It’s never simple to give up a car, especially if it has sentimental value. Even decades from now, you might remember it and reflect on your first driving experience.
But what if you simply can’t let go of your old car and want to recover it instead? Is there a way to get back together with it?
Whatever the reason, you’ll be glad to know that finding your old car is not an impossible feat. Having said that, whether or not you have the vehicle identification number (VIN) affects how quickly and effectively you can execute your search.
How to find your VIN number?
The following are ways you can take to find your VIN number:
- Check old documents
- View old license plate number
- Consult your bill of sale document
- Check the driver’s license number
- Reach out to your auto insurer
Check old documents
You handled various documents with the VIN on them while you were the vehicle’s owner, including registration papers, loan documents, insurance cards, and others. One of these documents may still be with you at work, at home, or even with your technician.
You most likely have a police report with the VIN if you’ve ever been in an accident with the car. You’ll be one step closer to finding your automobile or truck once you locate a document with your old VIN on it.
View old license plate number
Your state DMV can provide you with the old vehicle’s VIN if you know its license plate number. When you ask for the VIN, the DMV will utilize the license plate number to locate the car in their database.
Consult your bill of sale document
A basic bill of sale is always prepared and signed by both parties whenever you sell a car. It almost always includes the car’s VIN. You may have a copy of this document in your home’s files.
Check the driver’s license number
Even if you have moved out of state and obtained a new driver’s license, the DMV keeps a record of every car you have registered under your license number. By displaying your license, they will be able to provide you with the VIN number.
Reach out to your auto insurer
Your previous car’s insurance insurer can provide you with its VIN. You will be required to present your identity and certain personal information in order to obtain the information. The business should give you the VIN after you have established your identification.
Can’t the DMV website tell me who owns my car and where it is?
The Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) of 1994 prohibits unauthorized access to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) database, which does contain that information.
Although this restriction may appear unpleasant, it guards against unauthorized individuals accessing private information and safeguards everyone’s safety.
However, you can employ a registered private investigator who might be exempt from the DPPA if you REALLY want to get around this.
When asked for specific, well-defined purposes, the investigator can typically get this information from the DMV. For further details, visit The Lost Car Registry.
How to find a car you previously owned?
Here are a few methods you can use to find a car you previously owned:
- Utilize your vehicle’s VIN number.
- Post Advertisements.
- Make use of the license plate number.
- Lookup Forums Online.
- Search Auctions.
- Contact the last buyer you know.
Utilize your vehicle’s VIN number
Every car has a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), sometimes known as a chassis number; no two cars may share the same VIN. Additionally, each state mandates that you have a VIN in order to register and insure your vehicle.
You may learn details about both the car you want to buy and the one you previously owned by using an online VIN decoder.
They work well for learning a vehicle’s whole history. Although there are some free choices available that will only do the bare minimum.
It is advisable to pay for the premium options because they will provide you with all the information you require, including the mileage, accidents, prior owners, and the location of the car right now.
Post Advertisements
You can start putting adverts online if you’re absolutely in need. You can gain visibility by joining social media groups on Facebook and even Craigslist. Offline advertising could also be a backup plan. Remember that you want to be as specific as you can with your advertisement.
Include details about the color, make, and model of the car, as well as any further distinguishing characteristics. A picture of the vehicle will be very helpful, and posting the advertisement in the area where it was last seen can actually help you find the vehicle.
Even if the car might not be in the same city or state anymore, someone there might know something about it.
Make use of the license plate number
Don’t worry if you find yourself wondering, “But how can I find my old car without the VIN?” Using the license plate number is one of many additional strategies you might employ to locate your old vehicle.
You can visit the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) in your state, where they will utilize your license plate number to access the vehicle’s VIN from their database. Additionally, you can also enter your driver’s license number as an alternative.
Even if you have relocated to a different state, the DMV still retains a record of every vehicle you have ever owned.
Lookup Forums Online
There are several online automotive forums on the internet where you might just be fortunate enough to find your vehicle. You can upload pictures and information about your vehicle to websites like The Lost Car Registry, for instance.
So, if someone has any information about your car, it won’t be long before they get in touch with you. You might also focus your search by looking for forums for the manufacturer of your automobile, such as those for the Datsun 510, Corvette, or Miata.
Search Auctions
There is a good probability that the historic car you formerly owned has gone through an auction. Many buyers buy vintage cars in private sales for incredibly low prices and then sell them at auctions where vehicle lovers are willing to pay top dollar.
Even if you don’t own a classic car, if the buyer defaulted on their auto loan, the bank may have put your vehicle up for auction.
Contact the last buyer you know
This one should be very evident to those of us who sold the car because it was just sitting there idle. If you still have their contact information, it’s better to just call the individual you sold your car to.
In the event that you don’t, you can look them up using the data from your VIN search. They might be able to point you in the right direction even if they aren’t the current owner.