Instant Cash Offer For Your Vehicle
Fair Quote, Free Pickup, Fast Cash, Gone Today.
- Damaged Cars
- Mechanical Issues
- Broken Vehicles
- Non-starters
- Free Collection
- Fast & Easy Process
Fair Quote, Free Pickup, Fast Cash, Gone Today.
- Damaged Cars
- Mechanical Issues
- Broken Vehicles
- Non-starters
- Free Collection
- Fast & Easy Process
How To Tell If a Car Has a Salvage Title
Nov 14 2025 . 5 min read
In 2024 alone, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles investigated 453 incidents involving title washing and odometer fraud.
If you’ve found a tempting second-hand ride, how can you tell if a car is hiding behind a salvage title and a shady past?
Getting a Vehicle History Report through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) or a private provider like Carfax is often the most accurate method. Relying on the title alone could put you at risk of falling victim to fraudulent sellers.
To use the methods below, you’ll need to know the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). More on how to locate the VIN below.
National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS)
You can use a licensed provider via the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) to generate a report that will tell you:
- Current title and last title date
- The vehicle’s brand history
- Odometer readings
- Salvage history
- Total loss history
These reports usually cost no more than a few dollars, and some are free. They’re a reliable way to tell if a car has a salvage title. Visit the NMVTIS website for a full list of approved data providers and fees.
A section of an NMVTIS report from Auto Data Direct, a registered NMVTIS provider.
NMVTIS is designed to protect savvy consumers like you against fraudulent sellers, vehicle cloning, and unsafe vehicles.
It’s the only publicly accessible system in the U.S. where insurance companies, auto recyclers, junkyards, and salvage yards from all 50 states are required to submit reports regularly.
- Cost: Varies by provider
- Processing time: Instant
Vehicle History Report
You can use a provider like Carfax to generate a more comprehensive Vehicle History Report using the VIN. This will help you find out if a car is salvage, and it will also reveal additional information not found on a NMVTIS report, such as:
- Accident and damage records (including a more in-depth review of what specific components were damaged, and estimated repair costs)
- Vehicle repair history
- Recall information
These reports pull information from various sources, including state DMVs and insurance, to build up a comprehensive picture of a vehicle’s history. They’re usually more detailed than a NMVTIS report, and can cost more.
You can ask a seller to provide you with a copy of the history report. Although it’s not a legal requirement, most dealerships will be happy to give you one. If you’re buying from a private seller, you may have to buy one yourself.
- Cost: $44.99 (Carfax)
- Processing time: Instant
Ask to See the Title
Trying to tell if a vehicle has a salvage title? You can also ask to see the car’s title. The VIN will be prominently displayed on the certificate.
Do not rely on the title alone as evidence of the VIN. You should use it conjunction with a Vehicle History Report to determine its authenticity.
A Vehicle History Report is one of the only ways to guarantee that your car has not fallen victim to title washing, or does not have a salvage title.
Example Certificate of Title pointing to the VIN’s location.
Where Can I Find the VIN?
You’ll need the VIN to run a Vehicle History Report and check if the car has a salvage title.
Buying privately?
Ask them for the VIN. Then ask to see the VIN in person to verify it.
Buying from a dealership?
You’ll be able to see the VIN on the car. If you can’t, ask the dealer to show you the vehicle title or any other paperwork that may have it.
Buying from an auction?
Online, you’ll see the VIN in the auction listing. In person, you’ll see it on the vehicle.
If the VIN is not visible and a seller refuses to give it to you, cancel the purchase immediately.
Is it safe to buy a salvage title car?
Whether it’s safe to buy a salvage title car will depend on a few factors, including:
The extent of the damage
Why was it totaled? Was it in a collision that wrote off its airbags and major mechanical components, or was just a minor fender bender? The extent of the damage and the components affected will impact the cost of repairs and the longevity of the vehicle.
Budget and time for repairs
You’ll also need to get the vehicle inspected and rebuilt by a trusted mechanic. Do you have the time and skills to do this yourself, or the connections and budget to get it done professionally? Owning a rebuilt title car also comes with its own considerations, which you should explore carefully.
Keeping or reselling?
Salvage titles can decrease a car’s value by 20-40%. If you’re selling it, you can get a good deal with a broker like Wheelsaway. If you’re rebuilding and keeping it, consider its longevity and future risk.
You can learn more about when it’s okay to buy a salvage title car in our blog.
Final thoughts
A NMVTIS report or Vehicle History Report is the best way to know if a car has a salvage title.
Remember: the title alone is not enough to confirm the VIN. Always ask to see the VIN yourself and confirm its authenticity with a report to avoid title washing.
Expert support at every step
Get expert advice at every step of your junking journey. From junking without a title to inside tips on how to boost your payout, Wheelsaway can help!
Cash for junk cars
Get an instant quote for your vehicle and learn how simple the process is with Wheelsaway.
Scrap car prices
Discover what factors influence the price of your scrap car and how to maximize your payout.
Junk cars without a title
Trying to sell a junk car without a title? Learn how our team can help take the paperwork admin off your hands.
Junk car removal
We offer FREE removal for all vehicles! Learn more about the process and book your free pickup today.