How to Do a Car Title Search

Co-authored by Audra Fordin

Last Updated: December 23, 2022

Buying a used car can be hard because you don't necessarily know the car's history. Accidents, repairs and routine maintenance can all drastically effect the reliability of a car. While there is never a fool-proof way to know everything about the history of the used car you're about to buy, you can do a title search to find out as much of the car's history as you can, provided it has been recorded.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Finding the Car's VIN

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A "Vehicle Identification Number" (VIN) is 17-digits and made up of numbers and letters; the number is unique to that specific car.^{[1]
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Almost every state in the US requires that a car be covered by insurance to drive it on the road. So, if somebody is currently driving it, they will most likely have insurance and an insurance card with the VIN.^{[2]
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These stickers usually go on the front windshield, on the driver's side (the left side in the US).^{[3]
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Check the car itself. The number can be located in many places, so you may need to hunt around. Look in such places as on the driver's side below the windshield, driver's side door/door jamb, the front of the engine block and the front end of the frame. It may look like a sticker, a small metal plate or an engraving.
- Where the VIN number is placed depends on the year and manufacturer of car, so it might be good idea to do an internet search for the VIN using the manufacturer and year.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Using a Car Title Search Provider

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1
Use a government based title search. In some countries, such as the United States, you can check a used vehicle's history through an online database. For example, in the USA, you can use the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, at http://www.vehiclehistory.gov/. Click on "Check Vehicle History" to find an approved provider.
- Some US States offer title search databases. Be aware that this search may have limitations if the car has a history outside of the jurisdiction in which you're searching.
2
Choose a car title provider, carefully. These services aren't free, so it is important to find a site that you trust, since you're giving them your information. This is why it's recommended that you use a service that has been approved through a government body's site (a government site will have ".gov" somewhere in the URL).
- Follow through with the directions on the title search site. This will require you to have your VIN number ready (see step 1).
- Checking a provider's reputability through the Better Business Bureau is also recommended.
This report should give you information concerning whether the car has been rebuilt, salvaged, spent time in a junk yard, returned to the manufacturer or had its odometer changed to an incorrect mileage.

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I sold my old truck 2 years ago to a dealership and found out recently that they still have my old tags and title under my name and have been driving it and pulling a huge trailer with my old truck. How do I get my truck back or have them pay for the tickets they've got under my name?

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Contact the police in your area for help.

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Is knowing the license plate number of a vehicle enough to do a title search?

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It depends. It could work if the plate is still registered to the car, but it still may not yield the precise results you're looking for.

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I bought a car from a dealer three months ago and I didn't get my title yet. What can I do?

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Depends on how you paid. If you took out a loan, then you're loan holder has the title until you pay it off. If you paid for it yourself, contact the dealer. If they can't produce a title, you'll have to go to a tag service and pay to have a new one drawn up.

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Tips

Car title as legal ownership exists in various jurisdictions. For example, in Canada and Australia, each car must have a certificate of title, as in the United States, which determines who owns the car legally. In the United Kingdom, cars have a vehicle registration document (rather than "title"), which establishes who is keeping the vehicle and not legal ownership of it.^{[4]
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Warnings

Make sure to reference a government site in deciding which provider to use. Using a title search provider that is not affiliated with the government may lead to having your information stolen.

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