For the first time in many years, Virginia has completed a comprehensive overhaul of the Buyer’s Order form. The move is designed to provide greater protections for dealers, improve clarity for consumers, and address modern compliance standards. The new forms — including an optional Lease Buyer’s Order — were issued starting May 1, with no hard deadline for implementation.

VADA General Counsel and Executive Vice President Anne Gambardella and our outside counsel, Barrie Beaty, have recorded a short presentation to walk dealers through the new forms.  

The following are key updates to the Buyer’s Order:

• Clearer Structure: Organized sections group like items (e.g., taxes, fees, contracts) with additional space for writing line items (for example, two trade-in vehicles).
• Warranty Disclosure: Prominently displayed on the front page for both new and used vehicles. Must be consistent with Buyer’s Guide — a critical compliance point.
• “As-Is” Language: A clearly visible box consolidates disclosures from both the front and back of the previous form.
• New Checkbox for Vehicle Use: The form defaults to personal use; you must check a box for business/agricultural use.
• Estimated Delivery Date: A new field allows dealers to specify an estimated delivery date for vehicles, improving clarity in delayed or conditional delivery situations.
• Spot Delivery and Arbitration: Spot delivery language is now codified and unified; supplemental delivery forms are no longer needed or recommended. The arbitration agreement is clearly stated, near the signature block and matches standard provider requirements.
• No Back Page Numbering: Unlike the existing form, the back of the new form does not use numbered paragraphs.
• Inspection and Consent: The buyer confirms vehicle inspection or opportunity for third-party review. It also includes built-in consent for dealer communications (calls, texts, auto-dialing).
• Electronic Forms: Requires buyer’s initials on each page to confirm review and agreement. Most DMS systems will prompt this automatically.
• Consumer Financing Clause: A new provision allows cancellation of deals if third-party financing isn’t secured within two days.