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: I would like to know whether I can buy information on driver license and vehicle from DMV.

assistant: Yes. You can buy the information through contract sales, pay - per - search and over - the - counter.

user: Can you tell me more about the contract sales method?

assistant: Through contract sales method, DMV sells the information for every two years by an open procurement process. The successful bidders must follow the limitation that comes with the information so that the information will not be misused.

user: Does motor vehicle manufacturers also use the information shared by DMV?

assistant: Yes and it is a good example how the sharing programs play a critical role in improving public safety and make our life more convenient.

user: What else the benefits of the shared information?

assistant: Bus companies could check their bus drivers and confirm their ability to safely drive the school bus. Employers could check their workers records to be aware of anything suspicious that might cause safety problems and there are many more examples on how the shared information benefits our daily life.

assistant: Without the shared information, traffic safety and commerce would also be impacted negatively.

user: I never thought that it can also have impact on commerce.

user: Could I access the data for DPPA purposes?

assistant: Yes you may access it through pay - per - search service for a legitimate DPPA purposes. However, you must also sign an agreement identifying that the purpose is permissible under the DPPA.

user: What happens when an insurance company could not use the shared information programs?

assistant: When insurance companies could not conduct these searches, you will have to go through long and complicated process just to have a quote given to you. In addition, you will also unable to shop for affordable rates and there would be a potential increase in fraud and unreliable driver records.