Avoid buying a stolen or lien-held car in California. Learn how to verify DMV fees, title status, and vehicle history before you buy. Instant tips, tools, and VIN check links included.
If you’re buying a used car in California, the last thing you want is to discover hidden DMV fees, a stolen record, or title liens after you’ve paid. Thousands of buyers lose money every year because they didn’t check the car history first. Here’s how to protect yourself with free and low-cost tools.
🔎 1. Start With the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
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- Always ask for the VIN before purchase.
- Use it to uncover accident reports, title status, odometer rollback, and whether the car was reported stolen.
- Free lookup tools:
💰 2. Check for DMV Fees, Back Registration, and Suspensions
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- California vehicles accumulate back fees if not registered on time.
- Ask seller for current registration card and license plate.
- Then visit:
➤ DMV Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator - ➤ Lienworks Instant DMV Look Up Service ONLY $20
- ➡️ Request My DMV Fee Quote
📄 3. Look Up Title Status and Liens
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- Get a Vehicle Record Printout or Title Lookup:
- Available from the DMV or a licensed 3rd party.
- Pro tip: The pink slip doesn’t always show current liens.
- For full title search, request:
➤ Vehicle Record History Report from a professional registration service like ours.
🚫 4. Avoid Stolen Vehicles
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- Run VIN on NICB.org to check theft records.
- Ask seller to meet at local DMV or registration service to confirm records.
- Never skip this step for out-of-state or Craigslist cars.
👤 5. Get the Paperwork Checked by a Pro
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- If the seller can’t provide clean paperwork, walk away.
- Use a trusted 3rd party registration expert (like us!), Lienworks, to:
- Check for suspensions, holds, unpaid fees, illegal transfers, or branded titles.
- Ensure the Bill of Sale and Title Transfer are done right to avoid future problems.
⚠️ Buying a used car in California? Let us verify it’s clean before you pay.
✔️ Title Status
✔️ DMV Back Fees
✔️ Lien Checks
✔️ Ownership History
🔍 ➡️ Request My DMV Fee Quote
Get peace of mind in minutes with our expert California vehicle research service.