Key takeaways
- The NICB offers a free VINCheck for theft and salvage records.
- Confirm the VIN on the dash, door jamb, and title all match.
- A mismatch between the seller ID and the title is a major red flag.
Step by step
- 1
Run the free NICB VINCheck
Use the National Insurance Crime Bureau free VINCheck tool to screen for theft and unrecovered-theft records.
- 2
Check the full history report
A report flags theft records alongside title brands and total-loss events.
- 3
Verify the VIN plates match
Compare the windshield VIN, the door-jamb sticker, and the title. Any mismatch suggests a cloned or altered VIN.
- 4
Confirm the seller and title
The seller ID should match the title. Be wary of a rushed, cash-only sale with no paperwork.
- 5
Report suspicions
If something is off, do not buy. Report a suspected stolen vehicle to local law enforcement.
Check the VIN before you buy
Title brands, theft records, liens, and odometer history in under a minute.
Check a VIN nowFrequently asked questions
Is checking if a car is stolen free?
The NICB VINCheck is free and screens for theft and salvage records. A full history report adds title, lien, and odometer data.
What is VIN cloning?
Cloning copies a legitimate VIN from one car onto a stolen one. Matching every VIN location against the title is how you catch it.