Title search - ownership history
I live in PA and recently purchased a 1970 C3 titled in Fl. Does anyone have a suggestion on how I could find the ownership history?
The notary in PA can only search PA titles.
The notary in PA can only search PA titles.
-
-
Re: Title search - ownership history
Do you know it is a PA car? Many states have a form you can submit for a vehicle title and registration search by VIN. Don't expect to find names of previous owners. Protected by privacy laws.
Have you gotten your Shipping Data Report from NCRS? -
Re: Title search - ownership history
Check this Thread;
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...-194377S122380Comment
-
Re: Title search - ownership history
It is a Florida car. My title shows the person I bought from and the person before him.
I'm trying to document the cars history and I know there were additional owners.
I don't know what report you're referring to?Comment
-
Re: Title search - ownership history
Roger,
The NCRS Shipping Data Report will show you which dealership received the car, and sold it initially.
Report will list the zone and city address of that dealership.
It's another little step on the car's history trail.
B.D.Comment
-
Re: Title search - ownership history
Thanks Good info.Comment
-
Re: Title search - ownership history
Thanks
I have the window sticker that shows the dealer. It was in Knoxville Tenn. I'm hoping to fill the gap between then and when it ended up in Florida and with the seller.Comment
-
Re: Title search - ownership history
Back in the day, you could get copies of old titles thru the State DMV. But now days privacy laws just about put a stop to that. I have copies of 6 or more of the owners' titles from Texas in the 70's. The title you have will usually show the previous title number. You would then ask DMV for a copy of that title. Then use that title for the previous title and so on. States like PA destroyed a lot of old titles at one time. you can try the DMV with your title number and see what happens. Previously you could ask to run the VIN but now days that is forbidden. You might call info in the town you have the last title owner and see if they are still around. That is how an owner found me on my 65 I had sold (and bought back from him later). Good luck.Comment
-
Re: Title search - ownership history
My experience with DMV search is that they will do a title and registration search based on VIN number and will provide dates of title issue including only the zip code of the title holder and odometer reading if it was recorded. They can also provide dates of registration issue and renewals with plate numbers and zip codes. Zip codes will help you determine the general vehicle location. I found this info to be valuable as part of my vehicle's history. Again, you'll get no names and addresses from DMV. You probably won't find info back to 1970 but you may get some general location history for some of the time you are missing.Comment
-
Re: Title search - ownership history
Thomas, I can add to your comments based on my recent experience that if a title search reveals that a car dealership has once owned your car, the name, address, etc. of that dealership will be provided unlike individual owners names. My Ohio search turned up a midwest classic corvette dealer that in fact had owned the car twice and was able to access several historical ownership documents from them. Dealers are required to retain these records, so if you are lucky enough to find that a dealer once had your car in inventory, pursue that with gusto.Garry Barnes #18531
'67 Lynndale Blue Coupe- National TF, BG
'67 Sunfire Yellow Coupe- 4 Star Bowtie,
Comment
-
Re: Title search - ownership history
Garry,
I bought my car from a dealer in Ohio which specializes in corvettes. They purchase their cars and title them in the dealership name so there is a record with Oho BMV. Ohio BMV also has a copy a copy of the Indiana title that the previous owner held on my car. I was able to get some non-personal information from verbally from the BMV from that Indiana title. Title number, date of issue, odometer reading, zip code. I found the dealer I bought my car from to be very protective of any personal information and documents left in the car by the previous owner. Even denied they retained a copy of the previous owner's title.
Maybe your experience with your dealer was a while ago before privacy laws were introduced. I did a search back in the 80's with Michigan Secretary of State on a 76 Corvette which was never titled outside of Michigan. I was sent a copy of every title issued as well as a death certificate filed for transfer of title to a surviving family member. Too much info. Times have changed.
If you buy a car directly from a private owner you stand a much better chance of getting historical information.
Roger,
You didn't mention if you talked to the two previous owners about the history of your car. This would be a great starting point.
TomComment
-
Re: Title search - ownership history
Thanks for the info. I bought from a broker in Florida. Was able to identify the previous owner from the title but no reply to my phone inquiry so far.
Hoping to work backwards if he calls me back. If not I'll try working thru the Florida DMV.Comment
Comment