Other Related Topics - Data PrivacyInformationDriver and Vehicle Services (DVS) maintains millions of records for Minnesota residents relating to motor vehicle and driver’s license data.
The name, date of birth and address information collected on motor vehicle and driver’s license applications is classified as restricted information unless the subject of the data has requested that their information not be restricted. Restricted information does not apply to businesses.
Policies and ProceduresWhat is Data Privacy?
DVS protects the data of Minnesota residents by following both federal and state laws regarding the sharing of motor vehicle and driver’s license data. DVS protects the data by only releasing information to individuals, companies, organizations or government agencies that are entitled by law.
Most of the information collected on driver's license and motor vehicle applications is not available to the general public.
A person who is the subject of the data may authorize the release of information, by completing a Grant Access to Record Authorization Form (PS2503).
Data on records falls into four categories:
Public – anyone can see the data for:
Restricted - the subject of the data and those specifically authorized by law:
*Restricted information does not apply to businesses.Private - only the subject of the data and those specifically authorized by law including:
- Social Security Number (SSNs):
SSNs may be provided to the Department of Revenue for tax administration and the Department of Labor and Industry for workers' compensation administration and enforcement.
Confidential - no one, including the subject, may see this data. The information is only available to authorized department staff.
- Data from family members concerning a person’s driving ability
Record Inquiry
A record inquiry falls into three categories: commercial, individual and government access.
Commercial Inquiry: Commercial users are required to sign a legal access agreement. The requester may face criminal and civil penalties, under United States code, title 18 if the data is misused. DVS charges a fee for the data.
Individual Inquiry: Individual requesters are required to complete a Record Request Form (PS2502). The back of the form lists the allowed reasons to receive the data, or the requester can provide written authorization [Grant Access to Record Authorization Form (PS2503)] from the subject of the data. DVS will determine if the requester is allowed to receive the information. There is a fee for the data.
Government Access: Law enforcement and court agencies have access to the computer records through a criminal justice computer network. Other government agencies also have access to the records to obtain or verify information needed to carry out their programs. FeesDVS complies with all federal and state laws regarding the dissemination of motor vehicle and driver’s license data.
Individuals are required to complete a Record Request Form (PS2502), indicating how they are entitled under United States Code, Title 18, section 2721, to receive record information or provide written authorization from the subject of the data.
Refer to the Records Fee Page for all fee information. When requesting a record, the fee must accompany the request. Please make checks payable to Driver and Vehicle Services. Frequently Asked QuestionsAm I able to hide my address from the public?
Individuals, who have a genuine concern for their safety, such as law enforcement officials or someone in a crisis situation, may request that the address field on their driver’s license or motor vehicle record be classified as Private Data and display a valid alternate mailing address. They may also request that the name field on their motor vehicle record reflect Private.
Those requesting changes need to complete and return the Private Data Request Form (PS33202) and provide a valid alternate mailing address. DVS will mail all division correspondence, such as renewal notices, to the alternate mailing address.
Once the form has been filed, only the subject of the data is able to transact business with DVS, such as renew registration for a vehicle, purchase license plates or apply for a duplicate title.
Note: If an alternate mailing address is requested for a driver’s license record, a new driver’s license is printed with the alternate address. As a result, the address may be different than the one displayed on the person’s checks or credit cards.
To discontinue the program, the person must send a written request to DVS at:
Driver and Vehicle Services – Central Office
Town Square Building
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 190
Saint Paul, MN 55101-5190
What is Permissible Use?
DVS will provide the record information to anyone entitled to receive it under United States Code Tile 18, section 2721
Those seeking record information attest that they are authorized, under the Federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act, to obtain the records and personal information:
- For use by any government agency, including court or law enforcement agency, in carrying out its functions, or any private person or entity acting on behalf of a Federal, State or local agency in carrying out its functions.
- For use in connection with matters of motor vehicle or driver safety and theft; motor vehicle emissions; motor vehicle product alterations, recalls or advisories; performance monitoring of motor vehicles, motor vehicle parts and dealers; motor vehicle market research activities, including survey research; and removal of non-owner records from the original owner records of motor vehicle manufacturers.
- For use in the normal course of business by a legitimate business or its agents, employees or contractors, but only (A) to verify the accuracy of personal information submitted by the individual to the business or its agencies, employees or contractors; and (B) if such information as so submitted is not correct or is no longer correct, to obtain correct information, but only for the purposes of preventing fraud by, pursuing legal remedies against, or recovering on a debt or security interest against the individual. If acting as agent of lien holder, requestor must submit proof of contract with lien holder.
- For use in connection with any civil, criminal, administrative or arbitral proceeding in any Federal, State or local court or agency or before any self-regulatory body, including the service of process, investigation in anticipation of litigation, and the execution or enforcement of judgments and orders, or pursuant to an order of a Federal, State or local court. Requestor must furnish court information.
- For use in research activities, and for use in producing statistical reports, so long as the personal information is not published, re-disclosed or used to contact individuals.
- For use by any insurer or insurance support organization, or by self-insured entity, or its agents, employees or contractors, in connection with claims investigation activities, anti- fraud activities, rating or underwriting. If agent of insurance company, requestor must provide insurance company name.
- For use in providing notice to the owners of towed or impounded vehicles. Requestor must provide name, address, and telephone number of entity that request the vehicle be towed.
- For use by any licensed private investigative agency or licensed security service for any purpose permitted under this subsection. Requestor must provide copy of valid license.
- For use by an employer or its agent or insurer to obtain or verify information relating to a holder of a commercial driver’s license that is required under the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 (49 U.S.C. App. 2710 et seq.).
- For use in connection with the operation of private toll transportation facilities.
- For any other use in response to requests for individual motor vehicle records if the State has obtained the express consent of the person to whom such personal information pertains.
- For bulk distribution for surveys, marketing or solicitations if the State has obtained the express consent of the person to whom such personal information pertains.
- For use by any requester, if the requester demonstrates it has obtained written consent of the individual to whom the information pertains.
- For any other use specifically authorized under the law of the State that holds the record, if such use is related to the operation of a motor vehicle or public safety. Requestor must list specific statutory authorization.
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