Car Title Search by VIN: What Every Used Car Buyer Should Know

You have found the perfect used car. The price is right and the test drive went smoothly. But beneath that clean exterior could be a hidden past. A car title search by VIN is the single most important step you can take to uncover hidden problems before you commit to a purchase.

What Is a Car Title Search by VIN?

A car title search by VIN uses the vehicle 17-character identification number to look up its title history in state and national databases. This reveals if the vehicle has been branded with any title status that indicates past damage or problems. The search queries the NMVTIS database which aggregates title information from all 50 states. This means a salvage brand from any state will appear in your search results, even if the vehicle has been moved across state lines.

How to Perform a Title Search by VIN

1. Find the VIN on the dashboard or door jamb of the vehicle
2. Enter it into VINifyCheck free VIN checker on the homepage
3. For full title history, purchase the $9.99 report which queries NMVTIS data from all 50 states
4. Review the title brand section of the report carefully
5. If any brands appear besides Clean, investigate further before purchasing

What Different Title Brands Mean

Salvage The insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss, meaning the cost to repair exceeded the vehicle value. Rebuilt A salvage vehicle that was repaired and passed state inspection. Flood The vehicle sustained water damage significant enough to brand the title. Lemon The vehicle was repurchased by the manufacturer under state lemon law due to defects. Junk The vehicle is only good for parts or scrap metal. Theft Recovery The vehicle was stolen and later recovered.

How Branded Titles Affect Value

A branded title can reduce a vehicle resale value by 20 to 50 percent compared to a clean title equivalent. For example, a car worth $20,000 with a clean title might only be worth $10,000 to $14,000 with a salvage or flood brand. Salvage and flood titles may also make it impossible to get full coverage insurance or financing from traditional lenders. Always perform a car title search by VIN before buying any used vehicle.