Stolen Car Check by VIN or License Plate

Signs a car for sale might be stolen

The VINs don't matchThe VIN on the dashboard, the door sticker and the title should be identical. Scratched or loose VIN plates are a warning.

No title, or "it's coming"A seller who can't show a title in their own name today shouldn't get your money today.

The name doesn't matchThe name on the title should match the seller's ID.

Far below marketA price that's too good, a rush and cash only.

Keys and ignitionOne worn key, a damaged ignition or a punched lock.

Odd meeting placesA seller who won't meet at their home or in a public place in daylight.

Other places to check

NICB VINCheck. The National Insurance Crime Bureau's VINCheck shows theft and total-loss records reported by member insurance companies.
Local police. The non-emergency line can tell you whether a VIN or plate is listed as stolen.
The paper title. Match the VIN and the name, and look for a lienholder that hasn't signed off.

The reports

You see the car before you pay. Pick the report you need.

Basic history report

By VIN or license plate · official NMVTIS record · shows right away

Salvage, junk, flood and rebuilt title brands
Title history by state, with dates
Odometer readings and rollback flags
Total-loss records from insurers
Theft check
Market value for the car

Check a car for $5

$10

Full vehicle history report

By VIN or license plate · Not instant: emailed or texted to you within two hours

Every owner, how they used it (personal, lease, rental or fleet) and where
Accidents and damage reports
Title brands: salvage, junk, rebuilt, flood, fire, hail, lemon
Odometer readings over time, checked for rollbacks
Service and maintenance history
Open recalls and common owner complaints for the model

Get the full report

Stolen car check questions

How do I check if a car is stolen?

Run its VIN or license plate above. The $5 report includes a theft check along with title brands, odometer readings and total-loss records. You can also check the VIN on NICB's VINCheck and call the local police non-emergency line.

What happens if I buy a stolen car?

The car can be taken back and returned to its owner or insurer, and you usually lose what you paid. That's why the check comes before the cash.

Can I check if a car is stolen by license plate?

Yes. Type the plate and its state; we find the VIN and show you the car before you pay.

Does a stolen car check show the owner?

No. Federal privacy law (the Driver's Privacy Protection Act) keeps owners' personal information out of vehicle reports.

What else should I check?

Match the VIN on the dashboard, door sticker and title, and make sure the name on the title matches the seller's ID.

More ways to check a car

VIN check Cheap VIN check VIN decoder VIN scanner Recall check Vehicle history report Title check NMVTIS report License plate lookup California plate lookup Texas plate lookup Florida plate lookup Wisconsin plate lookup Plate lookup by state

Find the deal, then check it.

Wheel Scout alerts you the moment an underpriced car posts on Marketplace, OfferUp or Craigslist near you, and runs the history right in the app.

The basic history report uses NMVTIS data from an approved NMVTIS data provider. NMVTIS records come from states, insurers and salvage yards; not every event is reported to it. Vehicle specs and recalls come from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Wheel Scout is not affiliated with any marketplace or government agency.