The Texas MV 440 form is a request for motor vehicle information, allowing individuals to access details about vehicle title and registration records. This form is essential for ensuring compliance with the Driver Privacy Protection Act, which safeguards personal information. To proceed with your request, fill out the form by clicking the button below.
The Texas MV 440 form is a crucial document for anyone seeking access to motor vehicle information in Texas, particularly in Harris County. This form serves as a formal request to the Harris County Tax Office, allowing individuals to obtain vital data regarding vehicle titles and registrations. It is essential to understand that access to this information is governed by the Driver Privacy Protection Act, which safeguards personal details from unauthorized disclosure. To complete the form, applicants must provide their personal information, including their name, address, and a photocopy of a government-issued photo ID. The form requires applicants to certify their identity as the vehicle's recorded owner or to attach written authorization from the owner or lienholder if they are not the owner. The MV 440 also outlines the permissible uses of the requested information, ensuring that it is only utilized for legitimate purposes such as law enforcement, vehicle safety, or legal proceedings. Failure to comply with the legal requirements can result in serious consequences, including criminal charges for falsifying information. Therefore, it is imperative for applicants to carefully follow the instructions and ensure all necessary documentation is submitted with their request.
RequestforMotorVehicleInformation
1 OF 2
MAIL TO: Ann Harris Bennett, Tax Assessor-Collector
Harris County
P.O. Box 4089
Houston, Texas 77210-4089
The Driver Privacy Protection Act restricts access to personal information on vehicle title and registration records. A copy of your current government issued photo identification must accompany application. Signature of applicant is required.
I am the current recorded owner of the vehicle.
Written authorization is attached from the person(s) listed as the recorded owner, lienholder or previous owner.
My authority to obtain vehicle information is shown as a permitted use on page 2. (Initial the appropriate line, check the applicable box on page 2, and sign the statement below. If required, attach the appropriate supporting documentation.)
APPLICANT INFORMATION If recorded owner, check box to update address as shown on this application □
Last Name or Business Name
First Name
Middle Initial
Address
City
State
Zip Code
Day Phone
E-mail
GOVERNMENT ISSUED PHOTO IDENTIFICATION – SUBMIT PHOTOCOPY
Entity Issuing ID and Type (i.e., Texas Driver License, U.S. Passport, etc.)
Government Photo ID Number
Expires
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Texas License Plate
Year
Make
Vehicle Identification Number
Title Document Number
If you are not the owner/lienholder, initial a Permitted Use on page 2 - unless you have written authorization.
....................................Title and registration verification of a vehicle record (current or expired)
$2.00 per record
Statement: State law makes falsifying information on this application a third-degree felony.
I certify the statements on this application are true and correct. I request the Harris County Tax Office provide me with the requested information contained in the motor vehicle record for the vehicle indicated. In making this request, I also certify that the:
•Information requested is for a lawful and legitimate purpose and will be used only in accordance with 18 U.S. Code ₤2721-2725 and Transportation Code, Chapter 730 (Driver Privacy Protection Acts);
•Personal Information obtained pursuant to this request will not be used for marketing, solicitation or survey purposes; and,
•I have not been convicted of a violation of either of the Driver Privacy Protection Acts, or violated a rule adopted by the department relating to the terms and conditions for release of personal information from vehicle records.
Name of Applicant (type or print):
Date:
Signature of Applicant(required):
Violators can be prosecuted under Transportation Code, Section 730.013 and Penal Code, Section 37.10.
MV-440
www.hctax.net
Rev 2/19
Permitted Use – Sign or print your initials on the appropriate line for your use of the requested information.
Choose one of the following options:
1.I am the current recorded owner or lienholder of the vehicle;
2.Written authorization is attached from the person(s) listed as the recorded owner, lienholder or previous owner; or
3.my authority to obtain vehicle information is for the permitted use noted below. I understand the use of the requested information is strictly limited to:
_______ A governmental entity, including law enforcement (check applicable box):
A government agency, including any court or law enforcement agency, in carrying out its functions.
A private person or entity acting on behalf of a government agency in carrying out the functions of the agency.
_______Use in connection with one of the following (check applicable box):
Motor vehicle safety or motor vehicle operator safety.
Motor vehicle theft.
Motor vehicle emissions.
Motor vehicle product alterations, recalls or advisories.
Performance monitoring of motor vehicles, motor vehicle parts, or motor vehicle dealers.
Motor vehicle market research activities, including survey research.
Removal of non-owner records from the original owner records of a motor vehicle manufacturer to carry out the purposes of the Automobile Information Disclosure Act, the Anti Car Theft Act of 1992, and the Clean Air Act.
