{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/55.1-1015.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/55.1-1015.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/55.1-1015.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/55.1-1015.html"}],"law_id":65576,"edition_id":1,"section_id":65576,"structure_id":15275,"section_number":"55.1-1015","catch_line":"Penalties and liabilities","history":"1997, c. 716, \u00a7 6.1-2.27; 2000, c. 549; 2004, c. 597; 2009, c. 256; 2010, c. 794, \u00a7 55-525.31; 2019, c. 712.","full_text":"A\n\nIf the appropriate licensing authority determines that the settlement agent licensed by it or any of its other licensees has violated this chapter, or any regulation or order adopted thereunder, after notice and opportunity to be heard, the appropriate licensing authority may do one or more of the following:1\n\nImpose a civil penalty not exceeding $5,000 for each violation;2\n\nRevoke or suspend the applicable licenses;3\n\nIssue a restraining order requiring such person to cease and desist from engaging in such act or practice; or4\n\nRequire restitution to be made by the person violating this chapter in the amount of any actual, direct financial loss.B\n\nThe appropriate licensing authority may terminate administratively the registration of any settlement agent if the settlement agent (i) no longer holds a license, (ii) fails to renew its registration, or (iii) fails to comply with the financial responsibility requirements set forth in § 55.1-1004.C\n\nIn addition to the authority given in subsection A, and pursuant to \u00a7 12.1-13, the Commission, after determining that any person who does not hold a license from the appropriate licensing authority has violated this chapter or any regulation or order adopted thereunder, may do one or more of the following:1\n\nImpose a civil penalty not exceeding $5,000 for each violation;2\n\nIssue a temporary or permanent injunction, or restraining order requiring such person to cease and desist from engaging in such act or practice; or3\n\nRequire restitution to be made by the person violating this chapter in the amount of any actual, direct financial loss.D\n\nNothing in this section shall affect the right of the appropriate licensing authority to impose any other penalties provided by law or regulation. Notwithstanding any provision contained in this section to the contrary, as to that portion of any complaint by a party to the real estate transaction arising under this chapter or any regulation or order adopted thereunder relating to the unauthorized practice of law, the Virginia State Bar, after complying with applicable law and regulation relating to unauthorized practice of law complaints and concluding the activity was not authorized by statute or regulation, may refer that portion of such complaint to the Attorney General or an attorney for the Commonwealth. The Attorney General or attorney for the Commonwealth may, in addition to any other powers conferred on him by law, seek the issuance of a temporary or permanent injunction or restraining order against any person so violating this chapter or any regulation or order adopted thereunder.E\n\nA final order of the licensing authority imposing a civil penalty or ordering restitution may be recorded, enforced, and satisfied as orders of a circuit court upon certification of such order by the licensing authority.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":238362,"text":"If the appropriate licensing authority determines that the settlement agent licensed by it or any of its other licensees has violated this chapter, or any regulation or order adopted thereunder, after notice and opportunity to be heard, the appropriate licensing authority may do one or more of the following:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":238363,"text":"Impose a civil penalty not exceeding $5,000 for each violation;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":238364,"text":"Revoke or suspend the applicable licenses;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":238365,"text":"Issue a restraining order requiring such person to cease and desist from engaging in such act or practice; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":238366,"text":"Require restitution to be made by the person violating this chapter in the amount of any actual, direct financial loss.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"B"},"5":{"id":238367,"text":"The appropriate licensing authority may terminate administratively the registration of any settlement agent if the settlement agent (i) no longer holds a license, (ii) fails to renew its registration, or (iii) fails to comply with the financial responsibility requirements set forth in § 55.1-1004.