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When buying or selling a used vehicle, one of the most important documents you’ll deal with is the car title. Unfortunately, fraudulent or forged car titles are more common than many people realize.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
A car title proves legal ownership and is essential for:
If the title is forged, altered, or not legitimate, it can lead to:
✅ Always verify the authenticity of a car title before completing any purchase.
Start by examining the physical title document closely. Here’s what to look for:
Genuine state-issued titles have security features like:
❌ Fake titles often lack these elements or mimic them poorly.
Real titles are printed on specialized paper with embedded fibers or textures. If the title feels like regular printer paper, it may be fake.
Each state has a standard layout. Look for:
⚠️ Misaligned text or inconsistent fonts are red flags.
Compare the information on the title with:
Ensure the VIN, make, model, and year match across all documents.
Every legitimate title includes an odometer reading at the time of sale. If it’s missing or looks tampered with, proceed with caution.
Some states require:
If signatures appear forged, missing, or notarization is absent when required, the title may be invalid.
Beyond visual inspection, there are official tools and databases to confirm the legitimacy of a car title.
This government-run system checks:
👉 Visit NMVTIS.gov
Most states offer online portals where you can:
📘 Example:
Always use your state’s official DMV website —avoid third-party sites that charge unnecessary fees.
These paid services provide detailed vehicle history reports, including:
📌 Tip: These reports can help verify the accuracy of the physical title.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau offers a free tool to check for:
👉 NICB VIN Check Tool
If you’re unsure about the title, contact the issuing Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) directly.
You can:
They can confirm if the title was issued legally and check for duplicates or fraud.
Here are key signs that a car title may be forged or altered :
🧾 Even minor inconsistencies should raise suspicion.
Title washing is a form of fraud where a vehicle with a branded title (like salvage or flood) is registered in a new state to obtain a clean title.
To detect title washing:
📉 This illegal practice hides serious damage and reduces buyer protection.
Here’s how to stay safe when purchasing a used car:
See the car and the title together. Never accept just photos or digital copies without verification.
Document the transaction with a signed bill of sale—even if not required by law.
Make sure the name on the title matches the seller’s ID and registration.
Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, or personal checks until the title is verified.
Once you own the car, report it to your local DMV to officially transfer ownership.
If you believe a title is fraudulent, here’s what to do:
Walk away immediately if something seems off.
Hold onto any documentation provided by the seller for reporting purposes.
File a report with:
If you were scammed online, file a complaint with the FTC: 👉 ReportFraud.ftc.gov
✅ Ran NMVTIS.gov report
✅ Got a Carfax or AutoCheck report
✅ Checked the state DMV VIN lookup tool
✅ Verified ownership documents match
✅ Understood the title brand type
✅ Had a pre-purchase inspection
✅ Researched state laws regarding branded titles
✅ Used a secure payment method
A: Yes, using tools like NMVTIS, Carfax, or your state DMV portal
A: Use NMVTIS or a vehicle history report to see if the vehicle has a branded title.
A: Avoid the purchase unless the seller can legally reissue the title through the DMV.
A: Only if they can provide a duplicate title from the DMV before finalizing the sale.
A: A previously salvage-titled vehicle that has been repaired and re-registered.
Checking a car title’s authenticity isn’t just a formality—it’s a crucial step in protecting yourself from fraud and ensuring you’re making a legally sound purchase.
By using a combination of:
You can confidently verify the genuineness of a car title and avoid costly mistakes.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with someone shopping for a used car or preparing to sell their vehicle. Knowledge is power when it comes to vehicle titles!
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