Did you know the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides a way to obtain an individual’s personal information with a license plate trace? The information may only be accessed for specific reasons, but the process does exist and can be helpful to community associations.
In order to conduct this search the requesting person must complete a Requestor Release and Affidavit of Intended Use form and pay a $2.20 search fee. Additionally, the requestor must certify he/she is requesting the information for a permissible use. Permissible uses are as follows:
- Verification of accuracy of information by a business for the purpose of preventing fraud, pursuing legal remedies, or recovering a debt;
- In connection with a civil, criminal, administrative or arbitral proceeding, including for service of process;
- To provide notice of impounded vehicles (you may not request the information if the vehicle has not yet been towed. It may only be requested after towing has occurred); or
- With the consent of the vehicle owner.
In addition to requesting this information for a permissible use, the form also requires you to include your personal information, including, name, driver’s license number, and address. This allows the DMV to hold requestors accountable for improper requests.
Due to the limitation of permissible uses and the requirement of providing personal information with each request, we recommend such requests be handled by the association’s legal counsel to limit the association’s directors’ and managers’ liability exposure.
If you have any questions about this process or need more information, please contact us at 303.432.9999.