For child support enforcement.
Enforcement by the Texas Workforce Commission
Voter registration or the administration of elections by the Secretary of State.
______ Use in the normal course of business by a legitimate business or its authorized agent, but only to verify accuracy of personal
information submitted by the individual; and, if the information is not correct, to obtain the correct information for the sole purpose of preventing fraud by, pursuing a legal remedy against or recovering on a debt or security interest against the individual. (Requestor must submit the information to be verified against the department’s records.)
______ In conjunction with a civil, criminal, administrative or arbitral proceeding in any court or government agency or before any self-
regulatory body, including service of process, investigation in anticipation of litigation, execution or enforcement of a judgment or order, or under an order of any court. (Requestor must submit proof of legal proceeding or proof of anticipated proceeding.)
______ Use in research or in producing statistical reports, but only if the personal information is NOT published, redisclosed, or
used to contact any individual. (Requestor must submit proof of employment in a research occupation.)
______Use by an insurer or insurance support organization, a self-insured entity or as an authorized agent of the entity in connection
with claims investigation activities, antifraud activities, rating or underwriting. (Requestor must submit a license number provided by the Texas Department of Insurance or out-of-state equivalent, a license number the insurance support organization is working under, or proof of self-insurance. License number :________________)
______ Use in providing notice to an owner of a towed or impounded vehicle. (Requestor must submit a license number provided by
the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or out-of-state equivalent. License number :_____________)
______ Use by a licensed private investigation agency or licensed security service authorized to use the information for a permitted
purpose. (Requestor must submit a license number provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety or out-of-state equivalent. License number :______________)
______Use in connection with the operation of a private toll transportation facility. (Requestor must submit documentation to relate
the requested personal information with operation of a private toll transportation facility.)
______Use by a consumer reporting agency, as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, for a purpose permitted under that Act.
(Requestor must submit documentation on official letterhead indicating a permitted use for personal information as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.)
Resale and Redisclosure
Motor vehicle record information obtained by an authorized recipient for a permitted use may not be resold or redisclosed unless the information
is provided to other authorized recipients and used only for the permitted use. Information obtained as a result of this request may not be resold or redisclosed in the same or substantially identical format as it is received from the TxDMV. Any original recipient is responsible for misuse
of the motor vehicles records, regardless if they approved or were aware of subsequent transfers of the information. An authorized recipient who resells or rediscloses motor vehicle records is required to maintain records of that transaction for a period of not less than five years. The
department has the authority to request and review records kept by all authorized recipients. For further information regarding resale and redisclosure requirements, refer to the Texas Administrative Code, Rule §§217.127 and 217.128.
Filling out the Texas MV 440 form is a straightforward process that requires specific information about the vehicle and the applicant. Once completed, the form should be mailed to the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector's office. It is essential to include a photocopy of a government-issued photo ID and any necessary supporting documentation.
The Texas MV 440 form, also known as the Request for Motor Vehicle Information, is a document used to request access to vehicle title and registration records in Texas. It is primarily utilized by individuals or entities seeking information about a specific vehicle, such as its ownership or lien status.
Any individual or authorized entity can submit the form. However, the requester must either be the current recorded owner of the vehicle, a lienholder, or have written authorization from the recorded owner or lienholder. Additionally, there are specific permitted uses outlined in the form that dictate who may access this information.
To complete the Texas MV 440 form, the following information is required:
The processing fee for obtaining vehicle records through the Texas MV 440 form is $2.00 per record. This fee must be submitted along with the completed form to the appropriate tax office.
Accepted forms of government-issued photo identification include, but are not limited to:
A photocopy of the identification must accompany the application.
Providing false information on the Texas MV 440 form is a serious offense. Under state law, it is classified as a third-degree felony. Individuals who falsify information may face criminal charges and potential penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
The Driver Privacy Protection Act restricts access to personal information contained in vehicle title and registration records. The information obtained through the MV 440 form must be used for lawful purposes only, and it cannot be used for marketing, solicitation, or survey purposes. Violations of these restrictions can lead to legal consequences.
The completed Texas MV 440 form should be mailed to:
Ann Harris Bennett, Tax Assessor-Collector
Neglecting to Include Identification: One common mistake is failing to attach a copy of a current government-issued photo ID. This requirement is crucial, as it verifies the identity of the applicant.
Incorrect Signature: Some applicants forget to sign the form. A signature is mandatory to validate the request and ensure that the information provided is accurate.
Incomplete Applicant Information: Many people overlook filling out all necessary fields in the applicant information section. Omitting details like the last name, address, or phone number can lead to delays or rejections.
