Florida DMV a Dead End for Title Search

[Paul L.]

I have a copy of the registration for my 1967 dated 1986 in the name of Litton Auto Sales in Orlando, Florida. Hoping to find records going back further I wrote to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. This is the answer:

"This department has adopted a 10-year retention schedule for motor vehicle records in accordance with section 320.833, Florida Statutes. This department cannot provide records prior to then."

So, just a heads-up for others who might have similar aspirations with that State. The title search fee was $15.00 and has been refunded.

[Wayne W.]

Re: Florida DMV a Dead End for Title Search

At least they gave you your money back. Mass. told me that that they could do it when specifically asked about a record from 1941. They sent information back on a 81 License number. When I called them back, they said OH we cant do any thing that old, and kept my money anyway. OH, beware of Mass. for anything. Ask me about the great sounding Atwater Kent Mfg. Co. This guy is hiding behind a famous name, but he will get ya just the same.

[Pat M.]

Re: Florida DMV a Dead End for Title Search

Most states have similar policies, but don't always follow them. In 2005 I found the original owner of my 1970 by writing to the Indiana DMV, who clearly stated on its title search forms that histories went back "no more than 10 years." Nonetheless, I got back the owner's registration from 1977.

Despite what the various DMVs say up front, I'd encourage people to give it a shot, at least in states other than Florida.

Patrick Moresi #45581

[Jim W.]

Re: Florida DMV a Dead End for Title Search

I tried for over twenty years to find out who the original owner of my '67 convertible was. I had the second owner from 1969 and forward but no luck before that with New Jersey DMV, Chevy dealers, newspaper ads, Driveline ads, phone calls, etc. I only gave up when I sold the car. Jim Weeks - Member #2978

[Dick G.]

Re: How about New Jersey title searches?

Has anyone had any luck with New Jersey DOT title search? DG

[Kent K.]

Re: How about New Jersey title searches?

Hey Dick,
I think Jim Weeks just anwered your question in the previous post.
"...no luck before that with New Jersey DMV..."
Regards,
Kent Keech

[Mike B.]

Re: Florida DMV a Dead End for Title Search

I just looked in Orlando,Fl. phone book for Litton Auto sales.No such dealer at present.That may have been an outside shot for some info.Somewhere your info is sitting in a box down here.

[Paul L.]

Re: Florida DMV a Dead End for Title Search

Mike,
Thanks for looking. The title does not give an address, only a PO box. It does give the postal code as 32867 which seems to be in the area of Highway 15 and Interstate 4. But used car dealers come and go over the years so this trail is very cold unfortunately. I have NJ and PA titles as well but they belong to the person who sold me the car and he has given me all the history he knows. Wish these cars could talk.

[Mark #28455]

could be worse!

I know the name of the likely original owner of one of my cars and the town. I was also able to track down his kids from an old high school web page listing class graduates from the 1970's and their current e-mail addresses. They must think I'm a nut or stalker and didn't respond to my messages. Oh well