Instant VIN Reports
Title Check by VIN
Get a title check by VIN to reveal the title brands like clean, rebuilt, salvage, ownership status, and hidden issues like accidents, odometer rollback, liens, and more.
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Table of Contents
What Is a Vehicle Title?
A vehicle title is an official document issued by the government that proves ownership of a car. It includes essential details such as the owner’s name, vehicle identification number (VIN), and any liens or loans attached to the vehicle. The title confirms who legally owns the vehicle and is necessary for transferring ownership during a sale.
Common Title Types by VIN
Clean Title
A clean title means the vehicle has no significant damage or legal issues and is free of liens. It represents a car in good standing, ready for sale or registration.
Salvage Title
Issued when the vehicle has been severely damaged and declared a total loss by an insurance company, usually due to accidents, fire, or theft recovery.
Rebuilt Title
This title is given to vehicles that were previously salvaged but have been repaired and passed safety inspections, making them legal to drive again.
Lemon Title
A lemon title is assigned to vehicles that have been deemed defective or unsafe by a manufacturer or legal authority, often due to repeated repairs under “lemon laws.”
Flood Title
Issued for vehicles damaged by water, which can cause long-term mechanical and electrical problems.
Lien Title
Indicates that a financial institution or lender holds a legal claim on the vehicle until the loan is fully paid.
Why Do You Need a Title Check by VIN?
A title check by VIN is essential for used car buyers. It reveals critical car history details, including liens, salvage status, and odometer accuracy. Perform this quick and easy check to protect yourself from fraud and make informed decisions.
1. Avoid Salvaged Cars
A salvage title means the car had severe damage, often from an accident. With approximately 12 million cars recycled yearly in the U.S., a salvage title check ensures you avoid vehicles with hidden safety concerns or repairs that might affect performance and value.
2. Check Odometer Rollback
With approximately 450,000 vehicles with false odometer readings sold yearly, an odometer check verifies a car’s true mileage, helping you spot potential fraud or inaccuracies. Knowing the correct mileage ensures you understand the vehicle’s wear and its upcoming maintenance needs.
3. Identify Flood Damaged Cars
Flood damage can lead to long-term mechanical and electrical issues. In 2024, about 347,000 vehicles were flood-damaged due to hurricane season. A flood damage check by VIN helps detect cars exposed to water, saving you from hidden, costly repairs down the road.
4. Reveal Liens and Loans
A lien means the car has unpaid loans attached to it. Beware! Almost 2.2 million vehicles are repossessed each year due to loan defaults. A DMV lien check by VIN ensures there are no claims on the vehicle or any potential repossession, making ownership transfer hassle-free and secure.
5. Check Rebuilt History
Aside from 300,000 vehicles receiving rebuilt titles each year after being repaired from significant damage, a rebuilt titled car typically sells for 20% to 40% less than a similar model with a clean title. So, a rebuilt title check helps reveal if a car previously declared a total loss has been repaired. This check ensures the repairs meet safety standards, helping you assess the car’s condition before purchase.
How to Run a Title Check by VIN
Performing a car title check by VIN is easy and simple with our tool:
- Find your car’s VIN (usually on the dashboard or driver’s door).
- Enter the VIN, email, and phone number into the form at the top of this page.
- Select “Check title by VIN” to create your account and run a title search.
- Receive your detailed report as a downloadable PDF.
What Information Does a Car Title Check by VIN Provide?
A car title check by VIN offers detailed information and records, such as:
- Title status: clean, salvage, rebuilt, flood-damaged, or lien.
- Vehicle owner by VIN
- Accident report and damages
- Mileage accuracy and odometer fraud
- Theft records
- Lien or loan records
- Recall status
- Service and maintenance records
- Auction records and photos (if available).
- Vehicle usage: rental, lease, or personal
Get Your Vehicle Title Check Report Now
Check the title status and history for any vehicle, our database covers the title records for these vehicle types:
Frequently Asked Questions about the NHTSA VIN Lookup
No, a VIN reveals ownership history but not the current owner’s personal details, ensuring privacy while providing essential vehicle data.
Yes, a VIN lookup provides comprehensive title information, including salvage status, lien records, and ownership history, ensuring informed purchase decisions.
While the NHTSA VIN Lookup is a good starting point, Instant VIN Reports provides a much more comprehensive vehicle history, including accident reports, ownership history, and market value information that the NHTSA tool doesn’t offer.
Selling a car without a title is usually not recommended and may be illegal in many places. Without a title, transferring ownership is complicated and may raise red flags for buyers.
The length of a vehicle title number varies by state but typically ranges from 7 to 11 characters. This unique identifier helps track the vehicle’s title records.