Under the leadership of Executive Director Kelley Smith and DMV Director Saundra Jack, the Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB) has rolled out a series of significant administrative, technology, and regulatory updates that dealers should be aware of. The changes are designed to streamline dealer interactions with the Board, modernize recordkeeping requirements, improve transparency, and simplify several longstanding processes.
New Online Processes Replace Legacy Paper Forms
The MVDB has continued its transition away from paper-based submissions by introducing new online tools for both salesperson terminations and temporary dealership closings.
Salesperson Terminations
Dealers can now report salesperson departures through a streamlined online process:
https://mvdb.virginia.gov/salespersons/salesperson-termination/
Key reminders:
- Terminations must be reported immediately upon a salesperson’s departure.
- Dealers must ensure certificate numbers and salesperson license numbers are entered correctly.
- Improper submissions will not be processed.
- Effective July 1, 2026, the traditional MVDB-41 termination form is no longer accepted.
Temporary Dealership Closings
The Board has also launched a dedicated online reporting system for temporary dealership closures: https://mvdb.virginia.gov/dealers/temporary-dealership-closings/
Notable changes include:
- The new process replaces the MVDB-40 form.
- Beginning August 1, 2026, the paper MVDB-40 form has been discontinued.
- Email notifications are no longer considered a valid method of reporting temporary closures.
- Closures exceeding two weeks require Executive Director approval.
New “Track My Application” Tool Improves Transparency
Beginning August 1, 2026, dealers can monitor the status of applications online through the MVDB’s new Track My Application service: https://mvdb.virginia.gov/track-my-application/
The system allows dealers to view the status of recently submitted applications using:
- The dealership certificate number
- The dealership ZIP code
Application status information is updated nightly, giving dealers greater visibility into the review process and reducing the need for status inquiries.
2026 Legislative Changes Affect Dealer Operations
The General Assembly approved six pieces of dealer-related legislation that took effect July 1, 2026. Together, these measures modernize dealer operations and clarify compliance obligations.
Highlights include:
- HB 586 shifts responsibility for business-hour change filings from DMV to the MVDB.
- HB 570 allows dealer records to be maintained electronically and modernizes advertising and record-retention rules, while preserving requirements that records remain at the licensed location unless otherwise approved.
- HB 608 expands authorized uses of dealer license plates for certain business-related transportation activities.
- HB 1386 extends Motor Vehicle Transaction Recovery Fund protections to qualifying losses involving extended service contracts.
- SB 441 increases special permit validity from five to thirty days when customer vehicles are undergoing repairs.
- SB 440 extends from five to thirty days the period customers may use dealer or garage operator plates while their vehicle is being repaired or loaned.
Reminder on Temporary Off-Site Sales
The Board also reminded dealers that applications for temporary supplemental sales licenses must be submitted at least 15 days before an event, and no earlier than 90 days beforehand. Applications submitted late may not be processed before the event, and fees are nonrefundable. Dealers should review Virginia Code §46.2-1516 before planning off-site sales events.
A More Modern Dealer Experience
Collectively, these updates reflect the Board’s commitment to modernizing dealer services, improving regulatory transparency, and creating more efficient compliance tools for Virginia dealers. Dealers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new online resources and update internal procedures accordingly to avoid disruptions and maintain compliance.
For more information, visit the Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board’s website at https://mvdb.virginia.gov/ or reach out to the Dealer Board using the contact information that is available here.
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