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Public Abstract Request System (PARS) introduction

Benefits | Fees | Driver record abstracts | Vehicle record abstracts | Confidential information | Criminal background check | Password management

PARS is a secure online service that allows authorized account holders to receive driver and/or vehicle record abstracts quickly and easily using the Web. Participants have instant access to DMV abstracts delivered via Portable Document Format (PDF) images. Typical account holders include insurance companies, attorneys, towing companies, transport businesses and other large volume requesters.

Employer notification is an optional program within PARS that provides employers with current information about the driving record of employees who hold a Wisconsin driver license. Employers may enroll any employee whose employment responsibilities include the operation of any motor vehicle. Participants create and maintain their own roster of employed drivers in PARS. The program will then identify any enrolled employee with recent activity on their driving record and allow the purchase of a current driver record abstract.

Benefits

• Instant access to driver and vehicle records
• No annual fees for the online service
• No enrollment or minimum monthly user fees
• No charge for adding/removing employees in the Employer Notification program

Fees

There is a $5 fee for each search. Fee payments are automatically debited using the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system. Upon enrollment, the authorized system user will access PARS using their secure password and provide account information to set up their ACH account. The ACH system is a secure, private network that connects banks by way of the Federal Reserve Board or other ACH operators. This network enables secure electronic payments.

Driver record abstracts

Driver record abstracts are computer-generated images of DMV's driver records. DMV keeps most driver record entries for the last five years; however, certain convictions can result in a driver record being retained indefinitely.

Driver abstracts contain the following standard information:

• Name and address
• Driver license or identification card number
• Gender and date of birth
• Former names
• Dates and types of traffic convictions, accidents, restrictions and withdrawals

Vehicle record abstracts

Vehicle record abstracts are computer-generated reports of a vehicle record. DMV keeps most vehicle records for the last five years; however, if a vehicle record has a lien or non-expiring plate it may remain in our records longer.

Vehicle abstracts contain the following standard information:

• Name and address of the titled owner
• Name and address of the registered lessee
• Vehicle year, make and model
• Brand information, e.g., salvage, manufacturer buyback, etc.
• Fuel type, vehicle color (if provided), odometer reading and status
• County and city where the vehicle is kept
• Title number and process date of application
• Lien holder
• License plate number, date processed and expiration date
• Plate registration status

Note: Some license plate records are not available through PARS, such as tribal, apportioned and dealer plates.

Confidential information

The Federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act requires that a completed (DPPA) form accompany any request for driver or vehicle record information. Only one MV2896 form needs to be completed per organization as part of the application process. Social Security numbers used for driver licensing purposes are not available to the public. Identification (ID) card information is also confidential and can only be released to courts, district attorneys, county corporation counsels, city, village or town attorneys, law enforcement agencies, the ID card holder, or to the parent/legal guardian of an ID card holder who is under 18 years of age.

Criminal background check requirements

State law requires PARS users with direct access to DMV data to have a criminal background check before given access. DMV will not authorize access to PARS until we receive documentation from the requester for each employee for whom access is being requested about the type of background check that was conducted and the results. DMV will provide instructions for obtaining and submitting criminal background check results after application materials have been received and approved.

Password management

You must obtain a Wisconsin Login Account to request access to PARS. The state's Web Access Management System (WAMS) allows authorized individuals to access state Internet applications using the same login ID for all state online applications. Each PARS user must have a unique Wisconsin login account. Logins and passwords cannot be shared. DMV will provide instructions for obtaining a WAMS password as part of the application process.