Californians can get access to vehicle histories

SACRAMENTO—The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced Feb. 18 that vehicle title history and brand information is now available to consumers through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). The database greatly improves the tracking of vehicles across state lines for law enforcement and motor vehicle agencies. It also allows consumers to learn about the history of a vehicle prior to making a purchase.

DMV Director George Valverde said California is supportive of NMVTIS, and sees it as another valuable tool for consumer protection. “We are delighted that prospective purchasers of vehicles can now access title and brand information on the millions of updated vehicle records California provides to the NMVTIS database.”

California is one of 31 states now participating in NMVTIS, which was established by federal law in 1992 as a major tool to combat rampant nationwide vehicle theft and fraud. According to statistics released earlier this year, 1.3 million vehicles are stolen in the 50 states each year, with losses to consumers totaling more than $8 billion. NMVTIS records are available at

http://www.vehiclehistory.gov by providing a vehicle identification number and paying a nominal fee.

NMVTIS is operated on behalf of the U.S. Dept. of Justice by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA). Several entities are required to regularly report information to NMVTIS, including state motor vehicle agencies, insurance carriers (including some self-insuring entities), auto recyclers and salvage yards.