Commercial Requester Accounts

Adult Desk

Any person or business who has a legitimate business need for obtaining Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) information can apply for a Commercial Requester Account (CRA) and code. 

Commercial Requester Information Handbook

The Commercial Requester Information Handbook contains useful information about what qualifies as a legitimate business need, requirements, account audits, fees and billing, frequently asked questions, and more.

Download the handbook

Record Requests, Fees, and Billing

After you enroll, you can access records and information through any of these methods:

  • Paper/Hardcopy: This is a manual process that requires approximately 7-14 business days.
  • File Transfer Protocol (FTP) via Secure File Transfer (SFT): This is a batch (overnight) process.
  • Online: Provides instant access. Requires a network connection. Complete section F of the application for online access (see below). Not available for intermediate/second tier use.

Fees

Here are the fees for record requests:

  • Electronic records (driver license or vehicle registration): $2 each
  • Driver license and vehicle registration records: $5 each
  • Copies of microfilmed records or photos:
    • Driver license: $20 for each copy
    • Vehicle registration: $20 for each year
    • Requests for large volumes or bulk requests: $100 per thousand records, in addition to computer run time and programming.

Billing

We will send you an invoice when your bill reaches $6, or every three months. 

Payment is due upon receipt of invoice. To avoid processing delays, detach the remittance slip from the invoice statement and submit original remittance with check or money order to the DMV address shown on the invoice.

When remitting payment, you must return the bottom portion or stub of the original invoice. Do not send a photocopy of the stub, as this will cause delays in the remittance process. You must indicate your account number on the check or money order and make all checks or money orders payable to DMV.

How to Apply for an End-User Account

To apply for an end-user account, complete and submit:

Mail your application and supporting documents to the address on the INF 1106 form.

You also need to keep the following forms on file:

Additional instructions can be found in the Commercial Requester Account Instructions and Forms Packet (INF 1133).

How to Renew an End-User Account

You need to renew your account every two years. We will notify you approximately 90 days before your account’s expiration date. 

To renew your account, complete and submit:

  • INF 1106 form.
  • Renewal fee (nonrefundable):
    • $50 for accounts not requesting access to confidential residence address information.
    • $250 for accounts requesting access to confidential residence address information (also requires Surety Bond).
  • Commercial Requester Account Renewal Notice (sent by DMV about 90 days before account expires). 

Mail your renewal application and supporting documents to the address on the INF 1106 form.

How to Modify an End-User Account

You must notify DMV of any changes to your account within 10 business days of the change.

To modify your account, complete and submit:

  • INF 1106.
  • INF 1106BL if you are requesting additional requester code(s) for branch locations.

Mail your  application and supporting documents to the address on the INF 1106 form.

There is no fee for changing a contact person, address, phone number, proposed use, etc. An ownership change will require a new application and fee.

How to Apply for a Service Provider Account

Any vendor or agent requesting DMV records on behalf of a business needs a service provider account. To apply, complete and submit:

Mail your application and supporting documents to the address on form the INF 1106V form.

You also need to keep the following forms on file:

Additional instructions can be found in the Commercial Requester Account Application Instructions – Service Provider (INF 1133V).

How to Renew a Service Provider Account

You need to renew your account every two years. We will notify you approximately 90 days before your account’s expiration date.

To renew your account, complete and submit:

  • INF 1106V.
  • Application fee:
    • $250 (if your application is denied, $50 of the application fee will be kept to cover processing costs).
  • Commercial Requester Account Renewal Notice (sent by DMV about 90 days before account expires).

Mail your renewal application and supporting documents to the address on the INF 1106V form.

How to Modify a Service Provider Account

You must notify DMV of any changes to your account within 10 business days of the change.

To modify your account, complete and submit:

Mail your application and supporting documents to the address on the INF 1106V form.

There is no fee for changing a contact person, address, phone number, proposed use, etc. An ownership change will require a new application and fee.

Security Requirements

Individuals and businesses enrolled in the CRA Program must follow our security requirements. Enrolled entities must:

  • Maintain the security and integrity of the information they receive. A violation of any provision(s) of the agreement, whether by omission or commission, will be grounds for action by DMV and may result in suspension or termination of service.
  • Ensure compliance with all the security provisions of this agreement. If fraud or abuse is suspected or confirmed, you must notify DMV’s Information Services Branch, Policy and Information Privacy Section at (916) 657-5583 within 1 business day. You must also prepare a written notification containing all facts and mail it to DMV within three business days:

    Department of Motor Vehicles
    Information Services Branch
    Policy and Information Privacy Section MS H225
    PO Box 942890
    Sacramento, CA 94290-0890
  • Require every employee (including the system administrator) having direct or incidental access to DMV records to sign a copy of the Information Security Statement (INF 1128). The INF 1128 is required upon initial authorization for access to DMV records and annually thereafter. A copy of these signed INF 1128 forms must be kept on file at the agency for at least two years following the deactivation or termination of authorization and must be available to DMV on demand.
  • Restrict the use and knowledge of requester codes and operational manuals to employees who have signed an INF 1128.
  • Maintain a current list of names of employees authorized to access DMV records. This list must be available to DMV on demand.
  • Not leave access terminals and modems unattended while in active session, unless these devices are secured by a locking device that prevents entry or receipt of information or are placed in a locked room that is not accessible to unauthorized persons.
  • Place video terminals, printers, hardcopy printouts, and any other form of DMV approved records that are located in public access areas so that the records cannot be viewed by the public or other unauthorized persons.
  • Destroy all information received from DMV’s files once its legitimate use has ended. The method of destruction must be effective for the type of record requested and done in a manner so that the record cannot be reproduced or identified in any physical or electronic form.
  • Not disclose its DMV assigned requester code, either orally or in writing, to anyone who is not an employee and has not signed the INF 1128 (other than a DMV approved service provider (vendor or agent).
  • Not sell, retain, distribute, provide, or transfer any record information or portion of the record information acquired under this agreement, except as authorized by DMV.

Tracking Records and Information Requests

Keep track of your requests with the Information Requester Log (INF 2115). Keep the log in a secure location for two years from the date of your last request.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you cannot use DMV records for any purpose except for the intended use which has been approved by DMV.

Yes, the term of each agreement is for two years from the approval date, and is renewable at two-year intervals after that.

No, the INF 1128 is to be maintained at your worksite.

Yes, if your agency is accessing information and releasing it to another entity or individual and it is incidental to the purpose for which it was requested. The agency must have the receiving entity or individual who is acting on behalf of your agency sign an agreement acknowledging the confidentiality of residence address information pursuant to California Vehicle Code (CVC) §1808.47. If you want to authorize the entity or individual to access information directly on your behalf, please contact the Account Processing Unit (APU) for further information.

If fraud or misuse is suspected or confirmed, you must notify DMV’s Information Services Branch, Information Policy and Liaison Section at (916) 657-5583, within one business day of discovery. You must also prepare a written notification containing all facts and mail it to the following address within three business days:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Information Services Branch
Information Policy and Liaison Section MS H225
PO Box 942890
Sacramento, CA 94290-0890

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