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How to Check a Car Title History

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Before buying a car from a dealer, family member, friend, or stranger, you should check the car title history to confirm that it has a clean past and won’t cause you headaches in the future. It is your responsibility to do this even if the car appears to drive well and has no visible damages. Here’s what you should keep in mind when reviewing the car title history of an automobile that you’re looking to purchase.

Understand the certificate
A car title is an official document of ownership issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. It provides information about the car to a new owner. The certificate also has a vehicle identification number (VIN) that is unique to each car. Make sure that this number on the car title history matches the number on the car, usually printed on a strip on the car engine compartment, on the door jam on the driver’s side, or on the dashboard.

Compare mileage
The car title history will also include information about the mileage on the date of the last sale of the car. You should compare this number with the car odometer. You need to make sure that the mileage indicator has not been tampered with, to make it appear that the car has fewer miles on it than it does.

Investigate potential hidden damage
If the car has had consistent mechanical trouble, damage from a fire or other natural disaster, or has been reported as stolen or involved in fraud, this will be indicated on the car title history. There will also be a report of previous emissions testing and title changes. Don’t ignore these warning signs about the condition of the car you are thinking of buying.

Be aware of the red flag
A car may be officially labeled as “salvage”, in which case the value will decrease significantly. Sellers may try to hide this crucial information from buyers by claiming that the car title history has been lost. Don’t be fooled into believing this, as you can always request a duplicate copy of the car title history from the Department of Motor Vehicles.