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: Is my driver license and vehicle information safe or is this information sold or shared with others?


assistant: Yes, your information of shared with companies who insure your vehicle or who repair  your vehicle after a collision.


assistant: Do one of the above apply to you? Have you had an accident or does your vehicle need repair?

user: This does not apply to me, I have not had an accident.

user: Can someone access my information or my vehicle information by using a Pay-Per-Search facility?

assistant: Yes, In accordance with NY State law anyone using this method has to apply to DMV and sign an agreement identifying their permissible use under the DPPA. Searches cost $7 each. Searches are usually done by insurance companies, who have to rate and monitor drivers or investigate claims. Searches are also done by employers who are required by monitor their employers driving records.

user: Why to Insurance Companies need this information, I can give it to them myself?

assistant: If you apply for insurance online you would expect a rate quote within minutes. To do this insurance companies need to have access to your information instantly. To provide this kind of service insurance companies need access to DMV information so a direct pay-per-search service has been provided to companies. They are able to check your driving history and therefore provide you with a quote almost immediately.

user: What if my driving history is not correct?

assistant: If you feel the information is not correct you would have to purchase your driver record and send it to the insurance company before they could issue you with a quote. This practice would slow down the process and probably be very inconvenient.

user: Is it possible to get this information in person? If I visited your offices could I get this information immediately?

assistant: Yes, that is possible. You can visit the office and request the information at the counter. Anyone can visit the office and purchase a driver license record so long as the requestor provide sufficient identification and can identify one and only one record that is required.

user: What if I am a Hazardous Materials Driver?

assistant: The same rules apply to businesses transporting hazardous material. Most people would like to know that drivers hauling hazardous materials have the necessary license to do so as well at the necessary training for your safety as well as everyone elses'. NY State laws require hazardous meterial companies to only hire and employ drivers who are qualified and have valid licenses.