Over the past five years, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) has earned $97 million by selling personal data like names and vehicle registration details to companies including LexisNexis, Experian Automotive, and others. This revenue supports agency operations, though it has sparked privacy concerns among drivers unaware their info could be resold.
Data Buyers and Uses
Top buyer LexisNexis spent nearly $320,000 last year alone on SCDMV data, which helps toll operators bill drivers, insurers value vehicles, and towers assess costs. Much of this mirrors public records available via requests, but the DMV charges fees as permitted under the federal Driver Privacy Protection Act, restricting resale to non-commercial uses.
Privacy Reactions
Local driver Ed Weathers called it “out of bounds,” surprised a LexisNexis search exposed his address, phone, email, and relatives. Experts like Charleston Southern’s Emory Hiott describe data as “the new oil,” a traded currency in a billion-dollar industry, while College of Charleston’s Kelley Cours Anderson sees potential for personalized services amid calls for tighter AI-era regulations.
Drivers must share data for licenses with no opt-out, fueling “wild west” debates on oversight.
