state,dealer_license_lookup,dealer_lookup_tool,dealer_lookup_source,free_title_check,title_check_tool,title_check_source,electronic_titles,electronic_titles_source,private_sale,private_sale_source,last_checked
Alabama,"Online search: Search for a Dealer, on the Alabama Department of Revenue's MyDMV portal. What it searches by: not found.",https://mydmv.revenue.alabama.gov/TAP/?link=LicenseSearch,https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/motor-vehicle/,"Processing status only: Check the Status of your Title Application, on MyDMV; it needs the application number and the VIN.",https://mydmv.revenue.alabama.gov/TAP/?link=AppStatus,https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023-Designated-Agent-Training-Manual.pdf,"Financed cars: a lender set up for the electronic lien and title program holds an electronic title, which it must convert to paper for any further transaction. Not found: whether lenders must take part, what happens at payoff, and electronic titles for owners with no loan.",https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/faqs/does-alabama-issue-electronic-lien-and-title-elt/; https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023-Designated-Agent-Training-Manual.pdf,"No set place: the seller assigns the title to the buyer, and Alabama does not require the assignment to be notarized.",https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/faqs/is-the-assignment-of-an-mso-or-title-required-to-be-notarized/,2026-10-22
Alaska,"List: the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles publishes a Current Dealer List of active dealers (PDF and Excel), showing dealer number, dealership name, expiration year, location and owner name.",https://dmv.alaska.gov/media/2leknfbo/dealerlist.pdf,https://dmv.alaska.gov/dealer-information/,"None: paid records request only (a research request to the Division of Motor Vehicles, $10 paper or $5 electronic); records are released only to the owner of record or to a requester who qualifies under an authorized exception.",,https://dmv.alaska.gov/vehicle-services/confidentiality-of-motor-vehicle-records/,"Paper titles: a financed car's title is mailed to the lender, which gives the original title to the owner after the final payment; other titles are mailed to the owner.",https://dmv.alaska.gov/vehicle-services/lienholder-information/,No set place: the seller signs the title where indicated and gives it to the buyer when the vehicle is delivered.,https://dmv.alaska.gov/vehicle-services/selling-a-vehicle-in-alaska/,2026-10-22
Arizona,"List: the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (Dealer Licensing unit) publishes a Valid Dealer Report (an .xls file), updated every Tuesday and Thursday.",https://azdot.gov/mvd/businesses-organizations/dealer-licensing,https://azdot.gov/mvd/businesses-organizations/dealer-licensing,Online check: the free title viewer service on AZ MVD Now verifies Arizona brands and possible liens on an Arizona-titled vehicle. What it needs: not stated on current pages (a 2013 ADOT post says a VIN).,https://azmvdnow.gov,https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/registration-plates-title/vehicle-liens,Financed cars: the lender holds an electronic title (lenders must take part); the title stays electronic after payoff. All Arizona titles are stored electronically and no paper title is mailed automatically; the owner can order a paper title.,https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/registration-plates-title/vehicle-title; https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/professional-services/commercial-services/electronic-lien-and-title,"The seller signs the back of the paper title and gives it to the buyer. If eligible (an Arizona-titled and registered passenger vehicle with no lien and no more than two owners, and both parties holding an Arizona driver license or ID and an AZ MVD Now account with Enhanced Authentication), the two can instead complete the transfer online with eTitle Transfer in AZ MVD Now. Whether a notary is needed: not found.",https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/registration-plates-title/selling-vehicle,2026-10-22
