Q&A for How to Check Vehicle History for Free

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How do I find out if there is a lien on a car I want to purchase?

Bryan Hamby
Professional Auto Broker
Bryan Hamby is the owner of Auto Broker Club, a trusted auto brokerage in Los Angeles, California. He founded Auto Broker Club in 2014 out of a passion for cars and a unique talent for customizing the car dealership process to be on the buyer’s side. With 1,400+ deals closed, and a 90% customer retention rate, Bryan’s focus is to simplify the car buying experience through transparency, fair pricing, and world class customer service.

Bryan Hamby

Professional Auto Broker

Expert Answer

Run a vehicle history report on the vehicle using its VIN. The report will show whether there's a lien on the title, as well as whether the vehicle has ever been listed as salvaged.

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Question

Is it possible to check the history of a vehicle with the license plate number?

Community Answer

Some sources will conduct a search based only on the license plate. However, because license plates can be transferred, a search based on the VIN is likely to be more accurate for verifying the car's history.

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Question

How do I check a car owner by a license plate number?

Community Answer

You can check it through the DVLA, which should give you a full and complete history check including driver/owner.

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Question

I want to find the current owner of a vehicle I formerly owned, but don't have plate or title #s. What can I do?

Community Answer

Without such data, one cannot easily identify the vehicle, let alone its owner. Here is a long shot: Ask your buyer for information about the person/entity that they sold the car to. Repeat until you find the current owner or reach a dead end.

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How do I get a VIN number off my impounded car?

Community Answer

If you have a title it should be on that, your insurance policy will have the VIN.

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How can I find out if my car has damage to the front end without paying for a report?

Community Answer

Just check vehiclehistory.com and scroll all the way down to accident report.

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Question

What should I do if someone is sick and I want their name removed from the car title?

Community Answer

You need to take the title to your local Department of Motor Vehicles, but the person needs to give you permission to do it, so they should go with you.

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How do I find my VIN number on my older vehicle?

Community Answer

It is on your title, registration, and your insurance. On the vehicle itself, you can usually find it on the dash, driver's side against the windshield, on the inside of the driver's door and on the motor underneath. There are often unmatched numbers on a vehicle because of the parts being exchanged due to an accident or to make the car have more power or go faster by trading out the motor. When you find unmatched VINs on something you are considering purchasing, ask about why it was done. This can give you information such as whether it has been in a wreck. so you can further evaluate the chassis.

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