"51.1\/2","url":"\/51.1\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12947,"edition_id":1,"name":"Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement","identifier":"51.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:04","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:04","permalink":{"id":235029,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12947,"identifier":"51.1","token":"51.1","url":"\/51.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":54259,"structure_id":13260,"section_number":"51.1-200","catch_line":"State Police Officers' Retirement System continued; administration; application of provisions of Virginia Retirement System","url":"\/51.1-200\/","token":"51.1\/2\/51.1-200","metadata":false},{"id":54544,"structure_id":13260,"section_number":"51.1-201","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/51.1-201\/","token":"51.1\/2\/51.1-201","metadata":false},{"id":74405,"structure_id":13260,"section_number":"51.1-202","catch_line":"Membership in retirement system","url":"\/51.1-202\/","token":"51.1\/2\/51.1-202","metadata":false},{"id":75132,"structure_id":13260,"section_number":"51.1-203","catch_line":"Creditable service","url":"\/51.1-203\/","token":"51.1\/2\/51.1-203","metadata":false},{"id":83295,"structure_id":13260,"section_number":"51.1-204","catch_line":"Contributions by Commonwealth","url":"\/51.1-204\/","token":"51.1\/2\/51.1-204","metadata":false},{"id":69138,"structure_id":13260,"section_number":"51.1-205","catch_line":"Service retirement generally","url":"\/51.1-205\/","token":"51.1\/2\/51.1-205","metadata":false},{"id":56709,"structure_id":13260,"section_number":"51.1-206","catch_line":"Service retirement allowance","url":"\/51.1-206\/","token":"51.1\/2\/51.1-206","metadata":false},{"id":56425,"structure_id":13260,"section_number":"51.1-207","catch_line":"Death before retirement","url":"\/51.1-207\/","token":"51.1\/2\/51.1-207","metadata":false},{"id":69861,"structure_id":13260,"section_number":"51.1-208","catch_line":"Post-retirement supplements","url":"\/51.1-208\/","token":"51.1\/2\/51.1-208","metadata":false},{"id":67495,"structure_id":13260,"section_number":"51.1-209","catch_line":"Disability as the result of felonious misconduct of another","url":"\/51.1-209\/","token":"51.1\/2\/51.1-209","metadata":false},{"id":63242,"structure_id":13260,"section_number":"51.1-210","catch_line":"Disability benefit","url":"\/51.1-210\/","token":"51.1\/2\/51.1-210","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":83295,"structure_id":13260,"section_number":"51.1-204","catch_line":"Contributions by Commonwealth","url":"\/51.1-204\/","token":"51.1\/2\/51.1-204","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":56709,"structure_id":13260,"section_number":"51.1-206","catch_line":"Service retirement allowance","url":"\/51.1-206\/","token":"51.1\/2\/51.1-206","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/51.1-205\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 22 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 1954, chapter 139; in 1956, chapter 562; in 1962, chapter 585; in 1966, chapter 628; in 1970, chapter 657; in 1977, chapter 620; in 1982, chapter 427; in 1984, chapter 430; in 1986, chapter 474; in 1988, chapter 222; in 1989, chapter 484; in 1990, chapter 832; in 1995, chapters 152<\/a>, 692<\/a>, and 811<\/a>; in 1996, chapter 997<\/a>; in 1999, chapter 111<\/a>; in 2000, chapters 66<\/a>, 657<\/a>, and 911<\/a>; in 2002, chapter 466<\/a>; in 2004, chapter 83<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 146<\/a>; in 2008, chapter 28<\/a>; in 2011, chapter 483<\/a>; in 2012, chapter 85<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":76756,"section_number":"2.2-3204","catch_line":"Retirement program","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3204\/"},{"id":60634,"section_number":"51.1-138","catch_line":"Benefits","order_by":null,"url":"\/51.1-138\/"},{"id":75331,"section_number":"51.1-1400","catch_line":"Health insurance credits for retired state employees","order_by":null,"url":"\/51.1-1400\/"},{"id":82994,"section_number":"51.1-165.01","catch_line":"Partial lump-sum option for payment of retirement allowance","order_by":null,"url":"\/51.1-165.01\/"},{"id":56709,"section_number":"51.1-206","catch_line":"Service retirement allowance","order_by":null,"url":"\/51.1-206\/"},{"id":63242,"section_number":"51.1-210","catch_line":"Disability benefit","order_by":null,"url":"\/51.1-210\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":83640,"section_number":"51.1-100","catch_line":"Repealed","order_by":null,"url":"\/51.1-100\/"},{"id":60634,"section_number":"51.1-138","catch_line":"Benefits","order_by":null,"url":"\/51.1-138\/"},{"id":74746,"section_number":"51.1-211","catch_line":"Virginia Law Officers' Retirement System; application of provisions of Virginia Retirement