A new online tool for fighting car theft

Secretary Johnson: National database protects consumers from fraud

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson recently announced that Michigan now participates fully in a national motor vehicle title database created to prevent car thefts and protect consumers from title fraud.

Michigan recently joined Illinois and Texas as the latest states participating in the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The database now includes all Great Lakes states and 96 percent of all vehicles nationwide. The six remaining nonparticipating states are expected to join eventually.

"Too often in the past, Michigan residents bought used vehicles they thought were free of major damage only to discover later the vehicle had been wrecked out of state," Johnson said. "Michigan's participation in the national database protects car buyers by giving them peace of mind that the used vehicle they're buying hasn't experienced significant damages."

Michigan now submits new vehicle title information to the national database and has contributed its entire title history database. The system protects consumers by ensuring that out-of-state vehicles that are badly damaged in a crash or from flooding, even if they are rebuilt, still receive a specially branded Michigan title when they are brought here.

In addition to participating states, insurance carriers, and junk and salvage yards are required to report title information to the system, which contains more than 72 million salvage records. Law enforcement agencies rely on the database to improve their ability to identify vehicle theft rings and help combat other criminal enterprises involving vehicles.

Michigan residents can review a vehicle's title history through the national database at www.vehiclehistory.gov for a small fee.

MI tops in registering voters at DMV

A USA Today story about the Motor Voter Law lists Michigan at the top of states for registering voters at the DMV. "Delaware and Michigan, where the motor vehicle department and elections division are both part of the Secretary of State's office, are the top performers in registering voters at the DMV," the article states. An infographic accompanying the story puts Michigan ahead of all other states with 89.9 percent of voter registrations done at the DMV. The story also quotes Michigan Elections Director Chris Thomas, who serves on a bipartisan U.S. election commission. Read the story

Vote on Aug. 5

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson reminds residents to cast ballots in the primary election Tuesday, Aug 5.

"Voting provides you an opportunity to make your voice heard not only in your community but throughout the state," said Johnson.

Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center for a sample ballot, polling place map and more.

State of the SOS

Secretary Johnson has released her annual "State of the Secretary of State" report, which highlights department efforts to improve customer service, ensure integrity in elections and fight fraud.

Auto Heritage Month

The Michigan Senate recently adopted a resolution declaring August as Automotive Heritage Month in Michigan.

The resolution acknowledged the importance of the annual Woodward Dream Cruise, which takes place on Aug. 16, calling it "the world's largest one-day celebration of classic car culture."

Vehicles with a Michigan historical plate may be driven anywhere in the state during the month of August.

New email for motorcycle safety

Michigan's Motorcycle Safety Program has a new email account for inquiries and correspondence. Contact
motorcycling@michigan.gov.