Title & Odometer Records: How to Access Them by State 

Congress, in passing the law which prohibits odometer tampering, stated that car buyers rely heavily on the mileage to determine the value, safety, and reliability of a vehicle.  If you doubt the stated mileage of the vehicle you purchased, we recommend that you contact the state(s) in which the vehicle has been titled to obtain a title history.  A title history can provide crucial information about the vehicle's odometer history.

Every state requires that a private party purchaser of a vehicle obtain a title or certificate of registration in his or her name.  These transactions result in records that will contain odometer readings and odometer statements.  Federal law requires that the mileage of a vehicle be disclosed on the title each time the title is transferred.  Every state maintains title history records.

Use this listing to locate the address of the state agency where title records can be obtained.  This listing is not intended to be all inclusive, but can be used as a starting point to research a mileage and ownership history.

When requesting a title history, be sure to specify that it must include all odometer mileage at all ownership transfers.  You MUST also include the vehicle's identification number, along with the year, make, and model.   We recommend that you include the name of the last titled owner in that state and/or the state's title number if known.  This extra information might mean the difference between a "no record" response and obtaining the complete history.  Some states may not release the title history due to privacy considerations.  Be sure to specify that the purpose for your request is to obtain evidence of odometer tampering and may therefore qualify as a permissible use under 18 USC Section 2721(b)(2), motor vehicle safety.

Contact the state office before sending your request. The costs listed below may have changed. If the cost of the history depends on how many past titled owners the vehicle has had, send enough money to cover one past transaction and request the state to call or write to let you know how many past titled owners the vehicle had and how much money to send.  Include your daytime telephone number with your request.  Do not send cash.

When you receive the title history, examine the mileage statements carefully for apparent alterations and erasures before they were submitted to the state.  Then, contact prior owners to verify the mileages that appear on the title records.

If you have further questions about ordering a title history, telephone the listed agency before proceeding.  If timeliness is a major concern, many states will provide a fast service for a nominal charge. (Revised 5/11/06)