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"C"},"6":{"id":238368,"text":"In addition to the authority given in subsection A, and pursuant to \u00a7 12.1-13, the Commission, after determining that any person who does not hold a license from the appropriate licensing authority has violated this chapter or any regulation or order adopted thereunder, may do one or more of the following:","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"C1"},"7":{"id":238369,"text":"Impose a civil penalty not exceeding $5,000 for each violation;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"C1","prefix_anchor":"C1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C2"},"8":{"id":238370,"text":"Issue a temporary or permanent injunction, or restraining order requiring such person to cease and desist from engaging in such act or practice; or","type":"section","prefixes":["C","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"C2","prefix_anchor":"C2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C1","next_prefix":"C3"},"9":{"id":238371,"text":"Require restitution to be made by the person violating this chapter in the amount of any actual, direct financial loss.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"C3","prefix_anchor":"C3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C2","next_prefix":"D"},"10":{"id":238372,"text":"Nothing in this section shall affect the right of the appropriate licensing authority to impose any other penalties provided by law or regulation. Notwithstanding any provision contained in this section to the contrary, as to that portion of any complaint by a party to the real estate transaction arising under this chapter or any regulation or order adopted thereunder relating to the unauthorized practice of law, the Virginia State Bar, after complying with applicable law and regulation relating to unauthorized practice of law complaints and concluding the activity was not authorized by statute or regulation, may refer that portion of such complaint to the Attorney General or an attorney for the Commonwealth. The Attorney General or attorney for the Commonwealth may, in addition to any other powers conferred on him by law, seek the issuance of a temporary or permanent injunction or restraining order against any person so violating this chapter or any regulation or order adopted thereunder.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C3","next_prefix":"E"},"11":{"id":238373,"text":"A final order of the licensing authority imposing a civil penalty or ordering restitution may be recorded, enforced, and satisfied as orders of a circuit court upon certification of such order by the licensing authority.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D"}},"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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/55.1-1015\/","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 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 2000, chapter 549<\/a>; in 2004, chapter 597<\/a>; in 2009, chapter 256<\/a>; in 2010, chapter 794<\/a>; in 2019, chapter 712<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":69153,"section_number":"55.1-1015.1","catch_line":"Civil penalties; attorney fees","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1015.1\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":82300,"section_number":"12.1-13","catch_line":"Commission to have powers of court of record; rules and regulations; fines","order_by":null,"url":"\/12.1-13\/"}],"permalink":{"id":245437,"object_type":"law","relational_id":65576,"identifier":"55.1-1015","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1015","url":"\/55.1-1015\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/55.1-1015\/","token":"55.1\/II\/10\/55.1-1015","dublin_core":{"Title":"Penalties and liabilities","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 55.1-1015","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> If the appropriate licensing authority<\/span> determines that the settlement agent<\/span> licensed by it or any of its other licensees has violated this chapter, or any regulation or order<\/span> adopted thereunder, after notice and opportunity to be heard, the appropriate licensing authority<\/span> may do one or more of the following: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Impose a civil penalty<\/span> not exceeding $5,000 for each violation; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Revoke or suspend the applicable licenses; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Issue<\/span> a restraining order<\/span> requiring such person to cease and desist from engaging in such act or practice; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Require restitution<\/span> to be made by the person violating this chapter in the amount of any actual, direct financial loss. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The appropriate licensing authority<\/span> may terminate administratively the registration of any settlement agent<\/span> if the settlement agent<\/span> (i) no longer holds a license, (ii) fails to renew its registration, or (iii) fails to comply with the financial responsibility requirements set forth in § 55.1-1004<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> In addition to the authority given in subsection A, and pursuant to \u00a7 12.1-13<\/a>, the Commission<\/span>, after determining that any person who does not hold a license from the appropriate licensing authority<\/span> has violated this chapter or any regulation or order<\/span> adopted thereunder, may do one or more of the following: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Impose a civil penalty<\/span> not exceeding $5,000 for each violation; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Issue<\/span> a temporary or permanent injunction<\/span>, or restraining order<\/span> requiring such person to cease and desist from engaging in such act or practice; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Require restitution<\/span> to be made by the person violating this chapter in the amount of any actual, direct financial loss. