An authorized business or agency can establish a service account with the MVA in order to obtain driver and vehicle records.  All MVA records are disclosed in accordance with The Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), Maryland's DPPA Procedural Manual, and other federal and State laws. Businesses authorized to access records under DPPA may chose to participate in one or more of the “on-line” programs briefly described below.

Direct Access Record System (DARS)

The DARS system offers customers convenient Internet access to the MVA’s records without requiring the installation of software on the customer’s computer.  DARS subscribers who are authorized in accordance with the DPPA may obtain both driver and vehicle information by submitting certain information:

• Driver records – driver’s license number, name, date of birth
• Vehicle records – Vehicle’s identification number (VIN), title number, license plate number

Three-year driver records, vehicle records and name searches accessed through the DARS are recorded and monitored, and the subscriber is billed monthly at the current statutory rate for non-certified copies.

Access through the DARS is enabled after the MVA signs a contractual agreement with the customer. Then secured user ID's/passwords are individually assigned by the MVA to specific company or agency employees.

License Monitor System (LMS)

The License Monitor System (LMS) is designed for employers and insurance companies that need to monitor the driving records of their employees/customers for vehicle law violations or driver’s license suspensions. Customers (subscribing companies) provide the MVA with a list of the soundex numbers to be monitored using the file transfer protocol (FTP).

The MVA produces and sends the customer a three-year driving record whenever a new soundex number is submitted.  Thereafter, any suspension, revocation or conviction information received by the MVA about the employee/customer is also sent to the LMS subscriber.  Records may be provided to the customer on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.  Upon the anniversary date of the LMS subscriber participation in the program, the MVA produces a new three-year driving record for each soundex and the client is billed accordingly at the current statutory rate. This file transfer protocol (FTP) runs over-night and makes available to the company the resulting file the next day (any updated suspensions, revocations and/or convictions).

Data Clients and File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

MVA provides larger volumes of record data (partial driver and vehicle records) to authorized entities using a secure file transfer protocol (FTP).  Typical clients include law enforcement agencies that are investigating criminal or traffic activities, automotive industries that are planning vehicle recalls, and court systems that are checking parking violations.

Note that you can also obtain paper copies of records by visiting an MVA branch office or by mailing the request to the MVA.  You may also obtain a copy of your driving record using the Online Services – Driving Records available through the MVA's website. For more information, see Driver and Vehicle Information Sales – Reports and Documents.

How do I establish a service account?

You must contact the MVA’s Driver Records Unit via email and identify the program in which you are interested.  Be sure to include your U.S. mailing address or post office (PO Box) address.  You can send your email to either of the following email addresses:

• drivingrecords@mdot.state.md.us
• MVRSDataRequest@mdot.state.md.us

The Driver Records Unit will mail you a blank application packet for you to complete and sign.  The forms and other application materials sent to you will vary by program:

Direct Access Record System (DARS):

• Application for Direct Access Record System
• Surety Bond of Information Requestor Driver/Vehicle Records
• Security Advisory
• Contract
• Driver Privacy Protection Policy

License Monitor System (LMS):

• Surety Bond of Information Requestor Driver Records
• Security Advisory
• MVA FTP Remote Access Request Form
• Contract
• Contract Supplement
• Driver Privacy Protection Policy

Data Clients and File Transfer Protocol (FTP):

• Surety Bond of Information Requestor Driver/Vehicle Records
• Security Advisory
• MVA FTP Remote Access Request Form
• Contract
• Contract Supplement
• Driver Privacy Protection Policy

Submit the completed forms by mail or in person to the Driver Records Unit.  Upon approval, the MVA will send you the following documents:

• Welcome letter
• Copy of signed contract
• User’s guide
• User ID numbers and temporary password

Fees:

• DARS – The standard non-certified fee is charged for each record requested by the DARS subscriber.  Law Enforcement and Government Entities are not charged.
• LMS FTP
• • Non Government Entities are charged the standard non-certified fee for each record purchased annually and $ .05 for each additional record update
  • Law Enforcement and Government Entities are not charged.
• DATA FTP
• • Non Government Entities are charged $500 for the first 10,000 records requested and $ .05 for each additional record.
  • Government Entities are charged $250 for the first 10,000 records requested and $.025 for each additional record.

Contact Information:

MVA
Driver Records Unit
6601 Ritchie Highway, NE
Glen Burnie, MD 21062

For telephone questions: