FAQs
Enter a VIN to run a title check
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a VIN?

A vehicle identification number, or VIN, is a unique code used to identify individual vehicles. The VIN can usually be found on the driver’s side dashboard in front of the steering wheel, visible through the windshield. VINs are also often printed on a sticker located on the driver-side door or door jamb.

What is NMVTIS?

The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) is a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) database operated by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) that contains automobile information from states, insurance carriers and other individuals and businesses that handle salvage vehicles.

What information is included in an ADD Title Check Report?

Auto Data Direct's NMVTIS title checks contain information from participating state DMVs insurance carriers, salvage auctions, auto recyclers and other businesses that handle junk, salvage and total loss automobiles. Auto Data Direct is an Approved NMVTIS Data Provider.

In general, NMVTIS includes automobiles under 10,000 lbs., buses, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, motor homes, and tractors. NMVTIS excludes: trailers, mobile homes, special machinery, vessels, mopeds, semi-trailers, golf carts, and boats.

NMVTIS may not include commercial vehicles if those vehicles are not included in a state's primary database for title records (in some states, those vehicles are managed by a separate agency).

Reports include, when available:

  • Current state of title and date of issue
  • Previous state(s) of title and date(s) of issue
  • Odometer readings recorded at the time titles were issued
  • Current and previous title brand(s)
  • Date the brands were applied
  • Junk, salvage, and insurance total loss records

Reports also may include*:

  • Vehicle Information/Specifications
* Additional information not provided by NMVTIS.

How current is the information in NMVTIS?

Data provided to NMVTIS by states is provided in a variety of time frames; while some report and update NVMTIS data in "real-time" (as title transactions occur) others send updates less frequently, such as once every 24 hours or within a period of days.

How does NMVTIS data differ from private title check reports?

NMVTIS is the only publicly available system in the United States to which all insurance carriers, auto recyclers, junk yards, and salvage yards, are required, under federal law, to report to on a regular basis.

NMVTIS is intended to ensure key title check information is available, accessible, and affordable. NMVTIS provides a unique service in terms of the source of its data and timeliness in which its data is received. NMVTIS contains total loss data, salvage reports, state title information and odometer information. NMVTIS does not provide accident/repair history or vehicle service/maintenance data.

What state title data is available?

View a map of states providing information to NMVTIS. Some title information, including brands applied to titles issued before a state began reporting, or applied to historical or inactive titles may not be included.

Why aren't all states participating in NMVTIS?

Currently all states are involved with NMVTIS at various levels of participation. States that are not currently providing data are developing the capacity to participate with NMVTIS. Consumers are encouraged to seek responses to these questions from the states directly.

What insurance and salvage information is available?

NMVTIS reporting became mandatory for insurance carriers, auto recyclers, junk yards, and salvage yards on April 1, 2009. Vehicles handled by reporting entities prior to that date may not appear in NMVTIS.

Does NMVTIS include information on older cars?

The NMVTIS database became publicly available in 2009, and while it contains information on many older vehicles its focus is on vehicles 1981 and newer. The title information available in NMVTIS has been reported by participating states. When the system was implemented, some states may not have provided information on historical or inactive titles. Because each state has its own titling processes, ADD cannot provided specific parameters for availability based on model year.

Can I search for information on a vehicle with a short (less than 17 character) VIN?

There are no restrictions on VIN length for an ADD NMVTIS search, however, VINs created before the 1981 VIN standardization cannot be decoded through standard methods to provide additional vehicle information. Therefore, this supplementary vehicle information provided by ADD will likely not appear on a report for an older vehicle with a VIN of less than 17 characters.

Will I be charged if there's no information found in NMVTIS?

You will not be charged if there is no information found in the NMVTIS database.

Do NMVTIS reports include information on previous owners?

NMVTIS does not contain ownership information. Vehicle owner's names are protected under the federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), and cannot be provided as a part of consumer title check report.

Does NMVTIS contain accident and repair information?

NMVTIS does not contain information on a vehicle's repair history or accidents that did not result in a total loss declaration by an insurer. NMVTIS reports are intentionally concise, and intended to provide information on key indicators related to a vehicle's value and safety.

What if I have questions about my NMVTIS title check report?

We're here to help. Please contact us with any question about your report.

How can I apply for a refund?

If you purchased a NMVTIS Title Check report from Auto Data Direct, Inc., and are not satisfied, you may be eligible for a refund if:

  • Your request is submitted in writing through the Refund Request page.
  • Your refund is requested with 30 days of purchase.
  • You have not, nor has any member of your family, received a refund from ADD within the last 12 months.