US
CA
Overview: Understanding NMVTIS Dealer Responsibilities
The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) is the federally authorized vehicle title database established under the Anti-Car Theft Act of 1992. Managed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), in partnership with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), NMVTIS provides a nationwide system for verifying title and brand history.
Through NMVTIS, every vehicle’s title record—including salvage, rebuilt, flood, junk, or total-loss status—can be validated across states. This prevents “title washing,” strengthens consumer protection, and ensures transparency in the used-vehicle market.
Dealers are vital participants in NMVTIS compliance. Before selling a used vehicle, they must verify the title’s condition, disclose any existing brands to the buyer, and maintain verifiable documentation. This checklist outlines both federal standards and state-level mandates like California AB 1215 and Oregon SB 840, which explicitly require dealers to access NMVTIS data before completing sales.
Step-by-Step NMVTIS Dealer Compliance Process
- Confirm Your State’s NMVTIS Regulations: Identify whether your state mandates dealer-level NMVTIS checks (e.g., California, Oregon, Virginia) or integrates NMVTIS verification directly through its DMV title system.
- Register with an Authorized NMVTIS Data Provider: Work only with DOJ-approved sources such as VinAudit.com to access real-time NMVTIS reports and ensure data accuracy.
- Verify Each Vehicle’s Title History: Run a NMVTIS report before listing or selling any used vehicle. Confirm whether the title includes salvage, flood, junk, or rebuilt designations.
- Disclose Title Brands to Buyers: Provide the NMVTIS report or a written disclosure form summarizing any branded-title information. Full transparency is required by law.
- Display Mandatory Brand Labels: Apply visible branded-title stickers where required under laws such as Oregon SB 840 or similar state disclosure acts.
- Maintain Proper Documentation: Retain NMVTIS reports, title-transfer documents, and buyer acknowledgments for at least three (3) years—or longer if your state DMV requires.
- Train Dealership Staff: Ensure all sales and title personnel understand how NMVTIS reporting works, how to interpret title brands, and how to handle buyer disclosures.
- Audit Dealer Inventory Quarterly: Review all vehicles on your lot to confirm NMVTIS verification has been completed and compliance records are stored per VIN.
- Prepare for Inspections or Audits: Keep records organized and readily accessible in case of DMV, DOJ, or consumer protection inquiries.
- Monitor Updates to State and Federal Law: Compliance rules evolve—stay informed through your state DMV, DOJ bulletins, or AAMVA updates.
Dealer Documentation Checklist
Every sale involving a used or branded vehicle should include a complete NMVTIS compliance record:
- ✔️ NMVTIS Vehicle History Report (from VinAudit or another DOJ-approved provider)
- ✔️ Buyer Disclosure Form referencing title brands
- ✔️ State-required Branded Title Sticker (if applicable)
- ✔️ Dealer Sales Record & Title Transfer Documentation
- ✔️ Staff Training & Compliance Log
- ✔️ Proof of NMVTIS Subscription or API Access (for dealer accounts)
Best Practice: Create a “NMVTIS Compliance Packet” for every VIN sold, containing all the above documents for quick retrieval during audits or consumer inquiries.
Get a professionally formatted, printable version of this checklist for use during sales audits, training, or internal compliance reviews.
Download NMVTIS Checklist →Why NMVTIS Compliance Matters for Dealers
- Legal Protection: Compliance protects dealers from civil fines, license suspension, or fraud-related litigation.
- Fraud Prevention: Stops title-washing schemes and illegal resale of flood or total-loss vehicles.
- Consumer Confidence: Builds trust through transparency in every used-car transaction.
- Efficiency: Ensures faster title approvals and fewer DMV rejections.
- Audit Readiness: Simplifies verification for state and federal compliance checks.
Simplify NMVTIS Compliance with VinAudit.com
VinAudit.com is an official DOJ-authorized NMVTIS data provider offering instant vehicle-history reports, API access, and dealer dashboard tools for seamless compliance.
- Instant NMVTIS reports for all inventory vehicles
- Dealer dashboard with batch and historical report tracking
- API integration for DMS, CRM, or inventory systems
Conclusion: Compliance Builds Trust and Longevity
NMVTIS compliance is more than a legal requirement—it’s a cornerstone of ethical dealership operations. By using NMVTIS data for every used-vehicle transaction, you protect your customers, your license, and your business reputation. Staying proactive with NMVTIS verification ensures transparency, supports fair trade, and strengthens public confidence in the auto industry.
Next step: Verify every vehicle you sell with an official VinAudit NMVTIS Vehicle History Report.
Related NMVTIS Resources
The most comprehensive Automotive Data & Analytics
- Automotive Market Trends & Insights
- Research & White Papers
- Auto Market Analytics Articles
- VIN Decoder & Lookup
