Agency 20. Department of Motor Vehicles  

AGENCY SUMMARY

The Department of Motor Vehicles is responsible for the administration of the motor vehicle, title and registration laws; the issuance, suspension, and revocation of driver's licenses; the examination of applicants for and holders of driver's licenses; the issuance of identification cards; the administration, training, disciplining, and assignment of examiners of applicants for driver's licenses; the administration of the safety responsibility laws, fuel tax laws, motor vehicle fuels sales tax laws, the provisions of Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia relating to transportation safety; the registration of carriers of passengers or property and vehicles that may be required to be registered under the International Registration Plan or pay road tax as described under Chapter 27 (§ 58.1-2700 et seq.) of Title 58.1 of the Code of Virginia under the International Fuel Tax Agreement; the issuance of oversize and overweight permits and escort vehicle driver certifications; the audit of carriers of passengers or property for compliance with registration and road tax requirements; proof of financial responsibility; and any other services that may be required to create a single point of contact for motor carriers operating within and outside the Commonwealth. The Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles may promulgate regulations necessary to carry out the laws administered by the department. The department is authorized to collect certain types of privileged information and disclose that information, as prescribed by law, for a reasonable fee. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 2, Article 1.

The department is authorized to register motor vehicles and issue license plates and validation decals therefor, and it is the state agency for recordation and certification of title to motor vehicles, liens thereon, and transfers of ownership. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 6. It is authorized to license operators and commercial drivers, to issue identification cards. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 3. The department is required to suspend or revoke the driving privileges of residents and nonresidents convicted of certain offenses. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 3, Article 12. It is authorized to issue disabled parking license plates and placards. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 12.1.

The department may adopt regulations to provide for the special examination or re-examination of persons desiring to qualify or retain their privilege to operate commercial motor vehicles as that term is defined in the federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 and for the granting of licenses or permits suitably endorsed for qualified applicants. The department is authorized to promulgate regulations addressing variances granted for commercial drivers transporting hazardous wastes or materials. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 3, Article 6.1. Certain crash reports are required to be made to the department, and reports are or may be required in various other instances. The department is required to accept and maintain certain records for specified periods and to provide abstracts or transcripts of records under certain circumstances. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 3, Article 11. It may require owners and operators to furnish proof of financial responsibility, and insurers and sureties must report to the department cancellation and initiation of motor vehicle liability policies or surety bonds executed for that purpose. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 3, Article 15. The department is authorized to promulgate regulations relating to the administration of a statewide driver improvement program and may order attendance at driver improvement clinics. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 3, Article 19.

The department may promulgate regulations concerning the issuance of license plates and the registration of antique motor vehicles. Code of Virginia, The department is authorized to issue special license plates and distribute revenue to entities where required by legislation. Title 46.2, Chapter 6, Article 10. The department is authorized to promulgate regulations relating to the licensing and operation of commercial driver training schools. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 17.

The department is authorized to license any person engaged in business in the Commonwealth as a motor vehicle manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, distributor branch, or factory or distributor representative. The commissioner is authorized to issue dealer license plates, temporary transport license plates and 30-day license plates to motor vehicle dealers The department is authorized to provide dealer license plates, and temporary transport license plates to the Motor Vehicle Dealer Board for issuance to automobile and truck dealers (Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 15) and to license auto recyclers, salvage pools, and vehicle removal operators (Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 16).

The department is responsible for the collection and disbursement to other state agencies, commissions, funds and organizations of certain fees, including driver’s license reinstatement fees and taxes on the sale, and use, of motor vehicles. The department is responsible for the collection and disbursement to localities of taxes on the sale of manufactured homes. Code of Virginia, Title 58.1, Chapter 24. It is also responsible for the collection and disbursement to other transportation agencies of motor fuel and alternative fuels taxes and road taxes for the Commonwealth. Code of Virginia, Title 58.1, Chapters 22 and 27. The department pays localities, through the collection of fees, for the disposal of abandoned vehicles. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapters 6 and 12. Also through the collection of fees, the department supports statewide emergency medical services, driver education, driver improvement, and vehicle safety and air quality maintenance programs. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapters 3, 6 and 10.

