 |
 |
 |
A Dial-in Search Account provides you with on-line access to DMV records. You can also use a Dial-in Search Account to request DMV records by mail. Any person or organization can apply for an account and a certification to use the service.
According to the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law, the DMV must charge a fee to search DMV records. Private persons, commercial organizations, and not-for-profit organizations must pay a search fee. Any public organization, its officers, a volunteer fire company, or or volunteer ambulance service that makes a search for a public purpose is exempt from the search fee.
If you must apply for an account, complete form MV-15D. The instructions are on the forms.
The DMV evaluates your application. If your application is not complete, the DMV returns your application, provides an explanation, and includes more instructions. If your application is complete, the DMV sends you an account number, your passwords, and the user manuals.
When your application for the service is accepted, the DMV creates an account. Your account includes a seven-digit account number, your name and your mailing address. Your account number will never change. You enter this account number when you log in to the Dial-in system.
You can use your account to pay for the mail-order searches and the on-line searches. If you must pay a fee for the service, your account records your debits and your credits, and shows your account balance.
If you are not exempt from the search fees, you must include a deposit with your application. The law does not allow the DMV to provide the services and then collect the payment later ("trade credit"). There is a fee of $7 for each search that you make with the Dial-in service.
Your first deposit must be enough to pay for two months of searches. When the DMV accepts your application, your deposit is added to your new account balance. When you make a search, the DMV subtracts the search fee from your account balance.
You receive an account statement at the end of every month. Your account statement shows your total debits, total credits, and daily balances. Your account statement recommends an amount that you can send to the DMV for your account. Make sure that you send enough money to pay for the searches that you plan to make during the following month. If your account balance is equal to $0 (zero), the Dial-in system will not allow you to do searches. Make sure that you write your account number on your check or money order. The DMV returns any payment that does not match a valid account.
When the DMV accepts your application, the DMV creates your secondary password. You must enter your secondary password when you log in to the Dial-in system. You must change your secondary password at least every 60 days.
When the DMV accepts your application, the DMV creates your primary password. You must enter your primary password when you change your secondary password. Your primary password does not change.
You can use your Dial-in Search Account to request DMV records by mail. When you request DMV records by mail, you must write your account number on form MV-15, form MV-198C, or form FS-25).
You must supply the computer and the modem that you need to use the Dial-in service. You do not need a printer unless you plan to print your searches.
The Dial-in service began in 1984. The Dial-in system does not require the newest type of hardware or software. The installation and maintenance of the hardware and the software that you use for the Dial-in system are your responsibility. The DMV staff cannot help you with a computer problem.
The DMV mails you user manuals when your account is created. You can also request the manuals by telephone, e-mail, or you can download the manuals here:
