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VIN must be made up of exactly 17 characters and belongs to a vehicle manufacturer after 1980.
A vehicle title is an official legal document issued by a state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that serves as the proof of ownership of a vehicle. It includes key information such as the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, year, current owner's name and any lienholder details if the car is financed. The title also indicates the status of the vehicle—whether it has a clean, salvage, rebuilt or branded title based on its vehicle history.
This document is essential during the buying, selling or transferring of a vehicle, as it legally certifies who owns the car and whether there are any claims against it. Holding a valid, accurate vehicle title ensures a smooth transfer of ownership and protects both buyers and sellers from fraud or disputes.
It can help Identify the Vehicle’s Legal Owner: This information can help you verify that the seller is the rightful and legal owner of the vehicle.
Reveals Title Status: Identifies if the vehicle has a clean, salvage, rebuilt or branded title.
Uncovers Liens: Shows if there are any outstanding loans or financial claims on the vehicle.
Prevents Fraud: Helps detect stolen vehicles or forged documentation.
Highlights Damage History: Flags previous accidents, flood damage, or major repairs that may not be disclosed by the seller.
Ensures Odometer Accuracy: Detects discrepancies that could indicate mileage tampering also commonly referred to as odometer fraud.
Supports Safe Transactions: Gives buyers peace of mind by providing transparent vehicle history.
Required for Ownership Transfer: Ensures a valid and smooth transfer of title through the California DMV.
Here are the thoughts expressed by some of our customers:
Performing a California vehicle title check is a straightforward but essential step of the used car buying process. The only thing required to conduct this check is the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which is a unique 17-character code used to identify the car. Using the VIN you can run a title check by VIN through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or through trusted third-party services. This CA title search will reveal crucial details such as ownership history, title status (clean, salvage, rebuilt, etc.) and any liens that may be attached to the vehicle.
A California car title search helps ensure you're making a safe and informed decision. It can uncover hidden red flags like odometer fraud, prior accident damage or unresolved loans. Whether you’re a buyer seeking peace of mind or a seller looking to prove your vehicle’s clean record, a proper car title check protects all parties involved. Always make sure the title check by VIN is completed before any transaction to avoid potential legal or financial issues down the road.
California is home to the highest auto insurance claim rates in the country. Due to the recent wild fires a quarter of all claims were deemed as total losses. This includes catastrophic events including floods, fires and serious collisions that prompted the insurance to declare the vehicle as a total loss. You can also see the details of the damage, such as the event type, extent, and location of the damage, dates and more...
A rise in the size and length of new auto loans generated in the state of California is leading to increased delinquencies. Checking for liens and Legal ownership related records may help identify if the vehicle has any outstanding loans, liens, or judgments against it.
There are over 6 million cars being sold through various California based salvage and insurance auctions.
Auction records may contain images of the vehicle, sale price, sale dates, condition related items as well as lien and lender related details.
California had the highest number of motor vehicle thefts in the United States.
A title record theft indicator identifies vehicles that were reported as stolen, impounded, or exported during their history.
The state of California had the highest number of new car sales in the United States.
Sale Records can provide information about sale events related to title reassignment. It can include details such as dates, prices, states, banks, amounts and more...
California vehicle title records may include a wide array of events permanently recorded by the state. Everything from registered use of the vehicle such as Taxi, Police or Government use to Odometer Recording and Ownership History related details are recorded as a title events.
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