Can A Private Investigator Run A License Plate

Why would a private investigator run a license plate?

Private Investigators can run license plates for many states.  As long as you have a permitted purpose under the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (DPPA).

1) Litigation/Pre-litigation: For use in connection with any civil, criminal, administrative, or arbitral proceeding in any federal, state, or local court or agency or before any self-regulatory body, including the service of process, investigation in anticipation of litigation, and the execution or enforcement of judgments and orders, or pursuant to an order of a federal, state, or local court.

2) Debt Recovery/Fraud Investigation: For use in the normal course of business by a legitimate business or its agents, employees, or contractors, but only—

(a) to verify the accuracy of personal information submitted by the individual to the business or its agents, employees, or contractors; and

(b) if such information as so submitted is not correct or is no longer correct, to obtain the correct information, but only for the purposes of preventing fraud by, pursuing legal remedies against, or recovering on a  debt or security interest against, the individual.

3) Government Agency: Use by a government agency, but only in carrying out its functions.

4) On Government Behalf: Use by any person acting on behalf of a government or law enforcement agency, but only in carrying out the agency’s functions.

5) Insurer/Claims Investigation: Use by an insurer or insurance support organization, or by a self-insured entity, or its agents, employees, or contractors in connection with claim investigation activities, anti-fraud activities, rating or underwriting.

6) Motor Vehicle Safety:  In connection with motor vehicle safety or theft, or driver safety (except by or for a motor vehicle manufacturer).

7) Employment: Use by an employer or its agents or insurer to obtain or verify information relating to a holder of a commercial driver’s license that is required under Chapter 313 of Title 49 of the United States Code.

8) Towing/Impounded Vehicle:  For use in providing notice to the owners of towed or impounded vehicles.

9) Private Investigator:  Use by a licensed private investigative agency or licensed security service for a purpose permitted in one of the items listed above.