How To Make Sure That The Automobile Title Is Legit
While it is not a common occurrence for automobile titles to be fakes, it is important for you to make sure that you are well aware of what the title should look like and the information that should be found on it. This way, if there is even just an error in recording, you will be able to spot it so it can be fixed. Here are some of the things you need to be aware of when you are looking at auto titles:
The VIN
The vehicle identification number, or VIN, will be located on the title. This is a series of numbers that provides a lot of information. You want to use the VIN to not only check for accident reports, but to make sure that the listed VIN matches the make, model, and year of the vehicle you are looking to purchase.
Watermark
You need an original or certified duplicate automobile title in order to do a proper transfer of ownership. One good way to make sure that the title you are presented with is an original and not a copy is to look for the watermark. If the title is a copy, the original watermark will not appear.
Lien Holders
If there is a lien holder, then the current owner of the vehicle should not actually have the original title in hand. If they do for some reason and there is a lien against the vehicle, the lien holder information should be listed on there. The lien should be paid off in full before the vehicle can officially be transferred into your name. Some sellers will use their proceeds to pay off the lien so you might be mailed your new copy within a few weeks.
Signatures
On every automobile title, there should be a few signatures. There should be the signature of the person who currently owns the vehicle, a signature from the person or company they bought it from, and a signature from a state employee. If those signatures are not present, you might not be able to get the title transferred to you. Once it is transferred to you, it will be your signature, the signature of the person selling it to you, and the signature of a state employee.
Just make sure that you are taking your time to closely examine any vehicle title that you are presented with. Doing this in the beginning can save you a lot of hassle down the road.
Contact a local company to learn more about auto titles.