Misunderstanding Permitted Use: Applicants often fail to properly initial the appropriate line for their intended use of the requested information. This can result in confusion about the legitimacy of the request.
Ignoring Supporting Documentation: When required, not attaching the necessary supporting documents can hinder the application process. If you are not the vehicle owner, written authorization must be included.
Submitting Incorrect Fees: Some individuals forget to include the correct fee for the record request. The cost is $2.00 per record, and not including this payment can delay processing.
When dealing with the Texas MV 440 form, there are several other documents and forms that may be required or helpful in conjunction with it. Understanding these documents can streamline the process of obtaining vehicle information and ensure compliance with state regulations. Here’s a brief overview of each:
Being aware of these forms and documents can help facilitate a smoother process when dealing with vehicle registration and ownership issues in Texas. Always ensure that you have the necessary paperwork ready to avoid delays and complications.
The Texas MV 440 form is similar to the Vehicle Registration Application, which is used to register a vehicle with the state. Both documents require the applicant to provide personal identification and vehicle information. The Vehicle Registration Application also necessitates proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or title, and is essential for obtaining a license plate. Like the MV 440, this application is subject to privacy regulations to protect personal information from unauthorized access.
Another document akin to the Texas MV 440 is the Title Application. This form is utilized when a vehicle owner seeks to obtain a new title or transfer ownership. It requires similar personal details and vehicle identification information. Both documents emphasize the need for a government-issued photo ID and may require additional documentation, such as a lien release if applicable. The Title Application also adheres to the same privacy protections as the MV 440, ensuring that personal data is safeguarded.
The Request for Vehicle Information form serves a similar purpose to the MV 440. This document is often used by individuals or entities seeking specific details about a vehicle's registration history or ownership. Just like the MV 440, it mandates that the requester provides a valid reason for accessing the information and may need to submit a government-issued ID. Both forms are designed to restrict access to sensitive data, ensuring that only authorized individuals can obtain vehicle records.
The Bill of Sale is another document that shares similarities with the Texas MV 440. While it primarily serves as proof of a vehicle transaction, it also contains essential information about the buyer and seller, including their identification details. Both documents require accurate information to be provided, and both serve as a safeguard against fraud in vehicle ownership transfers. The Bill of Sale can also be used in conjunction with the MV 440 to establish ownership when applying for vehicle information.
The Application for Duplicate Title is closely related to the MV 440 as well. When a vehicle owner loses their title, this application allows them to request a replacement. Like the MV 440, it requires personal identification and vehicle details. Both documents must be completed accurately to prevent delays in processing. Furthermore, they both include provisions for protecting personal information under privacy laws, ensuring that the applicant's data remains confidential.
The Vehicle Transfer Notification is another document that bears resemblance to the Texas MV 440. This form is used to inform the state when a vehicle has been sold or transferred to a new owner. It requires the seller's and buyer's information, similar to the MV 440's requirements for identification. Both documents aim to maintain accurate vehicle records and protect the privacy of individuals involved in the transaction, adhering to the same legal frameworks regarding personal information access.
Finally, the Motor Vehicle Record Request is comparable to the MV 440. This document is often used by employers or insurance companies to obtain driving records for background checks. It requires the requester to provide identification and a legitimate purpose for accessing the records, just as the MV 440 does. Both documents emphasize the importance of lawful use of personal information and are governed by strict privacy regulations to prevent misuse.
When filling out the Texas MV 440 form, there are several important dos and don’ts to keep in mind. Ensuring that your application is completed correctly can save you time and potential issues down the line.
By following these guidelines, you can streamline the process and ensure that your request for motor vehicle information is handled efficiently.
Misconception 1: The Texas MV 440 form can be submitted without identification.
This is incorrect. A current government-issued photo ID must accompany the application. Without it, the request will not be processed.
Misconception 2: Anyone can access vehicle records freely.
Access to personal information on vehicle title and registration records is restricted under the Driver Privacy Protection Act. Only individuals with a legitimate purpose can obtain this information.
Misconception 3: The information obtained can be used for any purpose.
This is false. The use of information is strictly limited to the permitted uses outlined on the form. Using it for marketing or solicitation is prohibited.
Misconception 4: There are no penalties for providing false information on the form.
In reality, falsifying information can lead to serious legal consequences, including prosecution as a third-degree felony.
Misconception 5: Once the information is obtained, it can be shared freely.
This is not true. Motor vehicle record information cannot be resold or redisclosed unless certain conditions are met, ensuring it remains protected.
When filling out the Texas MV 440 form, keep these key takeaways in mind: