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Bill

SB 135

Motor vehicle title databases; DMV to enter agreements with nationally recognized databases, etc.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Christie Craig and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia DMV must contract with national vehicle title databases to standardize access to ownership and history records across state lines, reducing fraud and improving consumer protection.

Read third time and passed Senate (32-Y 8-N 0-A)
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Bill Summary · SB 135

Legislative bill overview

SB 135 requires Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles to establish agreements with nationally recognized motor vehicle title databases to improve access to vehicle history and title information. The bill aims to standardize and expand Virginia's participation in interstate database systems that track vehicle ownership, liens, and title status across state lines.

Why is this important

Access to comprehensive vehicle title databases protects consumers from fraud (such as buying stolen or salvage-titled vehicles), helps lenders and insurers verify ownership claims, and reduces administrative burden by creating centralized records. Better interstate coordination also supports law enforcement investigations and reduces the prevalence of title washing—a scheme where vehicles with damage histories are retitled in other states to hide their past.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation: Establishing and maintaining agreements with national databases requires funding and IT infrastructure investment, raising questions about who bears these costs
  • Privacy concerns: Consolidating vehicle ownership data across state lines raises questions about data security, access controls, and potential misuse of personal information
  • Compliance burden: DMV agreements may require operational changes and compliance with varying database standards, potentially creating administrative complexity

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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