System","order_by":null,"url":"\/51.1-211\/"}],"permalink":{"id":235927,"object_type":"law","relational_id":69138,"identifier":"51.1-205","token":"51.1\/2\/51.1-205","url":"\/51.1-205\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/51.1-205\/","token":"51.1\/2\/51.1-205","dublin_core":{"Title":"Service retirement generally","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 51.1-205","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Normal retirement. — Any member<\/span> in service at his normal retirement date<\/span> with five or more years of creditable service (i) as a member<\/span> in the retirement system<\/span> established by this chapter, (ii) as a member<\/span> in the retirement system<\/span> established by Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211<\/a> et seq.), or (iii) while earning the benefits permitted by § 51.1-138<\/a> may retire upon written notification to the Board, setting forth the date the retirement is to become effective. Any member<\/span>, except one appointed by the Governor or elected by the people, or a regional jail or jail farm superintendent, who attains 70 years of age shall be retired within 60 days of attaining age 70. Any employer, subsequent to the employee<\/span>’s normal retirement date<\/span>, may provide for compulsory service retirement upon a determination that age is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the particular business or that the employee<\/span> is incapable of performing his duties in a safe and efficient manner. Any such determination shall be made by the employer.\n\t\t\tEffective December 31, 2003, any member<\/span> in service on June 30, 2002, and July 1, 2002, who is credited with five or more years of creditable service rendered under Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-100<\/a> et seq.), this chapter, or Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211<\/a> et seq.) shall not be subject to the vesting requirements of this section, and §§ 51.1-138<\/a> and 51.1-216<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Early retirement. — Any member<\/span> in service who has attained his fiftieth birthday with five or more years of creditable service (i) as a member<\/span> in the retirement system<\/span> established by this chapter, (ii) as a member<\/span> in the retirement system<\/span> established by Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211<\/a> et seq.), or (iii) while earning the benefits permitted by § 51.1-138<\/a> may retire upon written notification to the Board setting forth the date the retirement is to become effective.\n\t\t\tEffective December 31, 2003, any member<\/span> in service on June 30, 2002, and July 1, 2002, who is credited with five or more years of creditable service rendered under Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-100<\/a> et seq.), this chapter, or Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211<\/a> et seq.) shall not be subject to the vesting requirements of this section, and §§ 51.1-138<\/a> and 51.1-216<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Deferred retirement for members<\/span> terminating service. — Any member<\/span> who terminates service after five or more years of creditable service (i) as a member<\/span> in the retirement system<\/span> established by this chapter, (ii) as a member<\/span> in the retirement system<\/span> established by Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211<\/a> et seq.), or (iii) while earning the benefits permitted by § 51.1-138<\/a>, may retire under the provisions of subsection A, B, or D if he has not withdrawn his accumulated contributions prior to the effective date of his retirement or if he has five or more years of creditable service (a) as a member<\/span> in the retirement system<\/span> established by this chapter, (b) as a member<\/span> in the retirement system<\/span> established by Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211<\/a> et seq.), or (c) while earning the benefits permitted by § 51.1-138<\/a>, regardless of termination date, for which his employer has paid the contributions and such contributions cannot be withdrawn. For the purposes of this subsection, any requirements as to the member<\/span> being in service shall not apply.\n\t\t\tEffective December 31, 2003, any member<\/span> in service on June 30, 2002, and July 1, 2002, who is credited with five or more years of creditable service rendered under Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-100<\/a> et seq.), this chapter, or Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211<\/a> et seq.) shall not be subject to the vesting requirements of this section, and §§ 51.1-138<\/a> and 51.1-216<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Effective date of retirement. — The effective date of retirement shall be after the last day of service of the member<\/span>, but shall not be more than 90 days prior to the filing of the notice of retirement. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Notification on behalf of member<\/span>. — If the member<\/span> is physically or mentally unable to submit written notification of his intention to retire, the member<\/span>’s appointing authority may submit notification on his behalf. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nSERVICE RETIREMENT GENERALLY (\u00a7 51.1-205)\n\nA. Normal retirement. — Any member in service at his normal retirement\ndate with five or more years of creditable service (i) as a member in the\nretirement system established by this chapter, (ii) as a member in the\nretirement system established by Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211 et seq.), or (iii)\nwhile earning the benefits permitted by § 51.1-138 may retire upon written\nnotification to the Board, setting forth the date the retirement is to become\neffective. Any member, except one appointed by the Governor or elected by the\npeople, or a regional jail or jail farm superintendent, who attains 70 years of\nage shall be retired within 60 days of attaining age 70. Any employer,\nsubsequent to the employee’s normal retirement date, may provide for\ncompulsory service retirement upon a determination that age is a bona fide\noccupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the\nparticular business or that the employee is incapable of performing his duties\nin a safe and efficient manner. Any such determination shall be made by the\nemployer.\n\t\t\tEffective December 31, 2003, any member in service on June 30, 2002, and July\n1, 2002, who is credited with five or more years of creditable service rendered\nunder Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-100 et seq.), this chapter, or Chapter 2.1 (§\n51.1-211 et seq.) shall not be subject to the vesting requirements of this\nsection, and §§ 51.1-138 and 51.1-216.\n\nB. Early retirement. — Any member in service who has attained his fiftieth\nbirthday with five or more years of creditable service (i) as a member in the\nretirement system established by this chapter, (ii) as a member in the\nretirement system established by Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211 et seq.), or (iii)\nwhile earning the benefits permitted by § 51.1-138 may retire upon written\nnotification to the Board setting forth the date the retirement is to become\neffective.\n\t\t\tEffective December 31, 2003, any member in service on June 30, 2002, and July\n1, 2002, who is credited with five or more years of creditable service rendered\nunder Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-100 et seq.), this chapter, or Chapter 2.1 (§\n51.1-211 et seq.) shall not be subject to the vesting requirements of this\nsection, and §§ 51.1-138 and 51.1-216.\n\nC. Deferred retirement for members terminating service. — Any member who\nterminates service after five or more years of creditable service (i) as a\nmember in the retirement system established by this chapter, (ii) as a member in\nthe retirement system established by Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211 et seq.), or\n(iii) while earning the benefits permitted by § 51.1-138, may retire under\nthe provisions of subsection A, B, or D if he has not withdrawn his accumulated\ncontributions prior to the effective date of his retirement or if he has five or\nmore years of creditable service (a) as a member in the retirement system\nestablished by this chapter, (b) as a member in the retirement system\nestablished by Chapter 2.1 (§ 51.1-211 et seq.), or (c) while earning the\nbenefits permitted by § 51.1-138, regardless of termination date, for which\nhis employer has paid the contributions and such contributions cannot be\nwithdrawn. For the purposes of this subsection, any requirements as to the\nmember being in service shall not apply.\n\t\t\tEffective December 31, 2003, any member in service on June 30, 2002, and July\n1, 2002, who is credited with five or more years of creditable service rendered\nunder Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-100 et seq.), this chapter, or Chapter 2.1 (§\n51.1-211 et seq.) shall not be subject to the vesting requirements of this\nsection, and §§ 51.1-138 and 51.1-216.\n\nD. Effective date of retirement. — The effective date of retirement shall\nbe after the last day of service of the member, but shall not be more than 90\ndays prior to the filing of the notice of retirement.\n\nE. Notification on behalf of member. — If the member is physically or\nmentally unable to submit written notification of his intention to retire, the\nmember’s appointing authority may submit notification on his behalf.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 51-134, 51-150; 1950, p. 884; 1954, c. 139; 1956, c.\n562; 1962, c. 585; 1966, c. 628; 1970, c. 657; 1977, c. 620; 1982, c. 427; 1984,\nc. 430; 1986, c. 474; 1988, c. 222; 1989, c. 484; 1990, c. 832; 1995, cc. 152,\n692, 811; 1996, c. 997; 1999, c. 111; 2000, cc. 66, 657, 911; 2002, c. 466;\n2004, c. 83; 2005, c. 146; 2008, c. 28; 2011, c. 483; 2012, c. 85.","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}}