Search Owners’ Name On A Vehicle Title

So you can you find out the name of the owner of a vehicle by the VIN number or the license plate number the short answer is yes and no. I know that’s out of the answer, here’s how it works.

Vehicle Ownership Protection
Vehicle ownership information is protected under federal law from being revealed to third parties. It’s called the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act or DPPA.

Exceptions to Protection
Now there are exceptions to that protection where you may be able to get that ownership. First of all, you’re not going to get it on Carfax or VIN check or any of these online VIN checkers. First of all, those are all illegitimate anyway, so all you’re going to get on there is maybe the state that it was last titled in and whether or not it’s a salvage.

Inaccuracy of Online Checkers
Even then, we find many of those are incomplete. We’ve seen many vehicles that have a clean Carfax and it turns out it’s salvage, or that has no records on some VIN checker website and it turns out it’s reported stolen or has liens. Those online checkers are usually not 100% accurate. It’ll even say in their terms and conditions.

How to Get Accurate Information
So if you want 100% certainty on what the background of a vehicle is, here’s how to do it and also how to get the owner’s name. What you do is you prepare a document called a DPPA request form. It stands for Driver Privacy Protection Act. It’s the form that allows the state government to release that private ownership information to you under certain conditions.

Filling Out the DPPA Request Form
You have to check off a box saying why you’re using it. Make sure you’re not using it for any kind of identity theft or fraud or scams, and also that you have to show your identity. The reason they have that protection law is because they don’t want people just looking up owners of a vehicle and then going knocking on their door of their house and bothering them.

History of the Protection Law
Many times in the past, when this vehicle information was more readily available back in the ’70s and ’80s, people would write down a license plate or a VIN tag from a parking lot if they saw somebody driving bad, or maybe they cut them off in traffic, or maybe they were stalking them. Then they would go knock on the door and beat them up.

Famous Case Leading to Law
There was a famous case in California where there was an actress that had a stalker. The stalker wrote down their VIN tag from their dashboard, went to the door, and killed this woman. So they made laws to protect your privacy, and this helps you too. You don’t want somebody that just maybe thought you were driving bad and cut them off in traffic to write down your license plate or follow you to a parking lot and write down your VIN tag, and then they come knocking on your door and hit you in the head with a bat.

Importance of the Law
So these laws are there for a reason. But if you identify yourself properly, give a proper reason for wanting this information, you have to do it in formal channels. You can’t do it over the phone or by email or online. You have to sign a document, get it notarized, mail it to the DMV headquarters in your state, and they will mail you back a printout of that title record.

Limitations of Records
The only exception is if the title record is more than 7 or 10 years old, depending on the state. It may be purged from the system, so they may have no record at all. But it’s worth a try, and that way you can find out the prior owner if you want to try to contact them or get a title transfer done.

Handling Liens and Stolen Vehicles
The same holds true for things like liens and storage or liens and stolen vehicles. You request that using that DPPA form or go to your police department for stolen. They can’t look up liens or the owner’s name, but they can tell you if the vehicle’s stolen or not.

Conclusion
Those are the ways to legitimately get vehicle information. You’re not going to get it by some online thing or by just punching in a VIN number on Google.

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Can you claim a storage lien against a vehicle title?

Filing for a Storage Lien on a Vehicle

So how do you file for a storage lien on a vehicle or storage abandonment on a vehicle? Well, be careful because in most states you are not allowed to file for a storage lien or collect storage even on a vehicle unless you are a licensed automotive facility and you have written authorization for that storage. Towing companies are exempt if you’re a licensed towing company and you have verification that the tow was done properly either by a police request or from private property with a signed contract from the property owner.

Exemptions and Restrictions

There may be exceptions to the storage exemption, but if you’re just a private person or civilian, you’re not allowed to just randomly make up storage fees to claim a vehicle. You also don’t want to call a vehicle an abandoned vehicle. In most states, abandoned doesn’t mean finders keepers, it doesn’t mean you get to keep the vehicle. You have to surrender it to the state for them to auction it off.

Proper Channels for Vehicle Title

However, if you have a vehicle you’re trying to get a title for, the way to do it is not through an abandoned vehicle claim or storage lien unless you are a licensed automotive facility that has a signed repair order authorization from the customer. The best way to do it is to do a court order title. You file a petition with the court to have you be declared the owner of the vehicle by court order. The court order supersedes any DMV rule, so if you have the right story and you’re legitimately entitled to own the vehicle, the court will sign off on that petition.

