How to Check If a Car Has a Criminal History

Buying a car can be a smart investment, but it can also come with hidden risks if you are unaware of the vehicle’s full history. Occasionally, a car that looks perfect on the outside may have a dark past. Therefore, if you are buying a used car and want to ensure it has not been stolen or linked to crime, checking its criminal history is a smart step to protect yourself from legal or financial trouble down the road. You may need to do the same if you already own a vehicle and have concerns because of suspicious paperwork, unexplained damage, or even a call from law enforcement.

Why It Is Important to Check a Car’s History

A vehicle’s history often reveals crucial details about its legal status, safety record, and financial legitimacy. Therefore, failing to review this information may lead to serious and often irreversible consequences.

One of the most significant risks is the possibility of unknowingly purchasing a stolen vehicle. In such cases, law enforcement may confiscate the vehicle and leave the buyer without compensation or legal recourse, regardless of whether the purchase was made in good faith. 

Additionally, vehicles associated with fraud pose an equally serious threat. Common examples include VIN cloning, where a stolen car is assigned the identification number of a legitimate one, and title washing, which conceals a salvage or write-off status by altering registration documents. These deceptive tactics make it difficult for buyers to verify a vehicle’s true history and increase the risk of ownership disputes and legal investigations.

Types of Crimes a Car Might Be Involved In

In some cases, a car may have been used to commit serious crimes like drug trafficking, armed robbery, or other felonies. These cars may be flagged in law enforcement databases and, depending on jurisdiction, subject to asset forfeiture laws, regardless of the current owner’s knowledge or intent. 

Furthermore, vehicles with fraudulent or salvage titles may encounter insurance issues. Insurers may deny coverage, void policies, reject claims, or significantly increase premiums. Moreover, remarketing such a vehicle may be difficult because reputable dealers and informed private buyers may conduct due diligence, and any irregularity may likely deter a sale. Therefore, it is important to conduct a vehicle history check to protect your investment and shield yourself from legal and financial liability. 

Methods to Find Out If a Car Was Involved in a Crime

There are several ways to check if a vehicle has been involved in criminal activity. Each method provides different levels of insight, depending on the type of information being searched and the source consulted. They include:

• Vehicle History Reports

These reports compile data from insurance companies, salvage yards, state registries, and law enforcement databases to provide a detailed timeline of the car’s history. They can reveal prior accidents, theft records, flood damage, salvage branding, and in some cases, involvement in criminal activity. Third-party websites like RecordsFinder provide access to these reports by aggregating public records and vehicle-related data using the VIN.

• Police Records and Reports

Law enforcement agencies often maintain databases that track vehicles associated with criminal activity, ranging from stolen cars and getaway vehicles to those under active investigation. You may request access to these public records using the vehicle’s VIN or license plate number. Depending on local laws, this information may be available online or may require a formal records request. You may contact your local or state police department for up-to-date details about a vehicle’s potential involvement in a crime.

•  Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Checks

Some states’ Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may verify whether a vehicle has been reported stolen or flagged in national and state-level databases. This verification may be available through the DMV’s official website or require an in-person request, depending on local regulations. The process typically involves submitting the vehicle’s VIN or license plate number. 

• Online Public Databases and Websites

In addition to government agencies, some third-party public record databases provide access to vehicle-related public records. These databases draw from multiple sources, such as court documents, insurance filings, and state registries, to provide insights into a vehicle’s legal and ownership history. Although not all include real-time updates from law enforcement, they may reveal red flags like inconsistent ownership records, title anomalies, or unresolved legal claims.

• Using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-character alphanumeric code unique to each car that serves as the primary reference point for verifying a vehicle’s history. Entering a VIN into online platforms enables cross-referencing with multiple databases simultaneously. 

Typically etched on the dashboard near the windshield or inside the driver’s door frame, the VIN links the vehicle to its manufacturing data, ownership records, accident history, and any flags for theft or criminal involvement. Any indication of tampering, inconsistency, or mismatch across documents should be taken seriously.

