INF 1133 Form – The INF 1133 Form (officially the Commercial Requester Account Instructions/Application packet) is the official California DMV document that businesses and authorized individuals use to apply for a Commercial Requester Account (CRA). This account grants legal access to DMV motor vehicle records (MVRs), driver license information, vehicle registration data, and other records for legitimate business purposes.
Businesses such as insurance companies, law firms, auto dealers, lien sale companies, registration services, and private investigators rely on the INF 1133 packet to request the actual application form (INF 1106) and follow step-by-step instructions. The packet remains the trusted reference for requirements, even as the DMV shifts to fully electronic processing.
What Is the INF 1133 Form and Why Is It Important?
The INF 1133 is a comprehensive PDF packet (Revision 8/2018) published by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. It contains:
- Detailed instructions for completing the Commercial Requester Account Application (INF 1106).
- Guidance for “End Users” (businesses that directly use the records).
- Separate instructions for service providers (via INF 1106V and INF 1133V).
- Requirements for accessing confidential residence address information (which triggers a $50,000 surety bond via INF 1132).
- Terms and conditions, security rules, and permissible uses under California Vehicle Code.
A Commercial Requester Account is mandatory if your business needs bulk or electronic access to DMV records. Without an approved account and requester code(s), you cannot legally obtain protected information.
Key fact: As of April 1, 2026, all commercial requesters must conduct business electronically (applications, payments, record requests) through the DMV’s Information Requester Program. The INF 1133 packet still provides the essential instructions and forms that feed into the online process.
Who Needs to File the INF 1133 Commercial Requester Account Application?
You need the INF 1133 packet if you are:
- An attorney, law office, insurance company, or insurance agent/broker.
- An auto dealer, auction, dismantler, manufacturer, or registration service.
- A financial institution, lien sale company, rental company, or process server.
- A private investigator/detective agency or media outlet.
- An electrical corporation or public utility needing residence address data for electric vehicle registration (special rules apply).
- Acting as a contractor for an insurance company to obtain accident-related addresses.
- A service provider or vendor who passes through/reformats DMV data for approved requesters (requires INF 1106V instead).
Note: Government agencies use a different packet (INF 40 or INF 1130). Individuals without a legitimate business need cannot apply.
How to Download the Official INF 1133 PDF (Free & Direct Link)?
Official download:
Download INF 1133 Packet (R8-2018) PDF
This is the exact packet provided by the California DMV. Always download directly from dmv.ca.gov to ensure you have the most current version and avoid third-party alterations.
Related forms in the packet or on the DMV site include:
- INF 1106 – The actual application.
- INF 1132 – Surety bond (for residence address access).
- INF 1128 – Information Security Statement (must be signed annually by every employee with access).
- INF 1230 – Terms and Conditions.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Complete and Submit the INF 1133 Application?
- Determine your application type
- Original – New account ($50 or $250 fee).
- Renewal – Every 2 years (include renewal notice if received).
- Change – Update contact info, address, or permissible use (most changes are free).
- Fill out INF 1106 (included in INF 1133)
Complete every section:- Section A: Business name, DBA, contact person, physical and mailing address.
- Section B: FEIN or State Tax ID, corporation details.
- Section C: Business type (e.g., Insurance Company, PI/Detective Agency).
- Section D: Professional license information (if applicable).
- Section E: Account history, criminal background questions, and intended use of records.
- Acknowledgement and certification (signed under penalty of perjury).
- Gather required supporting documents
- Surety bond (INF 1132) if requesting residence addresses.
- Contracts (for insurance contractors).
- Certification of Agency (INF 1184) for certain dealers/agents.
- Branch location forms (INF 1106BL) if needed.
- Submit electronically (required since April 1, 2026)
Use the DMV Information Requester Program online portal. You will need a MyDMV account with multi-factor authentication. The portal walks you through the process and accepts uploads of completed INF 1106 and supporting PDFs. - Pay the non-refundable fee
- $50 (standard access).
- $250 (with confidential residence address access).
Service providers pay $250 (INF 1106V).
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Once approved, you receive requester code(s) and can begin ordering records electronically, via secure file transfer, or (rarely) by paper.
Fees, Record Costs & Renewal Requirements
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Original/renewal application (no residence address) | $50 |
| With residence address access | $250 + $50,000 surety bond |
| Electronic DL or VR record | $2 each |
| Combined DL + VR record | $5 |
| Bulk requests (per thousand) | $100 + programming fees |
| Renewal | Same as original (every 2 years) |
Accounts expire every two years and must be renewed online. Changes must be reported within 10 business days.
Security & Compliance Obligations After Approval
Approved requesters must:
- Sign and keep on file the Information Security Statement (INF 1128) for every employee with access (updated annually).
- Maintain a request log (INF 2115) for 2 years.
- Protect records from public view and destroy them after use.
- Report any suspected misuse or breach to DMV within 1 business day.
- Never sell, transfer, or use records outside the approved permissible purpose.
Violations can result in account suspension, revocation, and civil penalties up to $100,000.
Recent Update: Mandatory Electronic Processing (April 2026)
Effective April 1, 2026, the DMV requires all commercial requesters to handle applications, payments, and record requests electronically. Paper submissions are no longer accepted for new business. The INF 1133 packet still serves as the official instruction manual for what information the online portal requires.
Where to Get Help or More Information?
- Official DMV Commercial Requester Accounts page: dmv.ca.gov Commercial Requester Accounts
- Information Requester Program (online portal)
- Account Processing Unit: (916) 657-5564
- Full Commercial Requester Information Handbook (PDF available on DMV site)
Pro tip: Bookmark the official INF 1133 PDF you downloaded and always verify you are on dmv.ca.gov before submitting any sensitive business information.
Whether you are a first-time applicant or renewing an existing Commercial Requester Account, the INF 1133 Form is your essential starting point for legal, compliant access to California DMV records. Download it today, follow the instructions, and transition smoothly to the required electronic portal for faster approval and record access.