Car Tips #85: Ways to Find Out If a Car Has a Clean Title By Frank-Ling / May 06, 2015 share Facebook Twitter Google + LinkedIn Pinterest Email Share... Buying a used car is a serious option for anyone who wants to purchase a reliable car but without the expensive payments on a new one. But one thing that all used car customers should ask is “Does the car have a clean title?”A clean title or registration means the car is free and clear of liens, and is actually owned by the seller and not someone else or institution.But getting car title information can also show you if the car has been in any major accidents, if it was deemed as salvage, what the car’s real odometer reading is, its most recent title date, and other important information.The NMVTISThe National Motor Vehicle Title Information System is run by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administration, which is a non-profit, tax exempt educational association. The NMVTIS is funded by user fees and has been in operation since 1997, and federal funds have been issued to states and system operators to buy into this government program.The NMVTIS provides comprehensive car title information and can be accessed through state DMVs. The listing of each state’s DMV contact information for these records can downloaded or viewed as a PDF file here: AAMVA.orgIn general, the fees for an NMVTIS title report are much cheaper than other title reporting services such as CarFax and AutoCheck.For complete information on the NMVTIS, visit: Vehiclehistory.gov.CarFax and AutoCheckSimilar in nature to the information provided by the NMVTIS on car titles, CarFax and AutoCheck are the most recognizable brand names for title checking services. The database of these companies can be accessed by requesting a report for any car you may be interested in buying. A VIN number or vehicle identification number is required to start the process.If you are visiting a used car dealership, in many cases Car Fax reports are provided at no charge as a means of gaining the confidence of potential customers. But if you are buying from a private dealer and want to take steps to protect yourself before purchasing, obtaining a CarFax or AutoCheck report may be a good idea.Fees for a report range from $20 to $40 and more.To obtain a CarFax report visit: CarFax.comTo obtain an AutoCheck report visit: AutoCheck.comSource: eHow