{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/55.1-1014.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/55.1-1014.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/55.1-1014.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/55.1-1014.html"}],"law_id":70071,"edition_id":1,"section_id":70071,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1014","catch_line":"Settlement agent registration requirements and compliance with unauthorized practice of law guidelines; civil penalty","history":"1997, c. 716, \u00a7\u00a7 6.1-2.25, 6.1-2.26; 2004, cc. 336, 597; 2009, c. 256; 2010, c. 794, \u00a7 55-525.30; 2016, c. 619; 2019, cc. 675, 712; 2020, c. 225.","full_text":"A\n\nEvery settlement agent subject to the provisions of this chapter shall be registered as such with the appropriate licensing authority. In conjunction therewith, settlement agents shall furnish (i) their names, business addresses, and telephone numbers and (ii) such other information as may be required. Each such registration (a) shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee prescribed by the appropriate licensing authority and (b) shall be renewed at least biennially thereafter, except that (1) the registration of a person described in subdivision A 2 of § 55.1-1003 shall be renewed on or before May 1, 2021, and biennially thereafter and (2) the registration of a person described in subdivision A 3 of § 55.1-1003 shall be renewed at the same time as renewal of his title insurance agent license pursuant to § 38.2-1825.1. When the registration of a settlement agent is renewed, the appropriate licensing authority shall notify the registrant of the provisions of § 17.1-223.B\n\nThe Commission shall retain the authority to enforce the provisions of and impose any penalty or remedy authorized by this title and Title 38.2 against any person who is under investigation by the Commission for or charged with a violation of this title, even if the person’s license or registration has been surrendered, terminated, suspended, or revoked or has lapsed by operation of law.C\n\nThe Virginia State Bar, in consultation with the Commission and the Real Estate Board, shall adopt regulations establishing guidelines for settlement agents designed to assist them in avoiding and preventing the unauthorized practice of law in conjunction with providing escrow, closing, and settlement services. Such guidelines shall be furnished by the appropriate licensing authority to (i) each settlement agent at the time of registration and any renewal thereof, (ii) state and federal agencies that regulate financial institutions, and (iii) members of the general public upon request. Such guidelines shall also be furnished by settlement agents to any party to a real estate transaction in which such agents are providing escrow, closing, or settlement services, upon request.D\n\nThe Virginia State Bar shall receive complaints concerning settlement agent or financial institution noncompliance with the guidelines established pursuant to subsection C and shall (i) investigate such complaints to the extent they concern the unauthorized practice of law or any other matter within its jurisdiction and (ii) refer all other matters or allegations to the appropriate licensing authority. The willful failure of any settlement agent to comply with the guidelines shall be considered a violation of this chapter, and such agent shall be subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $5,000 for each such failure as the Virginia State Bar may determine.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":253081,"text":"Every settlement agent subject to the provisions of this chapter shall be registered as such with the appropriate licensing authority. In conjunction therewith, settlement agents shall furnish (i) their names, business addresses, and telephone numbers and (ii) such other information as may be required. Each such registration (a) shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee prescribed by the appropriate licensing authority and (b) shall be renewed at least biennially thereafter, except that (1) the registration of a person described in subdivision A 2 of § 55.1-1003 shall be renewed on or before May 1, 2021, and biennially thereafter and (2) the registration of a person described in subdivision A 3 of § 55.1-1003 shall be renewed at the same time as renewal of his title insurance agent license pursuant to § 38.2-1825.1. When the registration of a settlement agent is renewed, the appropriate licensing authority shall notify the registrant of the provisions of § 17.1-223.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":253082,"text":"The Commission shall retain the authority to enforce the provisions of and impose any penalty or remedy authorized by this title and Title 38.2 against any person who is under investigation by the Commission for or charged with a violation of this title, even if the person’s license or registration has been surrendered, terminated, suspended, or revoked or has lapsed by operation of law.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":253083,"text":"The Virginia State Bar, in consultation with the Commission and the Real Estate Board, shall adopt regulations establishing guidelines for settlement agents designed to assist them in avoiding and preventing the unauthorized practice of law in conjunction with providing escrow, closing, and settlement services. Such guidelines shall be furnished by the appropriate licensing authority to (i) each settlement agent at the time of registration and any renewal thereof, (ii) state and federal agencies that regulate financial institutions, and (iii) members of the general public upon request. Such guidelines shall also be furnished by settlement agents to any party to a real estate transaction in which such agents are providing escrow, closing, or settlement services, upon request.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":253084,"text":"The Virginia State Bar shall receive complaints concerning settlement agent or financial institution noncompliance with the guidelines established pursuant to subsection C and shall (i) investigate such complaints to the extent they concern the unauthorized practice of law or any other matter within its jurisdiction and (ii) refer all other matters or allegations to the appropriate licensing authority. The willful failure of any settlement agent to comply with the guidelines shall be considered a violation of this chapter, and such agent shall be subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $5,000 for each such failure as the Virginia State Bar may determine.