Virginia regulates motor vehicle title lenders through the State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Financial Institutions. A vehicle-title loan can place essential transportation at risk, so confirm the lender is licensed, understand the written terms, and use the state’s cancellation and complaint protections where they apply.
Last reviewed: August 14, 2026. General consumer information, not legal advice.
Are title loans legal in Virginia?
Virginia maintains a dedicated Motor Vehicle Title Loans chapter and licenses motor vehicle title lenders through the SCC’s Bureau of Financial Institutions. The SCC’s Company Search lets consumers check companies authorized to conduct business in Virginia. The chapter’s licensing requirements also apply to title loans made over the internet to Virginia residents or people in Virginia.
Virginia title-loan rules and consumer checks
| Topic | Virginia rule or consumer check |
|---|---|
| License lookup | The SCC Company Search includes motor vehicle title lenders and current authorization information. |
| Internet loans | Virginia’s title-loan licensing requirements apply to internet title loans made to Virginia residents or people in Virginia. |
| Existing lien | Virginia’s required title-lending pamphlet says a lender may not make a title loan if the certificate shows the vehicle secures another loan or has an existing lien. |
| One title loan | The pamphlet says a lender may not make a loan if the borrower has another motor-vehicle title loan from another title lender. |
| Short-term loan check | The pamphlet also identifies a restriction when the borrower has a short-term loan from a Chapter 18 licensed lender. |
| Cancellation right | A borrower may cancel or rescind by 5 p.m. on the third business day after entering the agreement, subject to the statute’s repayment requirements. |
| Complaint disclosure | The loan paperwork must include a notice explaining that complaints may be submitted to the Bureau and provide Bureau contact information. |
| Prepayment/refinance | If a title loan is prepaid in full or refinanced before maturity, the statute requires a prorated refund of loan charges based on the time outstanding. |
| Written terms | Obtain the APR, charges, payment schedule, security agreement, title handling, default terms, and payoff procedure in writing. |
| Vehicle risk | A title lien can lead to repossession under the agreement and applicable law. Do not rely on verbal explanations. |
| Complaint help | The SCC Bureau responds to consumer inquiries and complaints about institutions it regulates. |
| Federal route | The CFPB accepts appropriate consumer-finance complaints. |
Before signing
Use the SCC Company Search to match the lender’s legal name and license. Request the APR, total of payments, due dates, all fees, certificate-of-title process, security agreement, cancellation instructions, default provisions, and written payoff figure. Keep a copy of the state pamphlet and every signed document. Never sign blank paperwork.
Default and vehicle risk
Contact the lender in writing as soon as repayment becomes difficult. Preserve every notice, receipt, screenshot, title document, account history, and payoff quote. A vehicle can be necessary for work and family life; seek qualified legal advice promptly if repossession or a title transfer is threatened.
Alternatives and help
- Call 211 for local food, housing, utility, and transportation resources.
- Ask a bank or credit union about a personal loan, hardship option, or payment plan.
- Use the Virginia SCC consumer resources to verify a lender or start a complaint.
- Submit an appropriate complaint through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Cities we serve in Virginia
Local pages remain subject to lender-relationship and quality review. This statewide hub is the Virginia consumer-information reference until individual destinations are validated.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Virginia title lender?
Use the SCC’s Company Search, which includes motor vehicle title lenders authorized in Virginia.
Do Virginia rules apply to online title loans?
Yes. The chapter applies its licensing requirements to internet title loans made to Virginia residents or people in Virginia.
Can I cancel a Virginia title loan?
The required state pamphlet describes a right to cancel or rescind before 5 p.m. on the third business day after entering the agreement, subject to its stated conditions.
What if my vehicle already has a lien?
The state pamphlet says a motor vehicle title lender may not make a title loan if the certificate of title indicates an existing lien or another loan secured by the vehicle.
