DMV API
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DMV API

Use our DMV API and verification tools to query the Department of Motor Vehicles in all available states to confirm identity and ID issuance in seconds.

Why check IDs against DMV records

A drivers license verification API check will confirm if the identity information presented by the customer is legitimate, and matches the document issued by that state, combatting even the most sophisticated fake IDs.

California drivers license sample

Confirm issuance

A query to the DMV will return a yes / no result, letting you know if the state DMV has a record of the individual.

Connecticut sample drivers license

Confirm address

The DMV API will send back a true / false on the address on the ID, letting you know if the name matches known records.

Expired New York driver's license

Confirm expiration

Expired IDs are sometimes altered to appear valid. The DMV API will confirm whether the ID is unexpired.

Map of available jurisdictions using the IDScan.net DMV API

Currently, more than 40 states offer the ability to query their DMV database. We are adding more states each year to provide the maximum coverage to our customers via our drivers license verification API.

US map of states with availability of DMV data verification

Where can DMV checks be integrated?

We offer the ability to add on optional DMV verifications to several of our products, or via API into your own application. Checks can be initiated for all scans, or on-demand to provide enhanced due diligence on high risk transactions.

VeriScan

The DMV API add-on is a great way to perform an additional validation on IDs scanned via mobile device, where full authentication is not possible.

Read more about VeriScan →

Digital Identity Verification Engine (DIVE)

Add DMV data verification as an added layer on some or all verifications, as an additional check for security and fraud reduction.

Read more about DIVE →

Integration

Add DMV data verification checks by working directly with our DMV API inside your own software tools and applications.

SDK & API Library →

DMV data verification FAQ

Which states are available to query using the IDScan.net DMV API

Driver’s licenses, driving permits and ID cards issued by U.S. jurisdictions are regularly used as proof of identity; however, these documents can be counterfeit or altered. The DMV API allows an organization that is presented with a license or ID card to verify that the data on the card matches the data held by the jurisdiction that issued the document.

Currently 40 US state offer access to their database. California, Utah, Alaska, Louisiana, Alabama, South Carolina, and New York only allow access to government entities and the Social Security Administration. New Hampshire and Oklahoma have announced plans to open access to their DMV database, and Minnesota is currently under review.


What data is returned when the DMV API is queried?

You can view the full details of an example request on our developer documentation portal.

You will simply submit information on the ID, such as first name, last name, and ID number, and our API will return a flag for each data element, telling you if the information matches what they have on file. The API does not return raw PII, it merely sends back a “true” or “false” confirming whether the DMV database matches the information on the ID.


Does the DMV API work offline?

No, the API requires an internet connection to send and return results.


What fields are needed to query a DMV database?

At minimum, you will need to send first name, last name, drivers license number, and state to initiate a call to the DMV database.


How do you verify individuals in a state that does not allow for access to the DMV database?

We recommend pairing the DMV API with use of a tool such as IdentiFraud which queries a variety of public records sources in all 50 states and can provide a fail-over when you are performing identity verification or remote ID validation on an individual in a state which is not native to our DMV API.


How much does the DMV API cost?

Calls to the DMV API have a per-scan cost. Contact us for a price quote based on your expected volume.


Additional third party checks

In addition to DMV data verification we provide a variety of third party checks which can be added to products or integrated into your own technology.

IdentiFraud Checks
Reduce Identity Fraud Icon

Check identity against the SSA, known fraud lists, utility records, and public service records.

Learn more →

Criminal Background Checks
Criminal background check icon

Query court records across the US to perform a criminal background check against a scanned ID.

Learn more →

OFAC List Checks
OFAC checks icon

Check that customers do not appear on any sanctions or AML lists by querying OFAC.

Learn more →

US map

Add DMV API checks to your product or application

Query the DMV database in more than 40 US states to confirm identity and ID issuance in seconds.

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