Legal Considerations When Searching for the Crime History of a Car

When investigating a vehicle’s potential involvement in criminal activity, it is important to understand the legal restrictions on access to information. While some data may be publicly available, other data, such as the current or previous owner's personal information, ongoing criminal investigations, or evidence associated with a specific case, may be protected by privacy laws and law enforcement confidentiality protocols. Accessing or attempting to use such restricted data without proper authorization can be illegal and may result in legal consequences.

It is also essential not to misuse or misinterpret the data you obtain. Public records must be used responsibly and ethically, especially if the information could damage a person’s reputation or result in financial or legal action. If you are unsure whether a particular search or use of information is lawful, you may consult your local DMV, a qualified attorney, or the appropriate law enforcement agency.

What Happens If Your Car Is Used in a Crime?

If you discover that your vehicle has been used in a crime, you act promptly but cautiously. Begin by gathering any documentation that proves when and how you acquired the car, such as a bill of sale, title transfer, or communication with the seller. This information may be essential in establishing that you were not involved in or aware of the crime.

You should also report your findings to local law enforcement or your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Voluntary disclosure demonstrates good faith and allows you to cooperate with any investigations before complications arise. Depending on the nature of the crime, authorities may temporarily impound the vehicle for forensic examination or legal proceedings. In some situations, you might first learn of the issue when law enforcement contacts you, for example, if your car matches the description of a suspect vehicle, appears in a criminal database, or was identified on surveillance footage.

Additionally, you should be prepared to provide full documentation of your vehicle’s ownership history and any relevant maintenance or GPS records. If your vehicle was stolen and later used in a crime, filing a police report promptly may help protect you from liability.

Tips for Buyers to Protect Themselves

Buying a car may be safe and rewarding if you take the right precautions. The following are tips to protect you from buying a problematic vehicle.

• Run a VIN-based history report: Always obtain a vehicle history report using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A good report will highlight red flags such as past accidents, title branding, odometer rollbacks, etc. 
• Verify the VIN and All Documents: You should check that the VIN stamped on the dashboard, door jamb, and engine bay matches the VIN on the title, registration, and history report. Any discrepancy or signs of tampering may indicate fraud, such as VIN cloning or title washing. 
• Check Pricing and Seller Details: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Unusually low prices can signal a stolen or cloned vehicle. Verify the seller’s identity and proof of ownership. For private sales, always meet in a safe, public place and never finalize a deal without seeing valid documents.
• Inspect the Vehicle in Person: You should inspect the car in daylight. Check for wear that matches the stated mileage. Inspect the pedals, seats, tires, and service stickers. If anything seems suspicious, request maintenance records to confirm the mileage. Whenever possible, bring a trusted mechanic to run a diagnostic scan.
• Conduct a Thorough Test Drive: You should test-drive the car under varied conditions like highway, inclines, brake stops, etc., to detect mechanical issues that might not be visible during a visual inspection. Pay attention to how the car accelerates, brakes, and handles, and listen for unusual noises.
• Use Secure Payment Methods: You should avoid wire transfers, gift cards, or large cash payments because these are often irreversible and untraceable. You may opt for certified checks or escrow services if possible. Always have a signed bill of sale and keep copies of all communication and documents.
• Trust Your Instincts: You should not ignore your instincts if something feels off. Pressure tactics, vague answers, or incomplete documents are strong red flags. If something feels wrong, it is better to walk away than to risk buying a car that could lead to legal or financial trouble later.

You Find Out If a Car Was Involved in a Crime

Ensuring that a car has not been tied to theft, fraud, or other crimes is an essential step in safeguarding both your finances and your peace of mind. While a vehicle may appear flawless on the surface, its history can carry legal and financial consequences that unsuspecting buyers inherit. By using tools such as VIN-based history reports, DMV or police record checks, and trusted public databases, you can uncover red flags before they turn into costly problems. Taking the time to verify documents, confirm ownership, and trust your instincts not only protects you from scams but also secures your investment for the long term. Ultimately, due diligence is your strongest defense against purchasing a car with a hidden criminal past.