The department is responsible for the administration of the truck weigh station program and is authorized to monitor trucks and other vehicles utilizing roadways in the Commonwealth; determine compliance with state and federal statutes pertaining to size, weight, registration, safety, and licensing; and handle the entire administrative process for liquidated damages. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 2.

The department is authorized to issue waivers of the requirements for vehicle sun-shading and tinting films to individuals for medical reasons. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 10, Article 6. It is authorized to promulgate regulations for the administration of motorcycle rider safety training courses and associated licensing practices. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 10, Article 23.

The department is authorized to supervise, regulate and control all motor carriers. It is authorized to issue certificates of fitness and public convenience and necessity and grant temporary operating authority to motor carriers, and it may approve transfers of certificates of public convenience and necessity. The department is authorized to license and make regulations governing motor carrier transportation and to make regulations governing the operation of motor vehicles under lease. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 20. It is also responsible for regulating particular types of motor carriers: household goods carriers, contract passenger carriers, common carriers, irregular route common carriers, nonemergency medical transportation carriers and sight-seeing carriers, and is authorized to certify operators of excursion trains. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapters 20 and 21.

The department is authorized to audit motor carriers and the Attorney General or the Department of Motor Vehicles may institute a suit to recover motor vehicle license fees assessed on an apportionment or allocation basis pursuant to reciprocal agreements with other jurisdictions. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 6, Article 7.

The department is authorized to issue certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce vital records in the custody of the State Registrar. The department is authorized to offer the DMV Select Program in partnership with local agents to offer limited service outlets to supplement full-service DMV customer service centers (CSCs).

The department is authorized to license transportation network companies (TNCs) that provide prearranged rides using a digital platform that connects passengers with TNC partners who use their personal vehicles to provide prearranged rides on an intrastate basis in the Commonwealth. The department has authority to title and register personal vehicles as TNC partner vehicles for TNC use, and issue identification markers in the form of decals identifying vehicles for TNC use. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 20, Article 15.

The department is authorized to enter into an agreement with the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court for the collection of court fines, costs, forfeitures, and penalties and court-ordered restitution at DMV customer service centers. (Code of Virginia, § 19.2-349.1) The department is authorized to partner with contractors of other state and federal agencies in the event such agencies have engaged a vendor to perform customer service transactions. Such agreements permit the department to issue Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC) and PreCheck Certifications on behalf of the Transportation Security Administration.

The department is authorized to suspend driving privileges and vehicle registration privileges for noncompliance with certain DMV requirements (Driver Improvement Program requirements – Title 46.2, Chapter 3, Article 19; insurance monitoring requirements – Title 46.2, Chapter 6, Article 8). The department is authorized to collect fees for registration of uninsured motor vehicles, distribute fees in accordance with statute, and may establish an an uninsured motor vehicle (UMV) fee payment plan to allow individuals to pay the fees for a motor vehicle determined to be uninsured – Title 46.2, Chapter 6, Article 8.   

The department is authorized to suspend or place a stop on vehicle registration privileges for noncompliance with certain requirements (toll violations – Title 33.2, Chapter 5, and Title 46.2, Chapter 8, Article 11; personal property taxes/parking citation fees – Title 46.2, Chapter 6, Article 11).

The department is authorized to employ full-time sworn members of the enforcement division and police officers vested with the powers of sheriffs for the purpose of enforcing the laws of the Commonwealth that the Commissioner is required to enforce. Title 46.2, Chapter 2, Article 1.

