Virginia Scale Certification & Weights and Measures

Virginia uses a combined model: state inspectors cover much of the state, while county or city sealers handle inspections in their own jurisdictions. If you operate a commercial scale in Virginia — at a warehouse, farm, recycling yard, retail store, or truck stop — here is who regulates it, what the law requires, and exactly who to contact.

Who inspects commercial scales in Virginia?

VDACS' Office of Weights and Measures inspects and tests all commercially used weighing and measuring equipment through its Richmond main office, three field offices and a metrology lab (91,518 device tests in FY2024); Va. Code sec. 3.2-5615 also authorizes cities/counties to appoint local sealers, with the Commissioner holding concurrent authority (sec. 3.2-5619). Most scale owners deal with VDACS OWM.

What Virginia requires of scale owners

Virginia publishes no annual device registration for scale owners; devices must pass OWM inspection and testing. Service agencies ($100 fee) and service technicians ($25 fee) that install, repair or certify commercial devices must be licensed under the Service Agencies and Technicians Law, with mandatory initial classroom training and renewal training within 3 years; individuals certifying weight tickets need a Public Weighmaster license.

Getting a scale into service — 4 steps

1. Buy a legal-for-trade (NTEP-certified) scale appropriate for your application and capacity.
2. Confirm your jurisdiction — call the state program (804-786-2476) to learn whether a state inspector or your county/city sealer covers your location.
3. Arrange compliant installation and calibration. Where required, placing-in-service must be done by a licensed or registered service company.
4. Stay compliant. Pass required inspections, keep calibration current, retain service records.

Common questions