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":15275,"edition_id":1,"name":"Real Estate Settlement Agents","identifier":"10","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13524,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:53:31","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:53:31","permalink":{"id":245371,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15275,"identifier":"10","token":"55.1\/II\/10","url":"\/55.1\/II\/10\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13524,"edition_id":1,"name":"Real Estate Settlements and Recordation","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12707,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:07","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:07","permalink":{"id":245369,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13524,"identifier":"II","token":"55.1\/II","url":"\/55.1\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12707,"edition_id":1,"name":"Property and Conveyances","identifier":"55.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":244769,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12707,"identifier":"55.1","token":"55.1","url":"\/55.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":80642,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1000","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/55.1-1000\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1000","metadata":false},{"id":83132,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1001","catch_line":"Limitation on applicability of chapter","url":"\/55.1-1001\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1001","metadata":false},{"id":79138,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1002","catch_line":"Scope of chapter; lay real estate settlement agents","url":"\/55.1-1002\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1002","metadata":false},{"id":77232,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1003","catch_line":"Persons who may act as a settlement agent","url":"\/55.1-1003\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1003","metadata":false},{"id":68373,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1004","catch_line":"Duties of settlement agents","url":"\/55.1-1004\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1004","metadata":false},{"id":69907,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1005","catch_line":"Persons prohibited from assisting or being employed by settlement agents","url":"\/55.1-1005\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1005","metadata":false},{"id":73624,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1006","catch_line":"Choice of settlement agent","url":"\/55.1-1006\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1006","metadata":false},{"id":58611,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1007","catch_line":"Disclosure","url":"\/55.1-1007\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1007","metadata":false},{"id":58141,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1008","catch_line":"Conditions for providing escrow, closing, or settlement services and for maintaining escrow accounts","url":"\/55.1-1008\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1008","metadata":false},{"id":82868,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1009","catch_line":"Falsifying settlement statements prohibited","url":"\/55.1-1009\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1009","metadata":false},{"id":72074,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1009.1","catch_line":"Prohibition against payment or receipt of settlement services kickbacks, rebates, commissions, and other payments","url":"\/55.1-1009.1\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1009.1","metadata":false},{"id":69513,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1010","catch_line":"Separate charge for reporting transactions limited","url":"\/55.1-1010\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1010","metadata":false},{"id":84855,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1011","catch_line":"Record retention requirements","url":"\/55.1-1011\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1011","metadata":false},{"id":71946,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1012","catch_line":"Regulations and orders","url":"\/55.1-1012\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1012","metadata":false},{"id":59279,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1013","catch_line":"Accounting by title insurance companies","url":"\/55.1-1013\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1013","metadata":false},{"id":70071,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1014","catch_line":"Settlement agent registration requirements and compliance with unauthorized practice of law guidelines; civil penalty","url":"\/55.1-1014\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1014","metadata":false},{"id":65576,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1015","catch_line":"Penalties and liabilities","url":"\/55.1-1015\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1015","metadata":false},{"id":69153,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1015.1","catch_line":"Civil penalties; attorney fees","url":"\/55.1-1015.1\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1015.1","metadata":false},{"id":79216,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1016","catch_line":"Confidentiality of information obtained by the Commission","url":"\/55.1-1016\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1016","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":59279,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1013","catch_line":"Accounting by title insurance companies","url":"\/55.1-1013\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1013","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":65576,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1015","catch_line":"Penalties and liabilities","url":"\/55.1-1015\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1015","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/55.1-1014\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1997. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 716<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 6 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 2004, chapters 336<\/a> and 597<\/a>; in 2009, chapter 256<\/a>; in 2010, chapter 794<\/a>; in 2016, chapter 619<\/a>; in 2019, chapters 675<\/a> and 712<\/a>; in 2020, chapter 225<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":71946,"section_number":"55.1-1012","catch_line":"Regulations and orders","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1012\/"},{"id":82066,"section_number":"55.1-339","catch_line":"Release of deed of trust or other lien","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-339\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":84643,"section_number":"38.2-1825.1","catch_line":"Renewal application and fee; compliance with continuing education requirements; reinstatement; waiver","order_by":null,"url":"\/38.2-1825.1\/"},{"id":77232,"section_number":"55.1-1003","catch_line":"Persons who may act as a settlement