New DOJ Database Tracks Stolen Vehicles

The U.S. Department of Justice has debuted a new database intended to allow consumer access to vehicle title information, hoping to reduce the number of stolen, wrecked or previously damaged vehicles that are re-sold across the country. The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) database is administered for DOJ by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), and is currently available from two private vendors for a $2.50 fee. The database includes information on the current title and status, issue date, most recent odometer reading, any “junk” or “recycle” tags associated with the vehicle, and any insurance salvage action. Find more about the database here. [Editor – It’s not clear if this information is available to law enforcement via NCIC.]