The department operates under the supervision of the Secretary of Transportation. Regulations and forms are available at the department's principal office at 2300 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220 (mailing address, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269). Some forms and regulations are also available at the department's customer service centers located throughout the Commonwealth, via the Internet and from license agents in numerous communities. Internet address: http://www.dmvNOW.com

Rev. 9/2016

AGENCY SUMMARY

The Department of Motor Vehicles is responsible for the administration of the motor vehicle, title and registration laws; the issuance, suspension, and revocation of driver's licenses; the examination of applicants for and holders of driver's licenses; the issuance of identification cards; the administration, training, disciplining, and assignment of examiners of applicants for driver's licenses; the administration of the safety responsibility laws, fuel tax laws, motor vehicle fuels sales tax laws, the provisions of Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia relating to transportation safety; the registration of carriers of passengers or property and vehicles that may be required to be registered under the International Registration Plan or pay road tax as described under Chapter 27 (§ 58.1-2700 et seq.) of Title 58.1 of the Code of Virginia under the International Fuel Tax Agreement; the issuance of oversize and overweight permits and escort vehicle driver certifications; the audit of carriers of passengers or property for compliance with registration and road tax requirements; proof of financial responsibility; and any other services that may be required to create a single point of contact for motor carriers operating within and outside the Commonwealth. The Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles may promulgate regulations necessary to carry out the laws administered by the department. The department is authorized to collect certain types of privileged information and disclose that information, as prescribed by law, for a reasonable fee. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 2, Article 1.

The department is authorized to register motor vehicles and issue license plates and validation decals therefor, and it is the state agency for recordation and certification of title to motor vehicles, liens thereon, and transfers of ownership. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 6. It is authorized to license operators and commercial drivers, to issue identification cards. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 3. The department is required to suspend or revoke the driving privileges of residents and nonresidents convicted of certain offenses. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 3, Article 12. It is authorized to issue disabled parking license plates and placards. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 12.1.

The department may adopt regulations to provide for the special examination or re-examination of persons desiring to qualify or retain their privilege to operate commercial motor vehicles as that term is defined in the federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 and for the granting of licenses or permits suitably endorsed for qualified applicants. The department is authorized to promulgate regulations addressing variances granted for commercial drivers transporting hazardous wastes or materials. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 3, Article 6.1. Certain crash reports are required to be made to the department, and reports are or may be required in various other instances. The department is required to accept and maintain certain records for specified periods and to provide abstracts or transcripts of records under certain circumstances. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 3, Article 11. It may require owners and operators to furnish proof of financial responsibility, and insurers and sureties must report to the department cancellation and initiation of motor vehicle liability policies or surety bonds executed for that purpose. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 3, Article 15. The department is authorized to promulgate regulations relating to the administration of a statewide driver improvement program and may order attendance at driver improvement clinics. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 3, Article 19.

The department may promulgate regulations concerning the issuance of license plates and the registration of antique motor vehicles. Code of Virginia, The department is authorized to issue special license plates and distribute revenue to entities where required by legislation. Title 46.2, Chapter 6, Article 10. The department is authorized to promulgate regulations relating to the licensing and operation of commercial driver training schools. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 17.

The department is authorized to license any person engaged in business in the Commonwealth as a motor vehicle manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, distributor branch, or factory or distributor representative. The commissioner is authorized to issue dealer license plates, temporary transport license plates and 30-day license plates to motor vehicle dealers The department is authorized to provide dealer license plates, and temporary transport license plates to the Motor Vehicle Dealer Board for issuance to automobile and truck dealers (Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 15) and to license auto recyclers, salvage pools, and vehicle removal operators (Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 16).

The department is responsible for the collection and disbursement to other state agencies, commissions, funds and organizations of certain fees, including driver’s license reinstatement fees and taxes on the sale, and use, of motor vehicles. The department is responsible for the collection and disbursement to localities of taxes on the sale of manufactured homes. Code of Virginia, Title 58.1, Chapter 24. It is also responsible for the collection and disbursement to other transportation agencies of motor fuel and alternative fuels taxes and road taxes for the Commonwealth. Code of Virginia, Title 58.1, Chapters 22 and 27. The department pays localities, through the collection of fees, for the disposal of abandoned vehicles. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapters 6 and 12. Also through the collection of fees, the department supports statewide emergency medical services, driver education, driver improvement, and vehicle safety and air quality maintenance programs. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapters 3, 6 and 10.

