California AB 1215 Dealer Compliance (NMVTIS)

Understand California’s mandatory NMVTIS disclosure law for used-car dealers — requirements, penalties, and a practical compliance checklist.

California AB 1215 Dealer Compliance

California Assembly Bill 1215 (AB 1215) requires all licensed motor-vehicle dealers to pull and disclose a National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) report before completing any retail sale of a used vehicle. Enacted in 2011 and effective July 1, 2012, AB 1215 helps prevent title fraud and undisclosed branded vehicles.

AB 1215 was the first explicit dealer-level NMVTIS mandate in the U.S., setting a precedent later adopted by Oregon’s SB 840. For NMVTIS fundamentals, see What is NMVTIS? or browse the NMVTIS Dealer Compliance hub.

VinAudit.com is a DOJ-approved NMVTIS data provider.

Run official NMVTIS reports, automate lookups, and maintain compliant records. Explore VinAudit for Dealers →

Key Provisions

Provision	Dealer Obligation	Reference
NMVTIS Report Requirement	Obtain an NMVTIS vehicle history report before retail sale of any used vehicle.	CA Vehicle Code §11713.26
Disclosure to Buyers	Provide the buyer with the NMVTIS report or equivalent branded-title notice.	§11713.26(b)
Red Warning Sticker	If branded “Junk,” “Salvage,” or “Rebuilt,” display a conspicuous red warning sticker.	§11713.26(c)
Record Retention	Keep NMVTIS report and disclosure copies for at least 4 years for audits.	DMV Enforcement
Electronic Registration (BPA)	New-car dealers must use DMV’s Business Partner Automation program.	DMV BPA Program

Purpose of the Law

Consumer Transparency – Buyers can identify branded titles and prior damages before purchase.
Fraud Prevention – Prevents title “washing” by requiring verified NMVTIS data.
Market Integrity – Ensures a fair, transparent used-vehicle marketplace.
Regulatory Alignment – Connects California DMV, DOJ, and dealers under a single compliance system.

Dealer Compliance Checklist

Run a VinAudit NMVTIS Report for every used vehicle before sale. If you only have a plate, start with the License Plate Lookup.
Disclose branded titles (salvage, flood, rebuilt, junk) in writing before the buyer signs.
Apply the red sticker if required by the Vehicle Code.
Retain records (reports + disclosures) for a minimum of 4 years.
Integrate NMVTIS verification into your DMS or sales workflow (batch/API via VinAudit for Dealers).
Train all staff handling used-vehicle sales on AB 1215 procedures.
Use authorized NMVTIS data providers like VinAudit.com.

Download the printable Dealer Compliance Checklist · Run a VinAudit NMVTIS Vehicle History Report

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Administrative fines under California Vehicle Code
DMV license suspension or revocation
Civil liability for damages from undisclosed title brands
Reputational damage affecting sales and trust

The California DMV enforces compliance via BPA audits and field inspections.

Relation to Oregon SB 840 & National Policy

California’s AB 1215 inspired Oregon Senate Bill 840 (effective January 1, 2026). Together they set the standard for NMVTIS dealer compliance nationwide.

→ Compare AB 1215 vs SB 840

Frequently Asked Questions

When did AB 1215 take effect and what does it require?

AB 1215 took effect on July 1, 2012. Licensed dealers must run an official NMVTIS report before completing a retail sale of a used vehicle and disclose branded titles to the buyer.

Which vehicles are covered?

All used motor vehicles sold retail by licensed California dealers. (New vehicles are not subject to NMVTIS disclosure at sale.)

What if the NMVTIS report shows a brand?

Provide a written disclosure to the buyer and, if applicable, apply the required red warning sticker (e.g., Junk, Salvage, Rebuilt) before signing.

Can private reports replace NMVTIS under AB 1215?

No. Only reports from authorized NMVTIS data providers satisfy AB 1215. You can run an official report via VinAudit NMVTIS.

How long should we keep reports and disclosures?

Plan on at least 4 years. Maintain both the NMVTIS report and buyer acknowledgment in the deal jacket for DMV audits.

How does VinAudit help dealers comply?

VinAudit.com is a DOJ-approved NMVTIS provider with self-serve reports, batch tools, and API integration for DMS workflows. Create an account at VinAudit for Dealers. If you only have a plate, start with the License Plate Lookup.

Related Resources

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California AB 1215 Dealer Compliance (NMVTIS)