Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the goal of the National Vehicle Identification Program (NVIP)?
The goal of the NVIP is to reduce vehicle theft crimes by working with law enforcement and concerned citizens to quickly and accurately identify vehicles, and therefore make it more difficult for thieves to hide their crimes. To achieve this goal NVIP does three things NVIP promotes the use of products and technologies that reinforce the valid identity of vehicles
NVIP also promotes the use of an online database for Law Enforcement to reference a vehicle's true identity. Vehicles must have an IDsticker installed in their car in order for the police to be able to take advantage of this service.
NVIP also supportss StolenCarReports.com - The Nation's Neighborhood Watch for Stolen Vehicles --in sending out alerts on stolen vehicles to registered users in the region where it was stolen. NVIP offers a reward for information leading to the recovery of registered vehicles and the conviction of the car theif.
Q: How do thieves disguise a vehicle's identity?Vehicle thieves attempt to hide their crimes from simple techniques, such as removing the valid license plates from a stolen car, to more elaborate methods that include dissembling a vehicle into untraceable parts that can be sold to unwary customers.
Q: How can I protect my vehicle?
There are many products and technologies available today that make it more difficult to disguise the valid identity of a vehicle. Inexpensive hardware is available that make it more difficult to remove license plates from a vehicle. There are also do-it-yourself products available that can be used to mark parts with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This makes it possible to trace removed parts back to their source. NVIP promotes the use of these types of products.
Q: How can my company or organization participate with the NVIP?
Send an email with full contact information to 'Info" at NVIP.org and a representative will follow up on your request.
Q: I am a Law Enforcement Officer. How can I access the NVIP database to confirm a vehicle's identity?
Law Enforcement Officers are encouraged to register for free with the StolenCarReports Program at http://www.StolenCarReports.com/police. Once you are registered you will have access to the LEO Members Area where you can input the NVIP code and access the vehicles true identity. LEO can also request contact information for the vehicle's owner in order to facilitate the recovery and return of the vehicle to its owner.