The department is responsible for the administration of the truck weigh station program and is authorized to monitor trucks and other vehicles utilizing roadways in the Commonwealth; determine compliance with state and federal statutes pertaining to size, weight, registration, safety, and licensing; and handle the entire administrative process for liquidated damages. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 2.

The department is authorized to issue waivers of the requirements for vehicle sun-shading and tinting films to individuals for medical reasons. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 10, Article 6. It is authorized to promulgate regulations for the administration of motorcycle rider safety training courses and associated licensing practices. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 10, Article 23.

The department is authorized to supervise, regulate and control all motor carriers. It is authorized to issue certificates of fitness and public convenience and necessity and grant temporary operating authority to motor carriers, and it may approve transfers of certificates of public convenience and necessity. The department is authorized to license and make regulations governing motor carrier transportation and to make regulations governing the operation of motor vehicles under lease. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 20. It is also responsible for regulating particular types of motor carriers: household goods carriers, contract passenger carriers, common carriers, irregular route common carriers, nonemergency medical transportation carriers and sight-seeing carriers, and is authorized to certify operators of excursion trains. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapters 20 and 21.

The department is authorized to audit motor carriers and the Attorney General or the Department of Motor Vehicles may institute a suit to recover motor vehicle license fees assessed on an apportionment or allocation basis pursuant to reciprocal agreements with other jurisdictions. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 6, Article 7.

The department is authorized to issue certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce vital records in the custody of the State Registrar. The department is authorized to offer the DMV Select Program in partnership with local agents to offer limited service outlets to supplement full-service DMV customer service centers (CSCs).

The department is authorized to license transportation network companies (TNCs) that provide prearranged rides using a digital platform that connects passengers with TNC partners who use their personal vehicles to provide prearranged rides on an intrastate basis in the Commonwealth. The department has authority to title and register personal vehicles as TNC partner vehicles for TNC use, and issue identification markers in the form of decals identifying vehicles for TNC use. Code of Virginia, Title 46.2, Chapter 20, Article 15.

The department is authorized to enter into an agreement with the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court for the collection of court fines, costs, forfeitures, and penalties and court-ordered restitution at DMV customer service centers. (Code of Virginia, § 19.2-349.1) The department is authorized to partner with contractors of other state and federal agencies in the event such agencies have engaged a vendor to perform customer service transactions. Such agreements permit the department to issue Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC) and PreCheck Certifications on behalf of the Transportation Security Administration.

The department is authorized to suspend driving privileges and vehicle registration privileges for noncompliance with certain DMV requirements (Driver Improvement Program requirements – Title 46.2, Chapter 3, Article 19; insurance monitoring requirements – Title 46.2, Chapter 6, Article 8). The department is authorized to collect fees for registration of uninsured motor vehicles, distribute fees in accordance with statute, and may establish an an uninsured motor vehicle (UMV) fee payment plan to allow individuals to pay the fees for a motor vehicle determined to be uninsured – Title 46.2, Chapter 6, Article 8.   

The department is authorized to suspend or place a stop on vehicle registration privileges for noncompliance with certain requirements (toll violations – Title 33.2, Chapter 5, and Title 46.2, Chapter 8, Article 11; personal property taxes/parking citation fees – Title 46.2, Chapter 6, Article 11).

The department is authorized to employ full-time sworn members of the enforcement division and police officers vested with the powers of sheriffs for the purpose of enforcing the laws of the Commonwealth that the Commissioner is required to enforce. Title 46.2, Chapter 2, Article 1.

The department operates under the supervision of the Secretary of Transportation. Regulations and forms are available at the department's principal office at 2300 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220 (mailing address, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269). Some forms and regulations are also available at the department's customer service centers located throughout the Commonwealth, via the Internet and from license agents in numerous communities. Internet address: http://www.dmvNOW.com

Rev. 9/2016