The Court Order Title Process

You present that to the DMV, and it’ll give you a title. If you’re trying to make a questionable claim to some vehicle that really you shouldn’t be having, don’t bother because it’s not going to work. But if you purchased a vehicle, acquired a vehicle, were given a vehicle, something was left on your property, the way to do it proper channels is to go through the court order process. That way, first of all, it will work because the DMV won’t reject it, and number two, it will verify your story that you’re entitled to the vehicle and it’ll make it completely legitimate.

Avoiding Invalid Claims

If you try to falsify or make up some paperwork to do an abandonment or mechanic’s lien or maybe a storage lien that’s not true, eventually it’ll come out and haunt you because they audit all of those even after they issue the title. Many titles have been revoked after the fact because they found that the story or the paperwork was invalid. So, court order title is the way to go. More information on our website.

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New Trouble With Car Titles

Legal Implications of Buying Without a Title
Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that buying a vehicle without a title is not recommended, as it is illegal in many states. While law enforcement may not immediately intervene, these regulations are in place to protect buyers. Let’s explore some scenarios where purchasing a car without a title poses significant risks.

Red Flags and Risk Factors
When purchasing a car, receiving the legal title certificate simultaneously with the payment is standard procedure. Failure to do so should raise red flags. Older vehicles might pose fewer risks, but with newer models, complications such as liens, salvage issues, or back taxes can arise.

Real-Life Stories Illustrating the Dangers
In one case, a buyer was told the seller lacked the title due to the previous owner’s deportation. However, it turned out there was a lien on the vehicle, making the sale illegal. Another instance involved a buyer handed an old title, leading to complications when attempting to register it at the DMV. These stories emphasize the potential pitfalls.

Deceptive Scenarios and Legal Complications
Another buyer was told by the seller that they were selling the car post-divorce, supported by paperwork. However, even with legal documents, the DMV couldn’t transfer the title since it was still in the ex-wife’s name. These cases highlight the need for caution and due diligence when faced with seemingly legitimate explanations.

Challenges in Obtaining a Title
If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve bought a car without a title, the road to obtaining one can be challenging. Paying off existing loans doesn’t automatically make you the owner, and issues like duplicate titles from pawn shops or divorce disputes can complicate matters further.

The Importance of Legitimate Transactions
While it may seem like a good deal to purchase a car without a title, the risks involved can outweigh any potential savings. Legitimate vehicles with proper titles offer security and peace of mind. The website provided below offers guidance on obtaining a court-ordered title, bonded title, or exploring other methods to secure a legal title.

Caution in Car Purchases
In conclusion, buying a car without a legal title poses substantial risks. While successful transactions occur 70–85% of the time, the potential consequences, such as legal disputes and financial losses, make it crucial to exercise caution. The extra cost of purchasing a legitimate vehicle with a title is a small price to pay to avoid the uncertainties associated with buying a car without proper documentation.

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Beware Of Scams With Your Cars Title

Our sales staff is inundated with calls, sometimes exceeding a thousand daily, where individuals share their stories about the challenges of obtaining a car title. Following the closure of the Vermont loophole, the frequency of such stories has surged, accompanied by an alarming increase in fraudulent activities. Today, we delve into five distinct types of title fraud that pose significant risks for car buyers.

1. Duplicate Title Fraud: A Cunning Scheme
   One prevalent scenario is duplicate title fraud, wherein individuals exploit the process of obtaining a replacement title. By concealing their original title and acquiring a new one, they secure loans against their vehicles. Subsequently, they sell the original title to unsuspecting buyers, leading to complications when attempting to transfer or register the vehicle.
2. Fake Mechanics Liens: Unraveling the Deceptive Web
   Another scam involves fake mechanic liens, where individuals manipulate the system by generating false claims of unpaid bills at body shops. As DMVs intensify scrutiny, audits reveal that a significant portion of mechanics liens are fraudulent. The repercussions include revoked titles and potential legal consequences for the implicated body shops.
3. Title Transfer Fraud: A Craigslist Conundrum
   In this scheme, scammers on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook offer to facilitate title transfers for a fee. The unsuspecting car owner signs over ownership, only to face potential illegal processes and the risks of never regaining the title. Moreover, failure to register as a car dealer when engaging in frequent transactions may lead to asset seizures by state authorities.
4. Altered VIN Numbers: Tampering with Identification
   A growing concern is altered VIN numbers, where individuals replace ineligible VINs with those from other vehicles. This act of tampering can lead to inspections and potential charges for VIN tampering. With up to 15 concealed VIN numbers on a car, authorities are increasingly vigilant against such fraudulent practices.
5. Partson Vehicles: Challenging the “Nonrepairable” Designation
   Some individuals attempt to revive salvage or “nonrepairable” vehicles, often purchased from salvage yards like CoPart or IAA. Despite designations as parts-only vehicles, enthusiasts may overlook the restrictions, attempting to resurrect these cars. Authorities emphasize the legal limitations on these vehicles, urging buyers to heed the warnings and avoid potential legal consequences.
6. Fake Lien Releases: Forging the Path to a Clear Title
   The final fraud involves forging lien releases from banks to obtain a clear title. Once submitted to the DMV, the lien is removed temporarily, but the subsequent investigation results in reissued liens and potential federal prosecution for bank fraud. This deceptive practice poses severe legal consequences for those involved.