Arkansas,"Online search: the Arkansas State Police Used Motor Vehicle Dealer Roster search, by business name, license number, license status, address, city, zip code, county or state.",https://dps.arkansas.gov/law-enforcement/arkansas-state-police/services-programs/used-motor-vehicle-dealer-license/used-motor-vehicle-dealer-roster/,https://dps.arkansas.gov/law-enforcement/arkansas-state-police/services-programs/used-motor-vehicle-dealer-license/,"Processing status only: Check Your Car Title Status, on MyDMV, tracks a title application after the vehicle is registered; what it needs and what it shows are not stated. Title, registration and lien records by VIN or title number are paid only, through an Information Network of Arkansas subscription ($150 a year plus $1.50 per search).",https://airsdsmvpub.dfa.arkansas.gov/mydmv/?link=TitleStatus,https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/mydmv-service/check-your-car-title-status,Not found: no Department of Finance and Administration page we read describes an electronic lien and title program or electronic titles in use. Act 926 of 2025 lets the Office of Motor Vehicle set up an electronic lien and titling system and lets the state offer a paperless digital title instead of paper; its electronic lien sections take effect only when the office certifies the system is in place.,https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Acts/FTPDocument?path=%2FACTS%2F2025R%2FPublic%2F&file=926.pdf&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R,"No set place: the seller prints the buyer's name in the assignment on the back of the title, and the seller and buyer sign and print their names in the title assignment.",https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/office/motor-vehicle/recent-changes-in-the-law/,2026-10-22
California,"Online search: the California DMV Occupational License Lookup verifies the DMV license status of businesses, including vehicle dealers, by business name, city name and/or ZIP code, or by occupational license number and/or city name.",https://drive.dmvonline.ca.gov/s/oll,https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-industry-services/occupational-licensing/occupational-license-lookup/,"None: paid records request only (Request for Record Information, form INF 70, by mail, $5 per automated record), for a permissible use.",,https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/request-vehicle-or-driver-records/,Financed cars: the lender holds an electronic title (lenders may take part; the program is voluntary for now); a paper title is mailed to the owner when the loan is paid off. Other titles are paper; the CA DMV Wallet holds only a copy.,https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-industry-services/electronic-lien-and-title-program/,"No set place: the seller and the buyer sign the original title. If the title is missing, form REG 227 is used, and its section 5 must be notarized when the vehicle has a lienholder.",https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/titles/title-transfers-and-changes/,2026-10-22
Colorado,"Online search: the Colorado Department of Revenue, Auto Industry Division, offers an Active License Look Up that searches dealer facilities by facility name, license number, license type (including Used Motor Vehicle Dealer), owner, city, county or ZIP code. A downloadable list of used motor vehicle dealers is also posted.",https://codor.mylicense.com/AID_Verification/Search.aspx?facility=Y,https://sbg.colorado.gov/auto-industry,"Processing status only: the myDMV Title Status Check shows whether a vehicle title is ready. A title history is a paid records request, $2.25 per history, for the owner or a permitted use.",https://mydmv.colorado.gov/?Link=TitleStatus,https://dmv.colorado.gov/title,"Financed cars: lenders may take part in the electronic lien and title program; when the loan is paid off, the state prints and mails a paper title to the owner or to a party the lender names. Owners with no loan: DMV pages say the title is sent to the owner and the myColorado eTitle does not replace the paper title; HB26-1041, effective August 12, 2026, allows electronic titles in all circumstances and lets any party to a vehicle transaction request a paper or electronic title. Not found: how the DMV offers this.",https://dmv.colorado.gov/electronic-lien-and-title-information-lenders,"No set place: the seller signs and prints their name in the Seller section on the back of the title and gives it to the buyer, who signs the Buyer section.",https://dmv.colorado.gov/buying-and-selling,2026-10-22
Connecticut,"List: the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles posts a business license list of dealers, repairers and leasing companies (Excel and PDF), which changes weekly; the page says to search it by license number or business location.",https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/commercial-and-industry-services/get-regulated-business-license/search-for-business-license,https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/commercial-and-industry-services/get-regulated-business-license/search-for-business-license,"None: paid records request only. A title record or title history is requested by mail on form J-23T, $20 per item, with the VIN, for permitted uses.",,https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/vehicle-services/vehicle-title-service,"Paper titles only: Connecticut does not take part in any electronic title or electronic lien program. When the loan is paid off, the owner may keep the paper title stamped paid by the lender and use it to sell the car.",https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/vehicle-services/vehicle-title-service,No set place: the seller completes and signs the back of the title and gives it to the buyer with a bill of sale.,https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/vehicle-services/sell-vehicle,2026-10-22
