Unraveling VIN Mysteries: Are Online Checks Trustworthy?

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Introduction
  • Importance of checking title and lien status when buying a vehicle.
  • Emphasize the necessity of verifying title status before purchasing.
Using Online VIN Checkers
  • Caution against relying on third-party VIN check sites like Carfax or VIN Check.
  • These sites do not provide official title records or lien information.
  • Disclaimers indicate their limitations in accessing complete records.
Official Sources for Title Records
  • The only official source for title records is government agencies.
  • Title record management is typically handled by:
    • Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Motor Vehicle Department
    • Department of Transportation
    • Secretary of State (in some states)
  • Obtaining records directly from these agencies ensures accuracy.
How to Check Title Status in New York
  • Visit the DMV title status website.
  • Input the vehicle's VIN, year, and make (e.g., Mercedes-Benz, Chevrolet).
  • Limited information available: title issuance, title rejection status, and lien status.
When to Conduct Research
  • If buying a vehicle without a legal title, due diligence is necessary.
  • Sellers may provide various documents (bill of sale, notarized registration) but these are worthless without the original title.
  • A reminder: once you pay, the seller may not assist you further.
Additional Information
  • In most cases for title issuance (bonded title, court order title), you don’t need to check title status; the government will do it for you.
  • If additional research is needed, you may have to submit a Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) request.
Conclusion
  • The original legal title certificate is the only necessary document for title transfer.
  • For more helpful content on this topic, explore other videos on our channel.
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Unraveling VIN Mysteries: Are Online Checks Trustworthy?
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