How to Search a Car Title Before Buying
A car title search reveals active liens, title brands (salvage, flood, rebuilt), theft records, and ownership history before you commit to a purchase. Start with free tools — NMVTIS and NICB — then order an official state record for any vehicle over $5,000.
Free VIN Check Tools
Paid History Reports
Title Flags to Watch For
A lien means the vehicle is financed and the lender holds an interest in the title. The lien must be released by the lender before the title transfers cleanly. Never pay full price for a vehicle with an open lien unless you have a formal payoff/release plan in writing.
Vehicle was declared a total loss by an insurance company. Salvage vehicles can be repaired and rebuilt, but the "salvage" brand follows the title permanently. Financing and insurance are harder to obtain.
Vehicle was water-damaged and declared a total loss. Flood damage causes long-term electrical and mechanical issues that may not appear immediately. One of the riskiest title brands.
Vehicle was previously salvaged and has been repaired and re-inspected. Less risky than a current salvage brand but discloses a significant damage history that affects resale value and insurance options.
Paid reports sometimes flag inconsistencies between reported mileage at different points in the vehicle's history. A mileage rollback is federal odometer fraud.
Vehicle was sold to a salvage yard and stripped or crushed. A junk-branded vehicle should never be titled for road use. Seeing this brand means the vehicle may have been fraudulently rebuilt without proper inspection.