Delaware,"Not confirmed: the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, which licenses all Delaware dealers, lists a Dealership Lookup on its Online Services page, but no page says what it searches by.",https://dmv.de.gov/VehicleServices/dealers/index.shtml?dc=ve_dlr_dealerLookUp,https://dmv.de.gov/OnlineServices/index.shtml,"None: paid records request only. A vehicle record is requested on the Personal Information Release Form (MV703) with the plate or VIN, $25.00 per inquiry, by mail with the form notarized, or in person at a DMV office.",,https://dmv.de.gov/forms/other_forms/pdfs/personal_rel_form.pdf,Not found,,"No set place: the seller completes and signs the assignment on the back of the title and the buyer signs it too; Delaware titles do not require a notary. The DMV recommends, but does not require, that all parties come to a DMV office to complete the transfer.",https://dmv.de.gov/VehicleServices/titles/index.shtml?dc=ve_title_transfer,2026-10-22
District of Columbia,"List: the DC Department of Motor Vehicles, where car dealerships must register, posts an Active Dealers list with each dealer's business name, trade name and address. Dealers also need a basic business license from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, whose site links a Verify a Business License search.",https://dmv.dc.gov/node/1116181,https://dmv.dc.gov/node/1116181,"Not found: no free title check by VIN. DC DMV's Out-of-State Title Status only verifies whether DC DMV has received an out-of-state title from the lienholder; what it needs and shows is not stated. A Salvage Title Status tool is listed, with no page saying what it checks. A vehicle record request: not found.",https://public.dmv.washingtondc.gov/scripts/VS/OutOfStateTitleStatus.aspx?ID=8077,https://dmv.dc.gov/service/registration-new-or-used-vehicle,Not found: no DC DMV page we read describes an electronic lien and title program or electronic titles in use; DC DMV pages say the title is mailed to the primary owner or the primary lienholder. DC law lets the DMV Director record liens and create titles electronically; a paper title is then issued only after all liens are satisfied and only if the owner asks.,https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/50-1218,"No set place: the seller signs over the back of the title to the buyer; when the title names more than one owner, all owners must sign.",https://dmv.dc.gov/service/buying-vehicle,2026-10-22
Florida,"List: the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles posts a list of licensed independent (used), wholesale, auction and salvage dealers, divided into alphabetical sections by dealer business name.",https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/dealers-installers-manufacturers-distributors-importers/mv-rv-mh-dealer-broker-licenses/list-licensed-dealers/wholesale-auction-salvage-dealers,https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/dealers-installers-manufacturers-distributors-importers/mv-rv-mh-dealer-broker-licenses/list-licensed-dealers/wholesale-auction-salvage-dealers,"Online check: the Motor Vehicle Information Check of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, free, for vehicles titled in Florida; it needs the VIN or the title number. FLHSMV says it shows the last recorded odometer reading and any title brand, such as salvaged or flooded, and lets a buyer confirm the vehicle description.",https://services.flhsmv.gov/MVCheckWeb/,https://flhsmv.gov/pdf/mv/mv_fraud.pdf,"Financed cars: the lender holds an electronic title (lenders must take part); when the loan is paid off, the title stays electronic until a paper title is requested. An owner with no loan can keep an electronic title and ask for a paper title online, by mail or in person.",https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/liens-and-titles/elt/; https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/dealers-installers-manufacturers-distributors-importers/authorized-service-providers/electronic-lien-and-titles,"Paper title: the seller completes the Transfer of Title by Seller section of the title, and FLHSMV recommends completing the sale at a motor vehicle service center. Electronic title: the seller and buyer must both be present at a motor vehicle service center, with photo identification, to complete a secure title reassignment.",https://www.flhsmv.gov/safety-center/consumer-education/buying-vehicle-florida/buying-private-sale/,2026-10-22
