Oregon DMV brings in millions of dollars selling your information. Here's how.

The Oregon DMV generates significant revenue by selling drivers’ personal information to qualified buyers, such as insurance companies and private investigators. Since 2020, the agency has processed over 10 million requests, earning more than $60 million. State law outlines 19 exceptions allowing the sale of personal data, raising concerns among privacy advocates regarding transparency in the data broker industry. Robert Craig Daniels, the DMV Records Section Manager, assures that only qualified entities access DMV records, which include driving history and other relevant data. Despite these assurances, Oregonians cannot opt out of having their information sold, although sales to marketers are prohibited to protect consumer privacy.

Privacy advocates, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, are lobbying for stricter regulations on data access as personal information becomes increasingly valuable. Daniels stated that his team investigates complaints related to misuse and can revoke access for violators. Individuals can report suspected misuse of their data to the DMV.