Navigating the Post-Vermont Landscape
As the Vermont loophole fades into history, car buyers must be cautious of these fraudulent schemes. The surge in fraudulent activities demands increased vigilance when engaging in title transactions. Avoiding shortcuts and adhering to legal processes not only protects against scams but also ensures a smoother and more legitimate path to securing a vehicle title. Stay informed, be vigilant, and safeguard your hard-earned money in the evolving landscape of car title transactions.

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What If You Buy A Car With A Lien On It?

1. Uncovering Hidden Liens: The Shocking Reality
   So, did you buy a car and later discover it had a lien on it? This scenario is more common than you might think, and it often leads to complications. We’ve encountered distressing stories from buyers who faced issues with vehicle liens, including one instance where a licensed dealership provided a runaround on the title, revealing an unsettling lien filed by a prior owner.

• A Sneaky Lien Situation
  In some cases, the last owner may still have an open lien on the car. The typical reason for this is the bank’s delay in recording the lien release. However, the shocker comes when it’s revealed that there’s still money owed on the car, indicating the loan wasn’t fully paid off.
• Unresolved Loans: The Dilemma
  So, what should you do in such a scenario? It’s crucial to understand your options, especially when faced with an unresolved loan situation. This situation may arise due to the loan being charged off, written off, or classified as non-performing.

2. Taking Control: Initiating the Lien Release
   The solution is straightforward: start by requesting a lien release from the lien holder. If a lien is present on a title record, no state is allowed to issue a title until the lien is removed. Even if money is still owed, it’s possible to navigate through this challenge by approaching the lien holder correctly.

• Crafting the Perfect Request
  When dealing with a charge-off, write-off, or delinquent status, the key is to request the lien release in writing. Avoid phone calls, emails, or text messages. Send a written request along with all necessary documents to the lien holder, urging them to sign and mail back the release.
• The Power of Persuasion
  Successfully obtaining a lien release often hinges on your communication skills. Politely approach the lien holder, explaining your situation and requesting their cooperation. If the loan is paid off or charged off, they are likely to sign the release.

3. Legal Backup: Court Order Title
   If negotiations with the lien holder fail, the next step is filing for a court-order title. This involves submitting a petition to the court in your county, seeking a judge’s intervention to wipe out the lien.

• Resorting to Legal Measures: In cases where the lien holder refuses to cooperate, filing a court petition becomes a necessary step. Presenting your affidavit, bill of sale, and the details of your car purchase, you seek the court’s assistance in resolving the lien issue.

4. Buyer Beware: Verifying Titles Before Purchase
   Prevention is better than cure. Before finalizing any car purchase, especially from a dealership, ensure you see the title. This precautionary step can save you from the nightmare of dealing with hidden liens after the purchase.

• Dealer Transparency: A Crucial Check Avoid falling victim to unscrupulous sellers or dealerships by requesting to see the title before making any payments. It’s a critical step in ensuring a smooth and legal transfer of ownership.

5. The Growing Menace: A Surge in Cars with Liens
   In recent years, the issue of cars with undisclosed liens has escalated. While it’s not a new problem, the current situation is particularly severe. Buyers, whether from private sellers, dealerships, or auctions, are increasingly becoming innocent victims of scams involving cars with unresolved liens.

• Facing the Challenge Head-On: Despite the challenges posed by cars with liens, there are pathways to address and overcome these issues. Proactive measures, legal recourse, and awareness are essential to protecting yourself from financial loss and inconvenience.

Navigating the Maze of Liens for a Secure Car Purchase
In conclusion, understanding how to handle vehicle liens is crucial for any car buyer. By following the right steps, utilizing legal options, and staying informed, you can navigate through the complexities and secure your rightful ownership of the purchased vehicle.

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