Georgia,"Online search: the Georgia Secretary of State's licensee search, linked from the page of the Georgia State Board for the Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers and Used Motor Vehicle Parts Dealers. The pages do not say what it searches by, and no fee is stated.",https://goals.sos.ga.gov/GASOSOneStop/s/licensee-search,https://sos.ga.gov/georgia-state-board-registration-used-motor-vehicle-dealers-and-used-motor-vehicle-parts-dealers,"Not found: the Georgia Department of Revenue lists an online 'Title Status' service in DRIVES e-Services, but no official page we read says what it needs, what it shows, or whether it is free.",,https://dor.georgia.gov/motor-vehicles/drives-e-services,"Financed cars: when a lien is filed through the electronic lien and title program, the title and lien are stored electronically and no paper title is printed; lienholders are generally required to file and release liens electronically, and generally only lienholders with liens on fewer than five Georgia-titled vehicles may record a lien on a paper title. Not found: what happens to the title when the loan is paid off, and electronic titles for owners with no loan.",https://dor.georgia.gov/lienholders-paper-titles,"No set place: the seller and the buyer each print and sign their names in the assignment on the back of the Georgia title, and the seller completes a bill of sale (Form T-7).",https://dor.georgia.gov/transfer-vehicle-titled-georgia,2026-10-22
Hawaii,"Online search: free public license search by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division, covering the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board's Motor Vehicle Dealer licenses. It searches by license number, or by business or individual.",https://mypvl.dcca.hawaii.gov/public-license-search/,https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/request-for-a-license-verification/,Not found,,,"City and County of Honolulu: a financed car's title may be electronic; when the lender tells the county the loan is paid off, the title is updated and mailed to the owner. Not found: whether lenders must take part, electronic titles for owners with no loan, and the other counties' practice.",https://www8.honolulu.gov/csd/motor-vehicle-faqs/,No set place: the seller signs Section A of the certificate of title and the buyer signs Section D. Honolulu says notarizing the seller's signature is optional; Hawaii County recommends signing before a notary or going with the buyer.,https://www.honolulu.gov/csd/vehicle-ownership-transfer/; https://www.vrl.hawaiicounty.gov/motor-vehicle-registration/ownership-transfer-registered-in-hawai-i-county,2026-10-22
Idaho,"List: the Idaho Transportation Department publishes a PDF list of active vehicle and vessel dealers with dealer number, name, city, ZIP code, expiration date and a type such as NEW or USED. The dealer page shows no search tool.",https://itd.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ActiveIdahoDealers.pdf,https://itd.idaho.gov/dmv/vehicle-dealers/,Not confirmed: Title Status Check (no login) in the Idaho Transportation Department's DMV Online asks for the VIN alone; no page says what it shows or whether it is free.,https://dmvonline.itd.idaho.gov/OpenServices,https://dmvonline.itd.idaho.gov/OpenServices,"Financed cars: when a lender in Idaho's electronic lien and title program records the lien, the title is paperless; when the lien is released, the Idaho Transportation Department prints the title and mails it the next day. With no recorded lien, the title is mailed to the registered owner; no page we read offers a paperless title to an owner with no loan. Not found: whether lenders must take part (state law lets the department require lienholders to take electronic titles).",https://itd.idaho.gov/dmv/registrations-plates-titles/vehicle-titles/,"No set place: the seller signs the title over to the buyer, fills in all the sale information, including the selling price, and hands the title to the buyer.",https://itd.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3858.pdf,2026-10-22
Illinois,Not found,,,Not found,,,"Financed cars: lenders may take part in the Secretary of State's electronic lien and title program (taking part is voluntary), and while the lien is electronic a certificate of title need not be issued until the loan is paid off. Not found: what the owner gets at payoff, and electronic titles for owners with no loan.",https://ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/092/092010100B01000R.html,Not found,,2026-10-22
