When buying or selling a used car in Texas, it’s essential to perform a vehicle title history check. This helps ensure that the vehicle you’re considering has a clean title and is free of any liens or issues that could complicate the transaction. A Texas title check can provide valuable insights into the vehicle’s history, including past ownership, accident reports, and possible title brands. In this guide, we’ll cover how to get a Texas title history check, why it’s important to have a certified title history in Texas, and more.
Why You Need a Title History Check in Texas
Texas is one of the largest used car markets in the U.S., and with high vehicle turnover comes increased risks of fraud. Title fraud and odometer rollbacks are common in high resale activity areas. In Texas, checking the vehicle title status is critical for both buyers and sellers. A title history Texas report can help you confirm vehicle ownership, its odometer reading, and whether it has a clean title or if it has been marked with certain title brands like salvage or rebuilt.
Texas fully participates in the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), which provides up-to-date, state-verified title data, helping to identify any potential issues before you buy. Through NMVTIS, you can access a certified Texas title check that consolidates title information from the Texas DMV and other participating states.
Key Information Available in a Texas Title History Report
A Texas title history search provides important information about the vehicle’s ownership, title status, and possible title brands. Here’s the key data you can expect to find:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): This unique code is essential for tracking the vehicle’s history.
- Title Status: By undertaking a car title check in Texas, you’ll get information that will confirm if there are any liens or unresolved ownership issues.
- Title Brands: Texas uses specific branding terms such as “Flood Damage” and “Rebuilt Salvage,” which are crucial for assessing the condition of the car. You may also encounter “Bonded Title,” which indicates incomplete or missing ownership records.
- Odometer Reading: An important part of any Texas car title check. This can help you detect odometer discrepancies, an indicator of fraud.
- Previous Owners: A title check can also tell you how many owners the car has had and whether the vehicle has had multiple transfers.
- Vehicle Inspections: In Texas, vehicles are required to undergo inspections. You can use a Texas title check to get a certified auto title history in Texas, and it is roadworthy.
How to Check a Car Title in Texas
To perform a Texas title check, you’ll need to access the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) title check service. The easiest way to do this is through an online service that includes both Texas DMV records and historical data from other states. ClearVin offers detailed reports that combine Texas DMV records and the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) to ensure you receive accurate vehicle title information.
Here are some steps you can follow:
- Obtain the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): The VIN is required for searching the title history. It’s located on the dashboard near the windshield or inside the driver’s side door frame.
- Request a Title Check: Visit a website like ClearVin or the official TxDMV website to search for the vehicle’s title status and history.
- Check for Liens: When you perform a title check Texas, make sure to check for any liens on the vehicle. You can check for a lien on car title Texas to ensure there are no unresolved legal claims against the car.
- Review Title Brands: Texas uses specific branding terms like “Flood Damage” and “Rebuilt Salvage,” which are important to identify. These terms can significantly impact the vehicle’s value.
How to Get a Certified Texas Title History
If you need a certified Texas title history, you can request an official report from the Texas DMV. A certified DMV Texas title check report will include verified data on the vehicle’s title status and any associated issues. You can request this through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles by submitting a Motor Vehicle Information Form (VTR-275) or a Vehicle Information Form. The process usually takes several business days to complete. If you need immediate results without a VIN code, you can take advantage of a Texas License Plate Check.
Texas-Specific Title Brands
Texas uses some state-specific branding terms you might not see in other states, such as:
- Flood Damage: This title brand is important for vehicles that have been damaged by floods, which are more common in Texas due to hurricane-prone areas.
- Rebuilt Salvage: This term is used when a previously salvaged vehicle has been repaired and is considered roadworthy.
- Bonded Title: A bonded title is issued when proof of ownership is incomplete or missing.
Conclusion
Before you buy a used car or sell in Texas, always check the title status of a Texas car to ensure there are no hidden issues. By performing a Texas title check by VIN, you can confirm that the vehicle history report shows a clean title, no outstanding liens, and no prior damage or fraud. Make sure to use a trusted service like ClearVin, which provides certified vehicle title history reports and real-time data from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System.
For additional vehicle information, visit NMVTIS. If you’re a dealer, title clerk, or any other automotive business, consider using the Motor Vehicle Records in Bulk to access title history data more efficiently.
