Virginia Passes Rideshare Bills Impacting Background Screening 
Virginia just raised the bar for rideshare background screening… and the clock is ticking! Effective July 1, 2026, rideshare companies, also known as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) operating in Virginia need to be aware of new requirements related to background screening as a result of HB1469 and HB1273. TNCs operating in Virginia and the background screening firms that serve them need to act before the deadline.
Current Virginia Background Screening Requirements
Currently, Virginia law requires TNCs to conduct a background check that must include:
- (i) a multi-state/multi-jurisdictional criminal records database search or a search of a similar nationwide database with validation (primary source search)
- (ii) and a search of the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry and the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Sex Offender Public Website. TNCs must also obtain a driving history report on the individual from the individual’s state of licensure.
HB1469: Expanded Background Check Scope and PBSA Alignment
HB1469, which takes effect July 1, 2026, adds that the background check shall not be limited to a specific period of time, except as otherwise required by law, and must include all addresses at which the driver has resided since the age of 18.
The law also currently requires that the background check must be conducted by a firm accredited by the National Association of Professional Background Screeners, which is changed to reference the industry association’s current name, the Professional Background Screening Association.
HB1273: Annual Screenings, Identity Verification, and Updated Disqualifiers
Under HB1273, TNCs must require drivers to verify identity through the digital platform at the time of activation as well as periodically thereafter. From a background screening standpoint, HB1273 will require TNCs to conduct the specified background check every year (as opposed to every two years). HB1273 also modifies the items that disqualify an individual from driver eligibility. Here is the summary enacted with the Governor’s recommendations.
HB1273 also creates requirements around opt-in options for audio and video recordings, as well as restricting drivers from using another individual’s account or credentials.
What To Do Now
If your organization needs guidance on compliance with Virginia’s new TNC requirements, contact Capwell Consulting Group. Kelly Uebel is available to support attorneys, CRAs, and employers navigating FCRA and state-law background screening obligations.
About The Author
Kelly Uebel is a legal and compliance expert and authority in the employment and tenant background screening industry. Kelly brings more than 14 years of experience with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and its state analogues, fair chance laws, and negligent hiring issues to her background screening expert witness role with Capwell Consulting Group.
About Capwell Consulting Group
Capwell Consulting Group is a nationally recognized litigation support and risk mitigation consulting firm specializing in highly regulated industries. Our firm provides industry-leading guidance, research, reporting, and expert witness testimony for legal proceedings involving employment screening & negligent hiring, FCRA litigation, drug & alcohol testing, and medical device quality and regulatory compliance matters. With over three decades of industry experience, Capwell Consulting Group is a trusted advisor to employers, attorneys, and consumers around the globe.
The information published within is provided for educational purposes only. The information is not intended to or constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials are published for general informational purposes only and not considered the views of a particular expert or consultant of Capwell Consulting Group, LLC. © 2026 http://www.capwellconsulting.com