Indiana,"Online search: the Indiana Secretary of State's public dealer search (Auto Dealer Services Division) searches by license type, license status and location, and results can be exported to Excel. No fee is stated.",https://dealers.sos.in.gov/PublicDealerSearch/PublicSearch,https://www.in.gov/sos/dealer/valid-dealers,"None: paid records request only (the Bureau of Motor Vehicles sells one-time title records through its Instant Access program, fee not stated; certified title records are requested on State Form 53789: $4.00 for a title inquiry on the current owner, $8.00 for a title history).",,https://www.in.gov/bmv/resources/data-programs,"Since July 1, 2025 the owner chooses an electronic or paper title; the choice is honored if no lien is recorded, and with a lien the title follows the lienholder's preference. With no lien, the owner can have an electronic title printed on paper at no extra cost. Financed cars: lienholders with at least 12 lien transactions a year must use the electronic lien system; when the lien is released and no other lien remains, the title is issued as the owner chose.",https://www.in.gov/bmv/titles/electronic-titles-overview; https://www.in.gov/bmv/titles/electronic-lien-and-titling-overview,"No set place: before the sale, all owners sign and print their names in the seller section of the title and fill in the odometer statement, sale date, price and buyer's details. Not found: how a private sale works when the title is electronic.",https://faqs.in.gov/hc/en-us/articles/4409233249812-I-m-selling-a-vehicle-What-do-I-need-to-fill-out-the-title,2026-10-22
Iowa,"List: the Iowa Department of Transportation publishes a list of licensed motor vehicle dealers showing name, license number, county, address and license status (Active or Revoked).",https://iowadot.gov/media/1177/download?inline,https://iowadot.gov/registration-plates/dealerships/dealer-licenses-requirements,"None: paid records request only. Vehicle records are requested by a mailed Privacy Act Agreement form, $5 per record request, searched by VIN, name, title number or plate.",,https://iowadot.gov/registration-plates/other-vehicle-services/request-vehicle-record,"Financed cars: lenders may enroll in the electronic lien and title program, and the title then stays electronic unless the lienholder or the owner asks for a paper title, which can be printed and mailed with the lien on it or when the lien is released. After payoff, a title not printed stays electronic, without the lien, until the owner asks the county treasurer for a paper title. Not found: whether an owner who buys with no loan can get an electronic title.",https://iowadot.gov/media/1184/download,No set place: the seller signs the assignment on the title and gives the title to the buyer when the vehicle is delivered; the buyer also signs. No official page found states whether a notary is needed.,https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/321.45.pdf,2026-10-22
Kansas,Not found,,https://www.ksrevenue.gov/dovdealer.html,"None: paid records request only. The Request for Access to Vehicle Records form (TR/DL-302) goes by mail to the Kansas Department of Revenue, or in person only at Kansas Vehicle Title Services Company, LLC in Topeka (cash or card; extra fees may apply): $15 for a vehicle registration record with a title snapshot and pending liens, $30 for a title history.",,https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/trdl302.pdf,"Financed cars: titles with a lien are held as electronic records by the Kansas Division of Vehicles, which cannot issue a Kansas paper title for a Kansas resident while a lienholder is on the electronic title record (an owner who moved to another state can have the title, showing the lien, sent to the new state's agency with form TR-42). When the lien is satisfied, the division mails a paper title to the appropriate owner, purchaser, dealer or financial institution. A title with no lien is issued on paper.",https://www.ksrevenue.gov/dovelien.html,"No set place: the seller completes and signs the assignment of title, and the buyer adds a printed name and signature; most title assignments made in Kansas need no notary. When the title is held electronically under a lien, the seller may sign a power of attorney (Form TR-40) so the buyer can complete the assignment after the lien release.",https://www.ksrevenue.gov/dovtitlefaq.html,2026-10-22
Kentucky,"List: the Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission, which licenses new and used motor vehicle dealers, publishes a downloadable dealer list showing dealer number, name, address, city, state, ZIP code and phone.",https://mvdealers.mvc.ky.gov/DealersRenewed.pdf,https://mvc.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx,"None: paid records request only. A title history is requested from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet by mail or drop-off on Form TC 96-16A, by VIN, title number or plate: $3.00 per record for a commercial request, $0.10 per page plus mailing for a non-commercial request.",,https://drive.ky.gov/Vehicles/Pages/Title-History-Requests.aspx,"Paper titles until January 1, 2027, when state law starts keeping each new title as an electronic record instead of mailing it; the owner can then apply to the county clerk and pay the title print fee for a printed title when the loan is paid off, or at any time when there is no loan. Lienholders that normally finance vehicles must use the state's electronic system to manage liens since July 1, 2026, unless the Transportation Cabinet exempts them.",https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=57800,"Before a notary: the seller must sign the back of the title in the presence of a notary. On titles with a black or blue frame, the buyer's signatures must be notarized as well.",https://drive.ky.gov/Vehicles/Pages/Vehicle-Titling.aspx,2026-10-22
