Finding the Prior Vehicle Owner
Finding the Prior Vehicle Owner
Did you know:
Find Prior Vehicle Owner Process
Additional Information
We also include a customer service contact if the lien holder would like to ask questions about the process. We will provide your direct contact info to them in case they would like to send you the title forms directly. We include a pre-addressed and postage paid return envelope to send back any forms or title documents, to make it convenient.
While we are not allowed by law to release the private information about the prior owner or lien holder to any third parties, and they are not required to take any any action with the title, we have found that this method has the best response rate. Most financial institutions are not able to accept verbal requests by phone for lien information. By sending a request in the mail, it allows the lien holder to get the file to the correct department for processing.
We will send you updates when the letter is sent, and when it is received by the lien holder. We also update you if they contact us with any questions. They may also contact you directly, as well.
We can get you a title for ANY type of vehicle!
More Than 2,000,000 Titles Processed
Contacting Prior Owner
The process for this scenario is to contact two or three parties to obtain the necessary documentation. The last registered owner is able to obtain a duplicate upon their written request. The trade-in dealer may have a secure power of attorney allowing them to obtain a replacement. The lienholder would also need to provide a lien release document to clear the lien hold on the duplicate title.
The method used to contact these parties is extremely important. It is highly discouraged to use a phone call to request assistance from them. A verbal phone call is actually a demand for the other party to do work, when actually you want them to do you a favor. They do not have the forms handy, the instructions, or even the details of the vehicle.
The highest probability of success is to prepare all of the documents needed in advance, and send them via postal mail to the parties. Prepare a complete DMV Duplicate Title Request form and mail that to the registered owner and the trade-in dealer. Prepare a lien release form and send that to the lienholder of record. In addition, DO NOT send the form to the address on file with the DMV for the registered owner. This address is outdated since it is what was active when the person originally bought the vehicle many years ago. Look up the current address of the person where they currently reside.
Best Practice Tips
Do not try to contact a prior owner by phone. A surprise phone call about a car that was long since sold is startling to a consumer, and can put them off of helping you. Even if they are willing to help, there is nothing they can do for you over the phone. They need to sign documents. Sending by mail and giving the courtesy of them reviewing your request before you barge in on their life with a phone call is much more productive.