How to Do a Car Title Search
When shopping for a used car, it is wise to search for its title. While searching a car's title can't give you a guarantee on the reliability of the car, it can tell you valuable information about the car's history. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) keeps the history of a car's title. This can include the following: if the car was totaled in an accident or salvaged; flood damage; odometer rollbacks; lemon histories; junked titles; state emissions inspection results; lien activity and vehicle use (taxi, rental, lease, etc.).
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Instructions
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Locate the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is a 17-digit mixture of numbers and letters that is unique to each car. There are many places to find a car's VIN, including on the car itself. Most VINs can be found under the windshield on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the car's title, insurance card or registration card.
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Select a car title search company. Search the Internet for a title search company. They all give pretty much the same information on a car. Expect to pay a fee for this service.
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Get the car title's history. The title search company will ask you for the VIN of the car. Enter this information and receive the results instantly in most cases.
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Tips & Warnings
Many car dealers will provide this service for free if you express an interest in buying the vehicle in question.
A 'clean title' does not guarantee the car has not suffered any damage or other problems. Always have a mechanic check out the car before you buy it, regardless of how the title search comes out.
Different states have different standards. For example, one state may declare a car as damaged, while another will not.
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