Anyone know of a way to check if a VIN is currently registered in any state? (2 Viewers)

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DKM

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I have a 74 tub that I'm working on to put on my 78 frame. The 74 tub still has the VIN plate. Anyone know if there's a way to check to see if someone has the corresponding frame with the 74 VIN registered somewhere? Maybe check with the DMV? Thanks fellas.
 
If you have a friend in the local PD they could run it for you. But they will probably only show whether the number is registered in your state.
 
One issue with a VIN on an older vehicle is that it does not conform with the standard 17 digit VIN.
Many states will add aditional numbers in front of the actual Toyota VIN to allow it to be entered in the computer data base. Or some will add zero's behind the VIN.
Usually it is just zero's added in front of the VIN to get the 17 digit requirement.
Sometimes it is a combination of letters and numbers to get to that magical.number of 17.
If you try internet searches, I would suggest starting off with just zeros in frontnofnthe actual VIN. Then try Zeros after.
 
In AZ I put in for an abandoned title on three vehicles. Part of the process adding to my wait was the MVD checking all states to make sure it isn't reported stolen or registered elsewhere. The MVD did the checking so maybe you can call your local office and see what they say.
 
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In our State you can check the VIN status within the State online. For a fee, the State will also do a title search nationally.
 
In AZ I put in for an abandoned title on three vehicles. Part of the process adding to my wait was the MVD checking all states to make sure it isn't reported stolen or registered elsewhere. The MVD did the checking so maybe you can call your local office and see what they say.

At one time I used a website that was supposed to have data on VINs for stolen or totaled vehicles. VINs I checked nothing every came up.
As for AZ. In 2005 I gave my daughter and her husband a 79 FJ40. 2008 they got a divorce and he was keeping the house. He wanted the 79 gone. As for the title they had never transfer the title and he couldn't find it. I changed with MVD and with with short VIN they had no way to check that hadn't been registered for five years. Was told I could got to a warehouse and hand search boxes to find the old record. After a few years I realized I have used a copy machine and had a paper copy of the title. The copy showed void in a number of places. What it did have was AZ's title number. Five minutes at MVD I had a new title. That title number showed that vehicle had no other activity and was still good which allowed me to get a duplicate title replacement. Yeas later I daughter's ex found the title which was no longer good.
Been threads on here of people looking find the history of the FJ40 they just bought. Never seen anyone actually having any luck. Pre 81 when US required seventeen digits good luck finding any information with short VINs. I know AZ has no records on unregistered vehicles. I also believe some states do not issue titles on vehicles over a certain age. Bill of sale will get it re registered. Was company at one time that could handle getting you what you needed out of one of these states to get a title in another state. Prior to the seventeen digits really impossible to know the History after almost forty four years.
 
I just entered my short VIN# of my 40 in my states search function and it came up with its info, less ownership and address.
 
Most states allow you to search for a fee, and for the purpose of lost title. I bought a 85’ Toy 2x pickup and washed the title; people moved. It is a requirement for ordering a replacement title.
 
It took 8 months for one of the trucks and over a year for the most recent one I did in AZ for the abandoned title. Very frustrating but what I had to do. I also had to bring them in on a trailer for an inspection. Two were 90's Toyotas and one was a 1948 and I had the owner/seller WITH me. He lost the title and it was last registered in 1971.
The local MVD and the office that does the search are two different depts. and neither knows what the other is doing. Sorry to derail your thread.
 

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