Government Launches Used-Vehicle Database

Well, better late than never. After a decade and a half of wrangling by consumer advocates, automakers and the National Automobile Dealers Association, the Department of Justice finally launched the system this week.

Right now, the database only includes roughly three-fourths of the nation’s vehicle titles and only 27 participating states (with another 10 to be linked in shortly, according to the DOJ). All states are required to be on board by Jan. 1, 2010. Insurance companies and salvage yards must submit their information by March 31 of this year.

The database will not be free, and both dealers and consumers will have to go through an online provider. Currently, the only providers are Auto Data Direct and CARCO Group. For more information, visit the DOJ website.

Feds Introduce Used Vehicle Database for Dealers, Consumers (Autoblog)