Using COMPASS
Searches
The HELP Menu has instructions on how to search various DMV records. It is a beneficial resource that illustrates how to use the links to move among the license, registration, title and insurance search features.
Name search:
COMPASS will key on the first 5 letters of the last name, the first 3 of the middle name and the middle initial. It will not recognize leading titles (Mr., Ms., Mrs.) nor will it recognize trailing ones such as Senior, Junior, III.
Corporation search:
Corporation and organization names are entered exactly as they appear on paper. For example, Springfield Oil Company will be entered as:
Springfield Oil Inc
Last name: Springfield
First Name: Oil
Middle Initial: I
Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN):
Please note that the Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) is not a sortable field in COMPASS. The New York State issued 9-digit Client Identification Number (CID) is the only sortable field for registrants.
Standard vs advanced search:
A standard search returns results based on the first five characters of the last name, the first three characters of the first name and a middle initial. A standard search of a common last name such as, GREEN, JOH, J returns over 70 records, and includes the last names GREENE and GREENWOOD. This may be useful if you are not exactly sure of the name.
An advanced search returns results based on all characters entered. An advanced search of GREEN, JOHN, J returns fewer than 30 records. However, if “GREENE” is a possible spelling of the last name, it will not be among the results.
If you know the date of birth of the subject, and include it in your search (standard or advanced) then your results will often be just one or two records.
Practice searches:
If you select LICENSE as the SYSTEM and enter “DIAL” as the last name and “TEST” as the first name, this gives you access to fictitious records that may be examined without exposing personal identifying information.
Common COMPASS terms
CID – Client Identification, which is either the driver license or non-driver identification (NDID) number that is issued by NYS DMV
DOB – Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY) of the individual and not applicable for organizations
VIN – Vehicle Identification Number, which is normally 17 alphanumeric characters in length