Truck title history check
By Fernandez, truck dispatcher · Updated
A truck title history check confirms that a used truck's seller owns it, that no lender or creditor holds a lien, and that its VIN carries no salvage, junk or rebuilt brand, before money changes hands. It takes an afternoon and protects the whole purchase.
In practice: a truck title history check, step by step
| Check | Where | What you are looking for |
|---|---|---|
| Title in hand | The seller | Name matches the seller; lienholder shown |
| State title record | State motor vehicle agency | Current owner and recorded liens |
| Business liens | State UCC filings (NASS list) | Liens against a business seller |
| Title brands | NMVTIS | Salvage, junk or rebuilt history |
| What was built | NHTSA vPIC | Make, model year and engine match the listing |
| Open recalls | NHTSA recalls | Unrepaired safety recalls |
EXAMPLE: the title shows a bank as lienholder and the seller says the loan is paid. You ask for the bank's lien release in writing before paying. No release, no deal: until the lien is released, the bank's claim stays on the truck.
Miles need their own check. Trucks rated over 16,000 lb GVWR are exempt from federal odometer disclosure (49 CFR 580.17), so rely on the ECM and service records.
The used semi truck checklist puts these checks in order with the mechanical ones. Leasing or financing? Lessors and lenders check title too; see truck leasing and semi truck financing. Price the truck once it checks out with the semi truck value estimator.
Related terms
Lien on a truck, title transfer, odometer rollback, pre-purchase inspection. See the full trucking glossary.
Title clean and truck bought? Our owner-operator dispatch service keeps it loaded, and each rate con comes to you in your company name.