Louisiana,"Online search: the Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission's Search Licensee tool searches by license type (including Used Motor Vehicle Dealer), credential number, license status, dealership name, person's name, address, city, state, ZIP code and parish.",https://license.lumvc.louisiana.gov/Lookup/LicenseLookup.aspx,https://lumvc.louisiana.gov/faq/,"Online check: Title Verification by the Office of Motor Vehicles confirms whether a current Louisiana title is valid. It needs the title number, the title date and the last six digits of the VIN, and shows no title history or sensitive information. The official page does not say whether it is free.",https://la.accessgov.com/title-verification/Forms/Page/title-verification/check,https://expresslane.la.gov/omv/alerts/,"Financed cars: lenders must take part in the electronic lien and title program (state law sets the duty for federally insured depository institutions that originate more than 250 motor vehicle transactions a year and for finance companies and other lenders, with limited exceptions by rule for individuals and lienholders not normally in the business of financing vehicles). The program covers vehicles with only one lien; a lien recorded this way creates no paper title unless the lender asks and pays for one, and when the loan is paid off a clear paper title is printed and mailed. A title with no lien is signed by the commissioner and sent to the owner.",https://expresslane.la.gov/omv/businesses/electronic-title-or-lien/; https://expresslane.la.gov/omv/vehicles/title-and-registration/electronic-lien-title/; https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=88523,"Before a notary: the seller signs the title over to the buyer in the presence of a notary. The law also accepts the seller's signature before two witnesses, with one witness's sworn acknowledgment before a notary, or, when the buyer is granting a security interest in the car to a federally insured financial institution for a loan, before that institution's authorized officer, who verifies the seller's identity and signs as a witness.",https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=88517,2026-10-22
Maine,"List: the Maine Secretary of State, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, publishes a Dealer Public List of active used car dealers showing dealer name, physical location and business phone (no license numbers).",https://www.maine.gov/sos/sites/maine.gov.sos/files/inline-files/Used%20Car_0.pdf,https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/motor-vehicle-dealer-licensing/helpful-vehicle-dealer-links,None: paid records request only. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles charges $5 for each name or VIN searched in its title records ($33 certified); InforME subscribers can search title records online by title number or VIN for $6.50 per record.,,https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/vehicles/titles/title-fees,"Financed cars: lenders may take part in the electronic lien titling program and then hold an electronic title record instead of a paper title (lenders do not have to take part); after the lender releases the lien electronically, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles prints a paper title and mails it to the owner. Electronic titles for owners with no loan: not found.",https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/vehicles/titles/electronic-lien-titling,"No set place: when the vehicle is delivered, the owner signs an assignment and warranty of title to the buyer and delivers the title and assignment to the buyer or to the Secretary of State. No official page found states whether a notary is needed.",https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec662.html,2026-10-22
