Personal Privacy Act
What boaters should know about the Personal Privacy Act
Personal Privacy Act Defined
The Drivers Personal Privacy Act (DPPA) (18 U.S.C 2021) can be defined in part as federal legislation that restricts the disclosure of vehicle ownership information to the general public. It has now been adopted by most state registration agencies to include boats. This is especially true for those which have been integrated into existing vehicle systems. In its basic form, the statute prohibits a release and use of personal ownership information from state records, subject to certain exceptions.
Context
Although some states have not yet implemented DPPA restrictions with regard to
boats, there is a growing trend in this direction and will likely become all encompassing in the
near future. It is especially prevalent in jurisdictions where the administration of boat
registrations and accompanying records has been integrated into existing vehicle systems.
While the USCG is now redacting personal information from their periodic
vessel documentation listings, such data is still openly available to the public by ordering a
copy of the certificate of documentation or an
abstract of title. Such redactions coincided with apparent abuses where certain businesses began using
these listings as a mailing
list for the dissemination of false and misleading information.
Exceptions
Under *DPPA rules, owners may access their own records and authorize others to do so on their behalf. It also provides for certain exceptions such as government agencies, manufacturers, abandonments, legal actions, licensed investigators, towing or storage, insurance and licensed boat dealers. A comprehensive list of authorized parties can be found in the DPPA Statutory Rules. Information about states which have adopted DPPA regulations, or a variation thereof, can be found in our *State Registration Overviews.
Impact
DPPA and related state level statutes are designed to prevent nefarious use of ownership data gathered on both vehicles and boats. Although well intended, this has created immense problems for those in the marine industry who rely on such information in the legitimate course of doing business. As with the emergence of any new forms of legislation, there is much confusion as to where, when, and why such restrictions may become applicable.
This information is subject to change and should be confirmed with the respective agency.
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