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Nothing in this section shall affect the right of the appropriate licensing authority<\/span> to impose any other penalties provided by law<\/span> or regulation. Notwithstanding any provision contained in this section to the contrary, as to that portion of any complaint by a party<\/span> to the real estate transaction arising under this chapter or any regulation or order<\/span> adopted thereunder relating to the unauthorized practice of law<\/span>, the Virginia State Bar, after complying with applicable law<\/span> and regulation relating to unauthorized practice of law<\/span> complaints and concluding the activity was not authorized by statute<\/span> or regulation, may refer that portion of such complaint to the Attorney General<\/span> or an attorney for the Commonwealth. The Attorney General<\/span> or attorney for the Commonwealth may, in addition to any other powers conferred on him by law<\/span>, seek the issuance of a temporary or permanent injunction<\/span> or restraining order<\/span> against any person so violating this chapter or any regulation or order<\/span> adopted thereunder. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> A final order<\/span> of the licensing authority<\/span> imposing a civil penalty<\/span> or ordering restitution<\/span> may be recorded, enforced, and satisfied as orders<\/span> of a circuit<\/span> court<\/span> upon certification of such order by the licensing authority<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPENALTIES AND LIABILITIES (\u00a7 55.1-1015)\n\nA. If the appropriate licensing authority determines that the settlement agent\nlicensed by it or any of its other licensees has violated this chapter, or any\nregulation or order adopted thereunder, after notice and opportunity to be\nheard, the appropriate licensing authority may do one or more of the following:\n\n 1. Impose a civil penalty not exceeding $5,000 for each violation;\n\n 2. Revoke or suspend the applicable licenses;\n\n 3. Issue a restraining order requiring such person to cease and desist from\n engaging in such act or practice; or\n\n 4. Require restitution to be made by the person violating this chapter in the\n amount of any actual, direct financial loss.\n\nB. The appropriate licensing authority may terminate administratively the\nregistration of any settlement agent if the settlement agent (i) no longer holds\na license, (ii) fails to renew its registration, or (iii) fails to comply with\nthe financial responsibility requirements set forth in § 55.1-1004.\n\nC. In addition to the authority given in subsection A, and pursuant to \u00a7\n12.1-13, the Commission, after determining that any person who does not hold a\nlicense from the appropriate licensing authority has violated this chapter or\nany regulation or order adopted thereunder, may do one or more of the following:\n\n 1. Impose a civil penalty not exceeding $5,000 for each violation;\n\n 2. Issue a temporary or permanent injunction, or restraining order requiring\n such person to cease and desist from engaging in such act or practice; or\n\n 3. Require restitution to be made by the person violating this chapter in the\n amount of any actual, direct financial loss.\n\nD. Nothing in this section shall affect the right of the appropriate licensing\nauthority to impose any other penalties provided by law or regulation.\nNotwithstanding any provision contained in this section to the contrary, as to\nthat portion of any complaint by a party to the real estate transaction arising\nunder this chapter or any regulation or order adopted thereunder relating to the\nunauthorized practice of law, the Virginia State Bar, after complying with\napplicable law and regulation relating to unauthorized practice of law\ncomplaints and concluding the activity was not authorized by statute or\nregulation, may refer that portion of such complaint to the Attorney General or\nan attorney for the Commonwealth. The Attorney General or attorney for the\nCommonwealth may, in addition to any other powers conferred on him by law, seek\nthe issuance of a temporary or permanent injunction or restraining order against\nany person so violating this chapter or any regulation or order adopted\nthereunder.\n\nE. A final order of the licensing authority imposing a civil penalty or ordering\nrestitution may be recorded, enforced, and satisfied as orders of a circuit\ncourt upon certification of such order by the licensing authority.\n\nHISTORY: 1997, c. 716, \u00a7 6.1-2.27; 2000, c. 549; 2004, c. 597; 2009, c. 256;\n2010, c. 794, \u00a7 55-525.31; 2019, c. 712.","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}}