Maryland,"Online search: the Motor Vehicle Administration's ""Licensed dealer & tag & title look up"". The page that links it does not say what it searches by.",https://mymva.maryland.gov/go/web/SearchTagAndTitle,https://mva.maryland.gov/your-mva-guide/businesses,"None: paid records request only (title record $12, or $15 certified, on form DR-057). The Motor Vehicle Administration's product tracking tool only shows the mailing status of a title mailed in the past 90 days, by title number.",,https://mva.maryland.gov/pia-request-driving-record-information,"Financed cars: the title is kept electronically while the loan is open and the owner gets no paper title (lenders in the business of financing vehicles must take part); after an electronic lien release, no paper title is printed automatically, and the owner may request one at no added cost. Electronic titles for cars never financed: not found.",https://mva.maryland.gov/your-mva-guide/businesses/lenders,"No set place: when the vehicle is delivered, the seller signs the title's assignment to the buyer and hands over the title.",https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gtr&section=13-112&enactments=false,2026-10-22
Massachusetts,Not found: used car dealers hold a Class 2 license from their city or town; the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation tells consumers to contact the licensing authority for the city or town where the dealership is located.,,https://www.mass.gov/news/buying-a-car-on-craigslist-know-who-you-are-buying-from,"Online check: the Registry of Motor Vehicles' title status check, with no fee: enter the last 8 characters of the VIN and the title number, or the full VIN without the title number. It shows the date the title was issued, who it was or will be mailed to, the lienholder's name, and whether the title is electronic.",https://atlas-myrmv.massdot.state.ma.us/myrmv/?Link=TitleLienholderStatus,https://www.mass.gov/how-to/check-the-status-of-your-vehicles-title,"Financed cars: the Registry of Motor Vehicles keeps the lien and title electronically (a mandated program, per its manual) and, when the loan is paid off, prints the title and mails it the next business day. Owners with no loan: the Registry lists electronic titles (E-Title), with paper converted to E-Title or back for $25, as coming in Phase 1 with no date; a state regulation makes the private sale E-Title rules effective August 31, 2026.",https://www.mass.gov/guides/electronic-lien-and-title-elt-program,"No set place: the seller and the buyer both sign, hand print their names and date the transfer document, and the seller states the mileage. Electronic titles (E-Title): the Registry lists as coming in Phase 1, with no date, an online sale of an eligible vehicle between two Massachusetts residents with myRMV accounts when the seller holds an E-Title (the seller releases ownership online, the buyer applies for the title online); a state regulation makes these private sale rules effective August 31, 2026.",https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-registration-and-title-for-a-vehicle-purchased-from-an-individual; https://www.mass.gov/understanding-electronic-vehicle-certificate-of-title-e-title,2026-10-22
Michigan,Online search: the Michigan Department of State's e-Services has a Search tool to verify whether a motor vehicle dealer or repair facility is properly licensed or registered. The page does not say what it searches by.,https://dsvsesvc.sos.state.mi.us/TAP/_/,https://www.michigan.gov/sos/industry-services/vehicle-dealers,"None: paid records request only, for requesters who meet the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act requirements and have a permissible purpose ($15 per record, $1 more if certified), online through e-Services Record Sales Services or by mail on form BDVR-154.",,https://www.michigan.gov/sos/all-services/vehicle-history,"Financed cars: the Michigan Department of State holds the title electronically while the loan is open (all secured parties in the business of financing vehicles must take part); when the lienholder completes the electronic lien release, the department prints a paper title and mails it to the owner the next business day. A title with no lienholder stays paper.",https://www.michigan.gov/sos/faqs/industry-services/electronic-lien-and-title,"No set place: the seller completes and signs the seller's portion of the title, and the seller does not have to go to a Secretary of State office. An electronic title cannot be transferred until the lien is released and a paper title is issued.",https://www.michigan.gov/sos/all-services/title-transfer-and-vehicle-registration,2026-10-22
