Most cars have a vehicle history report, but there may be some cases when you’re not able to locate a vehicle history report on a used car. Usually if a car does not have a vehicle history report it’s because the car is too new, there’s been a clerical error, or there’s a problem with the vehicle identification number (VIN).

Why There Might Not be a Vehicle History Report

Most used cars have vehicle history reports. The reason for this is that companies that compile vehicle history reports get some of their information from the DMV, and all cars are registered at the State Department of Motor Vehicles. But there may be some occasions where you are unable to locate a vehicle history report. If the used car is still quite new, it’s possible that the car hasn’t moved through the system yet or been reported to the company compiling the vehicle history report. It’s also possible there has been a clerical error, such as a typo in the VIN. You’ll want to make sure you yourself didn’t write the VIN down incorrectly. The other possibility is that the VIN on the car or title has been fabricated by car thieves trying to disguise the identity of a car.

If a Car Does Not Have a Vehicle History Report

If a car you’re researching doesn’t have a vehicle history report, it’s a good idea to check with the DMV to make sure the VIN is registered with the state. If it is, make sure the car registered with that VIN matches the used car in question, because sometimes car thieves will switch out VINs from other cars. If the VIN doesn’t match the used car, report the matter to the DMV or the police.

More than likely, however, the used car you’re interested in does have a vehicle history report. So take a moment now and find out by ordering a vehicle history report online. Ordering online is faster and easier than waiting at the DMV, so order yours today.