News

Curiosity killed the cat. It’s an old proverb warning against too much curiosity and how it may get you into trouble. When it comes to DPPA protected data like ADD’s DMV123 state records, it bears repeating. The Driver’s Privacy Protection Act clearly outlines when and by whom a record can be accessed legitimately. _It is a violation of Federal and State law to use the DMV database to obtain a vehicle owner’s name and address unless there is a valid exception. An unauthorized search can result in liquidated damages of $1,500 per inquiry_. That’s why ADD is a stickler about security of our valued customers’ accounts as well as the protected information we provide in order for you to conduct business and comply with state and federal requirements.

On Sunday November 20, 2015 TxDMV implemented a new inquiry system that made substantial changes to the underlying format of Texas records and how they are accessed. Since implementing the new system TxDMV has been experiencing technical issues that have caused the system to be unavailable intermittently. Because of the changes made by TxDMV, users may notice that a Texas query takes longer than before, or connection failures may occur. ADD is hopeful that TxDMV will resolve these issues in a timely manner. In the meantime:

Shipping Schedule With the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s holidays, Florida dealers should be sure to have plenty of temp tag stock on hand. __If you need temp tags for the Christmas holiday , they must be ordered by Tuesday, December 22rd before 3:00pm. UPS will not be picking up or delivering tags on Thursday, December 24th or Friday, December 25th due to the Christmas holiday. Temp tags ordered Thursday, December 24th through Friday, December 25th should be received by Tuesday, December 29th.

The 2015 FIADA kicked off its 75th annual trade show in high spirits as dealers from all over Florida gathered in Orlando to see vendors showcase and demonstrate the latest products, services and trends. Our own Mike Samaan was named FIADA Person of the Year at this year’s convention!

Recently, I was at the ARA National Convention in Charlotte, NC and a good customer of ours came by and asked if the NMVTIS reporting requirements had changed. I told him I was not aware of any recent changes but asked what he had heard. He proceeded to tell me that he operates in Connecticut and that, in his state, he turns in titles on all purchases to the DMV, and the DMV issues them a salvage title or junking certificate in their business name. The state law requires them to do this before they can start dismantling a vehicle. He also told me that the Connecticut DMV had just completed a big update to their state system. His DMV officer told him that because of their new system, the state was actively reporting to NMVTIS and that he did not need to report to NMVTIS anymore. I told him I was not aware of any changes, but I would double-check and get an answer for him. Later at the show, I heard the same thing from another company Connecticut. After the show, I reached out to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) that operates the NMVTIS database, and to DOJ, who governs it, and I confirmed that Connecticut is not currently reporting salvage data to NMVTIS on behalf of its salvage yards. The state is reporting title changes to NMVTIS for titles issued by the state, but it is not sending the required NMVTIS information for the salvage yards to meet the federal reporting requirements.

Have you gotten into a habit of thinking the DMV123 state access you had last month is what you still have this month? At ADD we’re working every day to enhance the tools we offer your industry. Don’t assume there’s nothing new for you! Through a modification in our contract with the state of Georgia , now automobile dealers, insurance companies, and financial institutions can find that important southern state in their DMV123 drop down box. The ADD team works closely with jurisdictions to determine appropriate access for DPPA qualified companies based on both federal and state laws. Whether adding a new state or additional access to individual industries, our goal is to provide the broadest range of compliance tools possible for our valued customers, while maintaining the highest level of security for this federally protected data.

With the Thanksgiving holiday right around the corner, Florida Dealers should be sure to have plenty of temporary tag stock on hand. UPS will not be picking up or delivering tags on Thursday, November 26th or Friday, November 27th. If you need temp tags for Thanksgiving weekend, they must be ordered by Tuesday, November 24th before 3:00pm.

The 27th Annual Baltimore Tow Show is right around the corner and the ADD team wants to see you there! If you plan on attending, let us “Hook” you up with free Boss’ Pass that will admit two people to enter the exhibit hall Friday, Nov. 20th – Sunday, Nov. 22nd.

“Please don’t make me go to the Post Office!” If that sounds like a familiar request around your shop, ADD is here to help! DirectPost-Office (DPO) is the incredibly easy, accurate tool offered through your account to get those certified letters in the mail, electronically, without ever leaving your desk.

Auto Data Direct (ADD) is your direct vendor for Florida and North Carolina Electronic Lien & Titling (ELT). But did you know you can access ALL states that mandate ELT from your ADD account?Virginia ELT is available through your ADD account alongside any other ELTs you may have, as Virginia now offers electronic lien and title services.