US
CA
Frequently Asked Questions on NMVTIS Compliance
1. What is NMVTIS and why was it created?
The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) is the only federal vehicle title database in the United States. Established under the Anti-Car Theft Act of 1992 and managed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), NMVTIS helps prevent title fraud, detect stolen vehicles, and protect consumers from unknowingly purchasing unsafe or rebuilt cars. It provides a nationwide record of title history, branding, and total-loss data.
2. What types of data does NMVTIS track?
NMVTIS aggregates information from multiple sources to provide an accurate view of a vehicle’s history, including:
- ✅ Title brands (salvage, rebuilt, flood, junk, or total-loss designations)
- ✅ Title history across all U.S. states and territories
- ✅ Total-loss data from insurance companies and salvage auctions
- ✅ Junk and salvage reports from dismantlers and recyclers
- ✅ Odometer readings and DMV title updates (when available)
3. Do all states require NMVTIS reports for dealers?
While all 50 states report data to NMVTIS, only some explicitly require dealers to pull and disclose reports to buyers. Examples include:
- California (AB 1215) – Mandatory NMVTIS reports for all used-car sales
- Oregon (SB 840) – Disclosure and sticker labeling requirements
- Virginia – Integrated disclosure system through DMV verification
Other states use NMVTIS indirectly via DMV title processing, ensuring all brands are validated automatically.
4. When should a dealer run an NMVTIS report?
A report should be generated before the sale is finalized — ideally during vehicle intake or listing. Dealers must provide title-brand disclosure before the buyer signs any contract or purchase agreement. This ensures compliance with both federal and state consumer-protection laws.
5. What does an NMVTIS report show?
An NMVTIS report includes key vehicle data such as:
- • Current and previous title jurisdictions
- • Any recorded title brands (salvage, rebuilt, flood, junk, etc.)
- • Total-loss history from insurance companies
- • Junk or salvage reporting from dismantlers
- • Odometer records where reported by state DMVs
This information helps dealers confirm whether a vehicle is legally transferable and helps buyers avoid unsafe or misrepresented cars.
6. Who are authorized NMVTIS data providers?
Only DOJ-approved companies can distribute NMVTIS data. Official providers include:
- VinAudit.com – DOJ-authorized data provider for dealers and consumers
- AutoDataDirect
- Carfax
- TitleCheck and other approved vendors
Dealers should always verify that their provider is officially listed on the DOJ website before integrating NMVTIS reports into their workflow.
7. How should dealers disclose NMVTIS results to buyers?
Dealers can either:
- • Provide a printed or digital copy of the NMVTIS report, or
- • Issue a written disclosure summarizing the title brand and vehicle condition.
States like California and Oregon also require visible “Branded Title Vehicle” labels on the car and clear written disclosure prior to sale.
8. How long must NMVTIS records be kept?
Most state DMVs require dealers to retain NMVTIS reports and buyer acknowledgments for at least three (3) years. Best practice is to keep records for up to five years and store digital copies for rapid audit response or customer inquiries.
9. What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Penalties vary by state, but consequences can include:
- • Civil fines (up to $5,000 per violation)
- • Dealer license suspension or revocation
- • Mandatory restitution to affected buyers
- • Fraud or consumer-protection actions under federal law
Failure to disclose branded titles or falsifying NMVTIS data is considered deceptive trade practice and may lead to criminal investigation.
10. Are online dealers and digital marketplaces covered?
Yes. Any entity that sells, brokers, or transfers ownership of used vehicles to consumers must follow NMVTIS disclosure laws. This includes traditional dealerships, digital-first retailers, consignment dealers, and online marketplaces handling title transactions.
11. How can dealers simplify NMVTIS compliance?
The easiest way to maintain compliance is to automate NMVTIS reporting using an authorized provider. Platforms such as VinAudit.com offer dealer dashboards, batch VIN lookups, and API integrations for Dealer Management Systems (DMS). These tools help ensure every vehicle is verified before sale while keeping audit records up to date.
12. Does NMVTIS replace state title checks?
No. NMVTIS complements — not replaces — state title systems. States remain the final authority on title issuance, but NMVTIS ensures all title brands and total-loss data are shared nationally. Dealers should always confirm both state DMV and NMVTIS data before completing a sale.
13. How often is NMVTIS updated?
Participating entities such as DMVs, insurers, and recyclers update NMVTIS daily or in real time. Most title and brand data appear in the system within 24–72 hours of submission, providing up-to-date insights for dealers and buyers.
14. How does NMVTIS benefit consumers?
By maintaining a single, nationwide title history database, NMVTIS ensures consumers receive accurate information before buying a vehicle. It reduces fraud, prevents the sale of unsafe vehicles, and provides transparency about prior damage or loss events — strengthening trust in the automotive marketplace.
15. How can I access official NMVTIS reports?
Dealers and consumers can access verified NMVTIS vehicle history reports through VinAudit.com, an authorized DOJ data provider. Each report includes state title data, brand information, odometer records, and total-loss details from insurers and auctions.
Key Takeaways
- NMVTIS compliance is mandatory in several states and strongly recommended nationwide.
- Dealers must pull NMVTIS reports for every used-vehicle sale and disclose results to buyers before contract signing.
- Recordkeeping of reports and buyer acknowledgments is required for audit protection.
- Using an authorized provider like VinAudit ensures data accuracy and DOJ compliance.
Related NMVTIS Guides
The most comprehensive Automotive Data & Analytics
- Automotive Market Trends & Insights
- Research & White Papers
- Auto Market Analytics Articles
- VIN Decoder & Lookup
