Virginia · Auto Dealers · 2026 renewal guide
How to Renew Your Virginia Auto Dealer License
Virginia auto dealers must complete 4 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB).
Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB) rule on September 4, 2026.
- CE hours
- 4 hours
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Next deadline
- Per license
- Exam to renew
- Required
Who has to renew
This guide covers Virginia auto dealers holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB).
When to renew
Virginia auto dealers licenses renew every 2 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter15/section46.2-1586/)
The continuing education Virginia requires
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB) requires 4 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:
- Ethical practice
- Recordkeeping
- Recent state and federal laws and regulations
- Review of relevant federal regulations
- Titling and registration requirements, including dealer-related license plates
- Offsite sales
- Financing
- Dealer practices
- Salespersons licenses
- Advertising
How to renew, step by step
- 1
Confirm your license class and renewal date
Virginia sets auto dealers requirements by license class (All licensees). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run the schedule your board assigns to your license.
- 2
Complete 4 hours of board-approved continuing education
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB) requires 4 hours every 2 years, including Ethical practice, Recordkeeping, Recent state and federal laws and regulations, Review of relevant federal regulations and other required topics. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.
See the Virginia auto dealers course - 3
Save your certificate of completion
Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.
- 4
Make sure your hours reach the board
In Virginia, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.
- 5
Renew with Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB)
Submit your renewal through the board’s online portal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. This renewal also requires passing an exam. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.
Go to Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB)
Virginia auto dealer renewal FAQ
- How many continuing education hours do Virginia auto dealers need?
- Virginia auto dealers must complete 4 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB).
- What topics are required for Virginia auto dealers continuing education?
- Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB) requires coverage of: Ethical practice; Recordkeeping; Recent state and federal laws and regulations; Review of relevant federal regulations; Titling and registration requirements, including dealer-related license plates; Offsite sales; Financing; Dealer practices; Salespersons licenses; Advertising.
- Is an exam required to renew a Virginia auto dealers license?
- Yes — Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB) requires an examination as part of renewal in addition to continuing education.
- Can Virginia auto dealers complete continuing education online?
- Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Virginia requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.
Sources
- Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB) — official board site
- Continuing education rule — the requirement cited above, verified September 4, 2026
- Virginia Auto Dealers continuing education requirements — hours, topics and courses by license class