How to Look Up the Owner of a Vehicle

Wrecking and towing services frequently must find the owners of towed vehicles to allow them to pick them up. People who purchase a car without an original title also must locate the original owner, since a title is required to legally register a vehicle. To look up the owner of a vehicle, you may employ several methods.

Instructions

1. Ask the person or business where you purchased the vehicle for more information about the vehicle's original owner. Depending on where the vehicle was purchased, and the laws of that state, you may be able to obtain contact information of the original owner.

2. Make an appointment at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and fill out a form requesting information about the original owner. You must provide the vehicle identification number (VIN) and/or license plate number as well as your ID and a valid reason for requesting this information.

3. Search online using the VIN or license plate number on a site, such as Auto Check or Carfax (see References). These sites charge a fee to locate the original owner of a vehicle.

References

• Auto Check
• Car Fax