January 10, 2024 – The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles recommends that you always “look before you buy” and perform a title check when purchasing a vehicle from a local dealer, individual or from an online auction website. To do so, you will need to obtain the VIN or Vehicle Identification Number of the vehicle and have that run through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). The national consumer protection database that provides title information from states across the country. There are several companies that provide these services, and the cost starts at only a few dollars for each search. Texas DMV recommends the following websites that are approved by the United States Department of Justice to perform such searches. These approved providers agree to provide NMVTIS reports that meet federal requirements. Select one of the approved providers below. Prices begin at only a couple dollars so you may want to shop the vendors before making a selection. Be sure to note what is offered for the price. When you select an approved provider, you will leave the TxDMV website and be routed to the provider’s website.
- Carsforsale.com
- Carvertical.com
- Checkthatvin.com
- Clearvin.com
- CVRconnect.com
- Titlecheck.us
- Vinaudit.com
- Vindatahistory.com
- vingurus.com
- Vinsmart.com
If you have purchased a vehicle from a Texas dealer and you discover an issue with the vehicle’s title history you may want to file a Consumer Complaint with TxDMV’s Enforcement Division.
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles also recommends the following steps to purchase a vehicle from an individual or a dealer.
How to Buy a Used Vehicle
When you buy a used vehicle in Texas, the state does not provide any warranty or consumer protection on the reliability of that vehicle. It is up to you to make sure you are doing everything you can protect yourself – whether you are buying from a dealer or individual.
For passenger cars and pickup trucks, dealers are required by law to post a “Buyers Guide” on the vehicle, which will tell you whether it is being sold “as is” or with a warranty.
- Title Check. Before you buy, take down the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and go to Title Check on the TxDMV website to use the national motor vehicle database to make sure the vehicle has a clean title.
- Mechanic Inspection. Have a trusted mechanic look over the vehicle before you sign any paperwork or pay any money, including a down payment.
- Service Report. Use a vehicle history company to get accident repair and maintenance records.
- Sales Contract. Be sure to read all of the documents, including sales agreements or buyer’s orders before you sign them.
- Vehicle Title. Never, ever walk away from a private sale without the title. Have the seller print and sign their name, provide the sales date, and enter the odometer reading on the back of the title.
- Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U). Make sure the seller prints and signs their name, and enters the sales price on this form. You must have this form when you apply for title.
- Vehicle Transit Permit. The seller should keep the vehicle plates. Downloading the Vehicle Transit Permit from the TxDMV website gives you 5 days to legally drive the vehicle so you can go to your county tax office to apply for title and registration.
- County Tax Office. You must apply for a new title within 30 days of purchasing the vehicle or you will be charged financial penalties.
