Title Search

[SuperNovaSS]

How do you go about doing a title search on a car? My car was bought in Kansas City and has been in California since new. I am bringing the car to Hawaii and was wondering if I have to do the title search while the car is still a CA car. I don't want to lose the oppertunity to do the search by bringing the car over here. Does anyone know how much a title search costs and what information you can get from it? I was told it wasn't available in CA anymore, is this true?
Thanks,


Jason

[Rat_Pack]

Jason,
Check with your local county court clerk about doing a title search. Some states only allow an auto dealer, insurance agency, or law enforcement agency to do them now. It usually costs around $30.00 and takes approx 2-6 weeks. I did one on a Camaro a few years ago and got back copies of every registration and title change since it was new! I tracked down 4 of the six owners prior to me and they sent me pictures of the car when each of them owned it. I found out that the town where it was purchased no longer existed as it was an Air Force base town and when the Air Force left so did everyone else. I found out when and why the original engine was replaced and other neat pieces of history on the car..............RatPack........

[SuperNovaSS]

Thanks for the info. I have talked to the original owner, and he too sent me pictures of the car when he had it. Did your title search show the original selling dealer? That is what I want to try to get more documentation on.


Thanks again,

Jason

[SuperNovaSS]

Does anyone know anything about California title searches in particular?

Thanks,


Jason

[Rat_Pack]

Jason,

My search did find the original selling dealer which was out of business. I have since sold this car but this is what I found out. Sold new in TX, went to FL and stayed there until 1971, traded at a Toyota dealership, car showed up in KY in 1975, then to TN in 1976, where it bounced around between cities here until 1991. It was painted at least 5 times as there were 5 colors plus primer between each color. It took me a month to strip the paint!

Most title searches will go back to the selling dealer. A friend tracked his Chevelle back to California where it was sold new, so you should find out the same info. Good luck in your search, but if the original owner is still alive did he tell you where he bought it new?.............RatPack.............

[Rowdy Rat]

Jason,

My personal experience with title searches in recent years is that California is THE WORST state to deal with when it comes to gaining access to registration and title records (worse than Virginia for those that have dealt with the public servants in THAT state). It is my current understanding that records will not be released to non-law enforcement personel without a court order directing them to do so.

I'd say unless you have a police officer friend in California that is willing to trace title/registration records, you are out of luck. Consider yourself fortunate that the original owner is still around, they are usually a wealth of information if they still have any interest in cars.

Good luck with your research!

Regards,

Stan Falenski

[jbsides]

I agree, Stan, CA is about the worst UNLESS you are a AAA member, with access to a more 'cooperative' person behind the counter. AAA does virtually any DMV function! I have owned a number of '69's and, when problems arise with fees, prior ownerships, etc., I have noticed the 'better' AAA DMV specialists can bring up ALL kinds of data. I wound up facing an older, very knowledgeable gal at AAA's Long Beach office, and it was amazing what she was pulling up. The info is available, you might just need the right help. One thing to note, though, is all the cars I have had the success with have been original, CA cars. But who knows...