agent","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1003\/"}],"permalink":{"id":245433,"object_type":"law","relational_id":70071,"identifier":"55.1-1014","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1014","url":"\/55.1-1014\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/55.1-1014\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1014","dublin_core":{"Title":"Settlement agent registration requirements and compliance with unauthorized practice of law guidelines; civil penalty","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 55.1-1014","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Every settlement agent<\/span> subject to the provisions of this chapter shall be registered as such with the appropriate licensing authority<\/span>. In conjunction therewith, settlement agents<\/span> shall furnish (i) their names, business addresses, and telephone numbers and (ii) such other information as may be required. Each such registration (a) shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee prescribed by the appropriate licensing authority<\/span> and (b) shall be renewed at least biennially thereafter, except that (1) the registration of a person described in subdivision A 2 of § 55.1-1003<\/a> shall be renewed on or before May 1, 2021, and biennially thereafter and (2) the registration of a person described in subdivision A 3 of § 55.1-1003<\/a> shall be renewed at the same time as renewal of his title insurance agent license pursuant to § 38.2-1825.1<\/a>. When the registration of a settlement agent<\/span> is renewed, the appropriate licensing authority<\/span> shall notify the registrant of the provisions of § 17.1-223<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The Commission<\/span> shall retain the authority to enforce the provisions of and impose any penalty<\/span> or remedy authorized by this title and Title 38.2 against any person who is under investigation by the Commission<\/span> for or charged with a violation of this title, even if the person’s license or registration has been surrendered, terminated, suspended, or revoked or has lapsed by operation of law<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The Virginia State Bar, in consultation with the Commission<\/span> and the Real Estate Board, shall adopt regulations establishing guidelines for settlement agents<\/span> designed to assist them in avoiding and preventing the unauthorized practice of law<\/span> in conjunction with providing escrow<\/span>, closing, and settlement services. Such guidelines shall be furnished by the appropriate licensing authority<\/span> to (i) each settlement agent<\/span> at the time of registration and any renewal thereof, (ii) state and federal agencies that regulate financial institutions, and (iii) members of the general public upon request. Such guidelines shall also be furnished by settlement agents<\/span> to any party<\/span> to a real estate transaction in which such agents are providing escrow<\/span>, closing, or settlement services<\/span>, upon request. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The Virginia State Bar shall receive complaints concerning settlement agent<\/span> or financial institution noncompliance with the guidelines established pursuant to subsection C and shall (i) investigate such complaints to the extent they concern the unauthorized practice of law<\/span> or any other matter within its jurisdiction<\/span> and (ii) refer all other matters or allegations<\/span> to the appropriate licensing authority<\/span>. The willful failure of any settlement agent<\/span> to comply with the guidelines shall be considered a violation of this chapter, and such agent shall be subject to a civil penalty<\/span> not exceeding $5,000 for each such failure as the Virginia State Bar may determine. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nSETTLEMENT AGENT REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS AND COMPLIANCE WITH UNAUTHORIZED\nPRACTICE OF LAW GUIDELINES; CIVIL PENALTY (\u00a7 55.1-1014)\n\nA. Every settlement agent subject to the provisions of this chapter shall be\nregistered as such with the appropriate licensing authority. In conjunction\ntherewith, settlement agents shall furnish (i) their names, business addresses,\nand telephone numbers and (ii) such other information as may be required. Each\nsuch registration (a) shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee prescribed by\nthe appropriate licensing authority and (b) shall be renewed at least biennially\nthereafter, except that (1) the registration of a person described in\nsubdivision A 2 of § 55.1-1003 shall be renewed on or before May 1, 2021,\nand biennially thereafter and (2) the registration of a person described in\nsubdivision A 3 of § 55.1-1003 shall be renewed at the same time as renewal\nof his title insurance agent license pursuant to § 38.2-1825.1. When the\nregistration of a settlement agent is renewed, the appropriate licensing\nauthority shall notify the registrant of the provisions of § 17.1-223.\n\nB. The Commission shall retain the authority to enforce the provisions of and\nimpose any penalty or remedy authorized by this title and Title 38.2 against any\nperson who is under investigation by the Commission for or charged with a\nviolation of this title, even if the person’s license or registration has\nbeen surrendered, terminated, suspended, or revoked or has lapsed by operation\nof law.\n\nC. The Virginia State Bar, in consultation with the Commission and the Real\nEstate Board, shall adopt regulations establishing guidelines for settlement\nagents designed to assist them in avoiding and preventing the unauthorized\npractice of law in conjunction with providing escrow, closing, and settlement\nservices. Such guidelines shall be furnished by the appropriate licensing\nauthority to (i) each settlement agent at the time of registration and any\nrenewal thereof, (ii) state and federal agencies that regulate financial\ninstitutions, and (iii) members of the general public upon request. Such\nguidelines shall also be furnished by settlement agents to any party to a real\nestate transaction in which such agents are providing escrow, closing, or\nsettlement services, upon request.\n\nD. The Virginia State Bar shall receive complaints concerning settlement agent\nor financial institution noncompliance with the guidelines established pursuant\nto subsection C and shall (i) investigate such complaints to the extent they\nconcern the unauthorized practice of law or any other matter within its\njurisdiction and (ii) refer all other matters or allegations to the appropriate\nlicensing authority. The willful failure of any settlement agent to comply with\nthe guidelines shall be considered a violation of this chapter, and such agent\nshall be subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $5,000 for each such failure\nas the Virginia State Bar may determine.\n\nHISTORY: 1997, c. 716, \u00a7\u00a7 6.1-2.25, 6.1-2.26; 2004, cc. 336, 597; 2009, c.\n256; 2010, c. 794, \u00a7 55-525.30; 2016, c. 619; 2019, cc. 675, 712; 2020, c. 225.","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}}