Access Restrictions
The release of information from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is governed by Va. Code §§46.2-208 through 214. These statutes stipulate that all DMV records are privileged and are not available to the general public. DMV may only release driver, vehicle and personal information from our records under the conditions specified in the statutes mentioned above.
The information obtained can be used only for the purpose for which it was originally released. Agencies cannot share DMV records, or the information contained in DMV records, without specific authorization to do so.
For example, Commissioners of the Revenue access our records for the assessment of personal property tax on motor vehicles. If another governmental entity in the same locality, such as the voter registrar, would like to use DMV information he or she must apply separately instead of having the Commissioner of the Revenue provide the needed records.
If you are not sure if you are eligible to gain access to DMV records, please e-mail us. Describe the kind of access that you are interested in, and we can let you know if you are eligible.
Applying for Access
Access is available electronically, by walk-in or by letter.
Governmental entities may apply for electronic access to DMV records by downloading a Government Information Use Agreement Application (US 532B) and an Application for Extranet Transaction Access (US 532E). A use agreement is necessary when obtaining driver, vehicle and/or personal information from DMV's records database.
Depending on the type of access requested, some users will also be required to get an Okta Authentication User ID at a cost of $65. Okta multi-factor authentication requires users to verify their identity when signing into DMV systems.
The application requests specific information about your DMV records access, including the purpose(s) of your access, your security measures to ensure protection of your records and the names of authorized users. DMV must approve your application before you can gain access to DMV records.
Note: it can take up to 45 days for the agreement and access to be finalized.
Email or fax completed applications to:
Email: useagreement@dmv.virginia.gov
Fax: 804-367-2536
For assistance completing an application, please contact us at (804) 474-2294.
Cost
In general, DMV does not charge governmental entities for records. DMV may ask that governmental requesters pay an upfront processing fee. This covers DMV's costs if programming is necessary to generate the requested records.
Ad Hoc
One-time requests for specific information, such as "How many red Ford trucks are registered in Fairfax?" or "How many customers own more than one vehicle?" are considered "ad hoc" and require special programming to extract data from DMV records. Governmental entities may be required to pay a processing fee to cover the administrative and programming costs but will not pay a fee for the records themselves.
A cost estimate can be prepared before producing the requested data—simply complete and submit the Government Requester Ad Hoc Request Form (US 532D). The customer must pay the base price of the estimated costs before programming can begin and will be billed for the remainder amount when the ad hoc is completed.
Record Requests for Civil Immigration Enforcement
Restrictions
Under Va. Code § 46.2-208, DMV is not allowed to release any privileged information to any government requester for civil immigration enforcement purposes unless:
- The subject of the information provides consent or
- The requester presents a lawful judicial order, judicial subpoena, or judicial warrant.
Requesters may not use data obtained through the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) or the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) for civil immigration enforcement. Accessing DMV privileged information through VCIN or NLETS for any purpose other than criminal investigations is a violation of Virginia law. All requests must be submitted directly to DMV.
Requests
Government requesters that have the consent of the subject or a lawful judicial order must use the online FOIA request portal to submit requests. After form submission, DMV will send a secure link to the requester for the purpose of uploading the subject’s consent document or the judicial order. DMV recommends using the Information Request form (CRD 93) to obtain the consent of the subject.
Judicial subpoenas for DMV information must be properly served on the agency in accordance with applicable state or federal law. Likewise, judicial warrants must be properly executed.
DMV will deny any request that does not meet statutory requirements.
Notice to Subject
Within three business days of receiving a request, DMV must notify the subject of the information that a request was made and the identity of the government requester.