How to Check on the Title of a Repaired Salvaged Car

A salvaged car is one that was previously considered a junk car and may have been sold to a junk dealer or hauled away free for parts to a salvage lot. Instead of stripping the car for parts, the junkyard decided it would make more money restoring or rebuilding the car. Lingering problems often plague these salvaged cars---problem that can crop up after you become the owner. It pays to check out the title to get the full story before you buy.

Instructions

1

Locate the vehicle's VIN number (Vehicle Registration Number). The seller should have this available so ask him for it. The VIN number is also printed on the vehicle itself on the door frame or dashboard near the windshield.

2

Run a free VIN check through the NICB (National Crime Insurance Bureau) or one of its affiliates (see "Resources"). This will tell you if the car has been reported as stolen and whether a proper vehicle title has been reissued.

3

Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in the county where the vehicle is located and request a title search on the vehicle using its identification number. A fee between $25 and $75 may be charged for this service.

4

Go to the CARFAX website for a complete vehicle history report. This includes up-to-date DMV records that include title information on every vehicle. Simply enter the VIN number into the appropriate box on the site, pay for the service and then receive your complete report. This also contains accident information and the vehicle's service records along with the salvage auction records.