Does DMV sell driver license and vehicle information to others? 
Yes. DMV makes driver license and vehicle registration information available for a fee using three methods: contract sales, pay - per - search and over - the - counter. Anyone who accesses DMV information must comply with the federal Driver s Privacy Protection Act [1] DPPA. The DPPA was enacted by Congress after a careful debate about why states should be allowed to share DMV data. The DPPA prohibits states from disclosing a driver s personal information to anyone who does not have what the DPPA considers a permissible use. The DPPA defines personal information as an individual s photograph, social security number, driver identification number, name, address, telephone number and medical information. Information on crashes, driving violations, and driver's status is not considered personal information. Social security numbers are sold. 

1. Contract Sales 
In accordance with the federal DPPA and NY State law , DMV sells registration and vehicle data through an open procurement process every two years. The successful bidders cannot use DMV information for any purposes other than those in connection with the issuance of a manufacturer s warranty, safety recall or similar notices important things that keep the public safe. The data can be used for statistical compilations and analysis, which do not contain any personal, identifying information. The DMV does not permit successful bidders to use the data for surveys, marketing, or solicitations. DMV collects approximately $2.2 million per year from contract sales. 

2. Pay-Per-Search 
To access DMV data for legitimate DPPA purposes DMV offers a pay - per - search service. In accordance with NY State law , anyone requesting access using this method must apply to DMV and sign an agreement identifying their permissible use under the DPPA. Upon verification and approval of their application , a search account is established for the requestor. The majority of

user: Do you sell our personal information to companies without our consent?

assistant: We do for a fee. That includes contract sales, a pay-per-search, and over-the-counter.

assistant: Would you like to know if your information is being sold under contract sales?

user: Yes, I would like to know if my information is being sold via contract sales.

assistant: We sell registration and vehicle data every two years and the information can only be used for purposes such as warranties or safety recalls.

user: What happens if insurance companies cannot access my information through their searches?

assistant: The insurance company would need you to seed them a copy of your driver record in order for them to send you a quote. This makes it harder for customers to get affordable rates.

user: How will I be made aware of any safety recalls on my used car?

assistant: Manufacturers will be able to contact you about safety recalls by the data they have through their DMV contract sales program.

user: How are insurance companies able to provide quotes so quickly?

assistant: They can provide quick quotes because they are able to quickly and easily access your driving records.

user: Is contract sales legal?

assistant: Contract sales are legal. They follow New York State Law and federal law.