Core Mission
Our core mission is to protect you against those who may want to steal your identity or misrepresent key details related to a vehicle you have or may want to purchase. To accomplish this, we actively investigate and enforce laws related to:
- Identity theft
- Vehicle title and registration fraud
- Odometer fraud
- Use tax fraud
- Motor vehicle dealer and recycler onsite inspections and violations
- Vehicle inspections for titling
Our mission has expanded to include providing fraud training, vehicle theft, and investigations into cyber fraud. The Bureau of Investigation & Identity Protection is responsible for protecting the integrity of the products and services provided by the Iowa DOT’s Motor Vehicle Division.
History
If you are a victim of identity theft or fraud associated with a motor vehicle, we’re here to help with 17 motor vehicle fraud investigators under the guidance of a director and an assistant director.
Our core duties are enforcing laws related to identity theft, vehicle title & registration fraud, odometer fraud, motor vehicle dealer & recycler violations, and use tax fraud. We also conduct administrative investigations related to vehicle titling & registration, dealer licensing, and vehicle inspections. In addition, our mission has expanded to provide services to protect the integrity of products produced by the Motor Vehicle Division, fraud training, vehicle theft, and cyber fraud.
How did we get here?
| Year | Timeline |
|---|---|
| 1904 | The Motor Vehicle Division was established under the Secretary of State. |
| 1919 | The first vehicle registrations were available to Iowans. |
| 1927 | Motor vehicle "agents" were given the authority to enforce motor vehicle laws under the Secretary of State. |
| 1935 | The Department of Public Safety was created and the "agents" assigned to the Motor Vehicle Registration Division became "inspectors" responsible for investigating dealer license applications and working with county treasurers. |
| 1937 | Dealer licensing statutes were enacted, and the motor vehicle "agents" began to enforce those laws. |
| 1950s | The duties of the "inspectors" who investigated motor vehicle dealers and the "agents" who enforced motor vehicle laws were combined under the Department of Public Safety. |
| 1975 | The Iowa Department of Transportation was formed and the above law enforcement personnel working motor vehicle cases were reassigned and became “investigators” within the Motor Vehicle Enforcement office. |
| 2013 | The Bureau of Investigation & Identity Protection was created in order to expand its connections with the Driver and Vehicle Offices within the Iowa DOT and to focus its efforts on better meeting the needs of our customers. |