REG 31 VIN verification
A vehicle that was last registered outside California needs a Verification of Vehicle (form REG 31). It is completed by the DMV, the California Highway Patrol or a licensed private vehicle verifier, who checks that the VIN on the car matches the title.
Salvage and revived salvage
A California vehicle declared a total loss receives a salvage certificate. If it is repaired and passes inspection, it can be registered again with a revived salvage brand that stays on its record. Check for these brands and for total-loss records before buying.
Lemon law buybacks
California requires manufacturers to brand the titles of vehicles they repurchase under its lemon law. A VinCode report shows lemon and manufacturer buyback records when they were reported.
How to check a used car in California
- Compare the VIN on the windshield, the door jamb and the California title. They must match.
- Decode the VIN above to confirm the year, make, model and engine match the listing.
- Run a VinCode report for title brands, accidents, total-loss events, odometer readings and owners in every state.
- Check open recalls for free on NHTSA and unrecovered theft on NICB VINCheck.
- Book an independent pre-purchase inspection before you pay.
Official California titles and registrations are handled by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). VinCode is an independent vehicle history service and is not affiliated with any state agency.