Vehicle Licensing Guide

Request for Vehicle Information by a Prospective Purchaser
VLIC-78

PURPOSE:

To allow a prospective purchaser to obtain information from DMV records on a specific vehicle and its history.

BACKGROUND:

In the 2000 General Assembly, legislation was passed which allows DMV to give information on a vehicle to a prospective purchaser. Virginia enacted this law because the National Anti Car Theft Act of 1992, as amended, specifically requires states participating in the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) to provide such information.

DMV may furnish this information if the prospective purchaser completes the application including the vehicle make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN) and pays the applicable fee. The vehicle information furnished will only be obtained from Virginia DMV records. No vehicle owner's personal information is released as a part of this process.   § 46.2-209.1

The Prospective Purchaser Inquiry (PPI) processes PPI requests only. This request validates the VIN through VINASSIST and checks to see if the vehicle has been reported stolen through NCIC.

CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Complete and submit the CRD 01, Request for Vehicle Information by a Prospective Purchaser.
2. Pay the appropriate fee.
   
   NOTE: The fee is for the search, not for the information found. The fee is required even if no vehicle history information is found. If the vehicle information furnished by the prospective purchaser on the CRD 01 is submitted in error, the customer must submit another CRD 01 form and an additional fee for a new search.

DMV SERVICE PROVIDER'S PROCESS:

1. Collect the request (CRD 01) application and the appropriate fee.
2. Make sure the customer understands the certification information contained on the request.
3. Process the request through the automated system.
4. Provide the vehicle PPI summary to the customer.
   • Verify that the VIN appearing on the CRD 01 is keyed correctly into CSS. If it is not, correct the VIN and continue processing the transaction for no additional fee.
     
     NOTE: If the customer requests a new search, advise the customer to recheck the VIN on the vehicle, submit a new CRD 01, and pay the appropriate fee.
   • If a stolen response is received, return the application to the customer DO NOT COLLECT FEE and follow the stolen stop procedures in VLIC-134.

REFERENCE:

• Code of Virginia: § 46.2-209.1

CONTACT:

For additional information contact:

• Your CSC Manager/Assistant Manager; OR
• DMV DIRECT Help Desk at (804) 367-6646

PROCEDURE PROPONENT:

VSA/Title and Dealer Services / EBIS/Customer Records Division