Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Virginia SB595: An Act to amend and reenact §§ 46.2-644.03 and 46.2-1202 of the Code of Virginia, relating to mechanics and storage liens; abandoned vehicles; vehicle records.
Status: Chaptered, April 13, 2026
Mechanics and storage liens; abandoned vehicles; vehicle records. Removes the requirement that the Department of Motor Vehicles, when searching for owner or lienholder information for a vehicle titled in another jurisdiction for (i) the enforcement of a mechanic's or storage lien or (ii) determining ownership of an abandoned vehicle, ascertain such information by contacting the other jurisdiction. The bill retains the requirement that the Department ascertain such information upon initiation of a search by the bailee or person in possession of an abandoned vehicle.
What the bill says
An Act to amend and reenact §§ 46.2-644.03 and 46.2-1202 of the Code of Virginia, relating to mechanics and storage liens; abandoned vehicles; vehicle records. [S 595] Approved April 13, 2026 1. That §§ 46.2-644.03 and 46.2-1202 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted as follows: § 46.2-644.03. Enforcement of liens acquired under §§ 46.2-644.01 and 46.2-644.02. A. For the purposes of this section: "Bailee" means anyone who has one or more liens under § 46.2-644.01 or 46.2-644.02. "Independent appraisal" means an estimate for the value of a motor vehicle prepared by an individual or b.
From the enrolled text, April 13, 2026:
An Act to amend and reenact §§ 46.2-644.03 and 46.2-1202 of the Code of Virginia, relating to mechanics and storage liens; abandoned vehicles; vehicle records. [S 595] Approved April 13, 2026 1. That §§ 46.2-644.03 and 46.2-1202 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted as follows: § 46.2-644.03. Enforcement of liens acquired under §§ 46.2-644.01 and 46.2-644.02. A. For the purposes of this section: "Bailee" means anyone who has one or more liens under § 46.2-644.01 or 46.2-644.02. "Independent appraisal" means an estimate for the value of a motor vehicle prepared by an individual or business that (i) has all required business licenses and zoning approvals and (ii) is either a licensed appraiser in another state or a business authorized by an insurance company to prepare insurance appraisals. "Independent appraisal" does not include an estimate prepared by an individual or business with a financial interest in the bailee's business. B. Any bailee eligible to enforce a lien under § 46.2-644.01 or 46.2-644.02, if the value of the vehicle affected by the lien does not exceed $12,500, may sell such vehicle by public auction, for cash, in accordance with the provisions of this section. The proceeds shall be applied to the satisfaction of the debt and expenses of sale, and the surplus, if any, shall be paid within 30 …