US
CA
NMVTIS Dealer Education and Training
The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) is the official U.S. title database administered by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in partnership with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA).
Dealers rely on NMVTIS to verify title brands, total-loss history, and junk/salvage events — ensuring compliance with federal and state disclosure rules.
- DOJ/BJA Overview: https://bja.ojp.gov/program/nmvtis/overview
- Consumer Portal: https://vehiclehistory.bja.ojp.gov/
Core Legal & Program References
Dealer Training Resources (Official & Reliable)
BJA / DOJ Publications
AAMVA Materials
State Agency Examples
Dealer Best Practices (Workflow & Controls)
☑ Embed NMVTIS checks at acquisition and pre-sale for every used vehicle.
☑ Confirm and disclose branded titles (salvage, rebuilt, flood, junk/non-repairable).
☑ Use an approved NMVTIS provider and file reports with deal records.
☑ Retain reports and disclosures for at least 3–4 years for inspection.
☑ Train staff to interpret NMVTIS data (brand history, total-loss, junk/salvage, odometer).
☑ Conduct periodic internal audits to ensure consistency.
Reference: Understanding an NMVTIS Vehicle History Report (DOJ/BJA)
Disclosure, Recordkeeping & Penalties
- Disclosure: Dealers must provide NMVTIS-based reports or equivalent branded title information to buyers before sale. Example: California AB 1215 Bill Analysis
- Who Must Report: State DMVs, insurers, and junk/salvage entities under 28 C.F.R. Subpart B.
- Penalties: Non-reporting may result in civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation. Source: DOJ Investigator Guide (PDF)
- State Participation: State Map (BJA) • AAMVA NMVTIS Page
Hands-On Tools & Where to Check
FAQ: Training & Compliance
What should dealer staff be trained to read in a report?
They should review:
• Title brands (salvage, rebuilt, flood, junk/non-repairable)
• Title history (states & dates)
• Insurance total-loss records
• Junk/salvage data
• Odometer (if available)
→ Understanding an NMVTIS Vehicle History Report
Do dealers have to use NMVTIS directly?
No — they must obtain reports from DOJ-approved providers or through DMV-integrated systems (e.g., California AB 1215).
→ Providers List
Who must report into NMVTIS and how often?
State titling agencies, insurance carriers, and junk/salvage entities (typically monthly).
→ Reporting Entities Portal
→ Safe Harbor Guidance
What are the penalties for non-reporting (for entities required to report)?
DOJ/BJA materials indicate civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation for NMVTIS non-reporting. DOJ Investigator Guide (PDF)
Where can I see which states participate and how they integrate?
All 50 states, D.C., and U.S. territories participate.
→ BJA States Map
→ AAMVA for State Titling Agencies
Quick Compliance Checklist (Dealers)
☑ Run an NMVTIS check for every used vehicle at intake and pre-sale.
☑ Disclose branded titles in writing before sale.
☑ Attach NMVTIS or DMV-verified reports to every deal jacket.
☑ Retain reports and disclosures for the required period (≥ 3 years).
☑ Train staff on interpreting NMVTIS reports and resolving anomalies.
☑ Conduct monthly internal audits for consistency.
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