How to Check a Car Title Status: Clean, Salvage, Rebuilt

How to Check a Car's Title Status Before Buying

A car's title status is one of the most important things to check before buying. It tells you whether the vehicle has a clean history or a brand that warns of serious past damage. A branded title can cut a car's value in half and make it harder to insure and resell.

The main title brands

Clean: no reported major damage or write-off.
Salvage: declared a total loss by an insurer, usually not roadworthy until rebuilt and re-inspected.
Rebuilt or reconstructed: a salvage car repaired and passed a state inspection to return to the road.
Flood or water damage: damaged by flooding, which causes long-term electrical and corrosion problems.
Junk: fit only for parts or scrap, should never be driven.

How to check the title

Ask to see the physical title and confirm the VIN on it matches the car and the seller's name. Run the VIN through a history report to reveal title brands from any state, and use the free NICB VINCheck for theft and salvage flags. Some states also let you verify a title directly with the DMV.

Should you buy a branded-title car?

A rebuilt-title car can be a bargain if it was repaired well and inspected, but expect to pay much less, face higher insurance hurdles and get less back at resale. A salvage or junk title being sold as roadworthy is a serious red flag.

Before you buy: run a free VIN check to see the specs, open recalls and safety ratings for the exact vehicle, then decide whether a full history report is worth it. Check a VIN.

Checking a specific car?

Run its VIN free to see title brands, salvage and flood history, an odometer check, and open recalls before you buy.

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Check any car before you buy

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The VIN is on the dashboard, door jamb, or title.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check a car's title status?+

Inspect the physical title and confirm the VIN and seller name match, then run the VIN through a history report and the free NICB VINCheck to reveal any salvage, rebuilt or flood brands from any state.

Is it bad to buy a car with a rebuilt title?+

It can be fine if the car was repaired well and passed inspection, but it is worth much less than a clean-title car, can be harder to insure, and sells for less, so pay accordingly.

What is the difference between salvage and rebuilt titles?+

A salvage title means an insurer declared the car a total loss. A rebuilt title means that salvage car was repaired and passed a state inspection to legally return to the road.