To order driving records from us you must have a DPPA (Drivers Privacy Protection Act) permissible purpose.

DPPA PERMISSIBLE USE

1. Use by a court, law enforcement agency or other government agency or entity, acting directly on behalf of a government agency. 18 U.S.C. S2721 (b)(1)

2. Use for any matter regarding motor vehicle or driver safety or theft; to inform an owner of a towed or impounded vehicle. 18 U.S.C S2721 (b)(2)

3. For use in the normal course of business but only to verify the accuracy of personal information submitted by the individual to the business; and if the submitted information is incorrect, to obtain the correct information, but only for the purposes of preventing fraud by, pursuing legal remedies against, or recovering on a debt or security interest against, the individual. 18 U.S.C S2721 (b)(3)

4. Use in connection with a civil, criminal, administrative, or arbitral proceeding, including the service of process, investigation in anticipation of litigation, the execution or enforcement of judgments, or compliance with the orders of any court. 18 U.S.C S2721 (b)(4)

5. Use by an employer or its agents or insurer to obtain or verify information relating to a holder of a commercial driver's license that is required under chapter 313 of title 49 of the United States Code. 18 U.S.C S2721 (b)(9)

6. Use by an insurer or insurance support organization, in connection with claims investigation activities or antifraud activities. 18 U.S.C S2721 (b)(6)

7. Use by a licensed private investigative agency, or licensed security service, for a purpose permitted in items 1 through 6 above. 18 U.S.C S2721 (b)(8)

The DPPA

The Drivers Privacy Protection Act requires all States to protect the privacy of personal information contained in an individual's motor vehicle record. This information includes the driver's name, address, phone number, Social Security Number, driver identification number, photograph, height, weight, gender, age, certain medical or disability information, and in some states, fingerprints. It does not include information concerning a driver's traffic violations, license status or accidents.

The Act has a number of exceptions. A driver's personal information may be obtained from the department of motor vehicles for any federal, state or local agency use in carrying out its functions; for any state, federal or local proceeding if the proceeding involves a motor vehicle; for automobile and driver safety purposes, such as conducting recall of motor vehicles; and for use in market research activities. Ironically, personal data is still available to licensed private investigators.

Permissible Uses of a Driver's Motor Vehicle Record

The DPPA limits the use of a driver's motor vehicle record to certain purposes. These purposes are defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2721:

  • Legitimate government agency functions.
  • Use in matters of motor vehicle safety, theft, emissions, product recalls.
  • Motor vehicle market research and surveys.
  • "Legitimate" business needs in transactions initiated by the individual to verify accuracy of personal information.
  • Use in connection with a civil, criminal, administrative or arbitral proceeding.
  • Research activities and statistical reports, so long as personal information is not disclosed or used to contact individuals.
  • Insurance activities.
  • Notice for towed or impounded vehicles.
  • Use by licensed investigators or security service.
  • Use by private toll transportation facilities.
  • In response to requests for individual records if the State has obtained express consent from the individual.
  • For bulk marketing distribution if State has obtained express consent from the individual.
  • Use by any requestor where the reqestor can show written consent of the individual.
  • For any other legitimate State use if it relates to motor vehicle or public safety.