Minnesota,"Online list: the Driver and Vehicle Services dealer licensing page links a ""List of dealerships"" in its online services; the page does not say what the list shows or how to search it.",https://onlineservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/?Link=Dealerships,https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/business/dealers,"None: paid records request only (form PS2502, which Driver and Vehicle Services reviews for eligibility; a request for someone else's record needs an acceptable reason on the form or that person's written authorization on form PS2506; a record copy is $9 to $10.50, and a vehicle title history adds $1 per printed page).",,https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/vehicle/vehicle-records-request-procedure,"Financed cars: when a lender is recorded on a Minnesota title, the title is mailed to the owner and a lien card is mailed to the lender. Electronic titles: not found.",https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/vehicle/vehicle-titles/vehicle-title-adding-removing-security-interest-lien,"No set place: when the vehicle is delivered, the seller signs the assignment and warranty of title, writes the selling price on the title, and gives the title to the buyer at once.",https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/168A.10,2026-10-22
Mississippi,"Online search: the Mississippi Department of Revenue's ""Online Dealer Lookup"" in Motor Vehicle e-Services. The official pages do not say what it searches by.",https://mves.dor.ms.gov/?Link=DlrLookUp,https://www.dor.ms.gov/motor-vehicle/dealers-and-designated-agents,"Not found: the Mississippi Department of Revenue links a Title Status Lookup in Motor Vehicle e-Services, and its titles page says the status of a title application can be checked in e-Services, but no official page says what the lookup needs, what it shows or whether it is free. Title records otherwise come by paid request, only to qualifying requesters: $5 for title and lienholder information, $8 for title history per title issued, by mail or fax, or through a record inquiry account.",https://mves.dor.ms.gov/_/?link=TitleStatus,https://www.dor.ms.gov/motor-vehicle-titles,"Financed cars: lenders with a federal employer identification number must enroll in the electronic lien program and release liens electronically within 14 days of payoff; the pages do not say plainly whether a paper title is then printed and mailed. Other titles: the Department of Revenue lists an Electronic Title ($9.00, issued within 3 to 4 weeks) apart from the Electronic Lien Title, and says all motor vehicles can be titled electronically and paper titles can still be requested, but no page says whether an owner with no loan can hold an electronic title with no paper.",https://www.dor.ms.gov/motor-vehicle/motor-vehicle-e-lien-program,"No set place: the seller assigns the title to the buyer, completing every part of the assignment except the buyer's printed name and signature, and must not leave the buyer's name blank.",https://www.dor.ms.gov/motor-vehicle-titles,2026-10-22
Missouri,"List: the Missouri Department of Revenue posts downloadable plain-text dealer reports, including Missouri Motor Vehicle Dealers by dealership name, with dealer number, address, county and expiration year.",https://dor.mo.gov/public-reports/dealers_mv_report.txt,https://dor.mo.gov/public-reports,"None: paid records request only, $2.82 per record (Request for Information, Form 4803, by walk-in, mail or e-mail).",,https://dor.mo.gov/forms/4803.pdf,"Financed cars: the title shows the lien and is mailed to the owner, or to the lienholder if the owner asks; lenders may file and release liens electronically through a MyDMV Business Account; after payoff the owner may apply for a new title, which is mailed. State law sets a procedure for an electronic certificate of ownership held by the Director of Revenue, but no page we opened says titles are kept electronically. An electronic title for owners: not found.",https://dor.mo.gov/motor-vehicle/dealers-lienholders/documents/InformationLettertoLienholder.pdf,No set place: the seller and the buyer print their names and sign the back of the title in the assignment area; these signatures do not need to be notarized.,https://dor.mo.gov/motor-vehicle/selling-a-vehicle.html,2026-10-22
Montana,"No public lookup: the Montana Motor Vehicle Division says to email dojmvddealerinfo@mt.gov or call its Vehicle Services Bureau at 406-444-3661, option 3, to find out if a dealer is licensed.",,https://mvdmt.gov/tips-for-buying-a-vehicle/,"Not found: no free check confirmed. The Motor Vehicle Division's online vehicle search shows owner information, title history and registration of Montana-titled vehicles, for a fee (amount not stated). The division's 2026 guide to buying and selling also says a Montana title status can be searched through online services at mvdmt.gov, without saying what the search needs, shows or costs.",,https://mvdmt.gov/tips-for-buying-a-vehicle/,"Financed cars: Montana is not a title-holding state; the title page says the title is mailed to the owner, not held for the lender, and after payoff a new title is not issued automatically, the owner must apply for one. The form for filing a new security interest (MV81B) says the lien is recorded on the vehicle's electronic record, takes an electronic lien and title number for the secured party, and charges $10.30 more when a physical title is requested. An electronic title for owners with no loan: not found.",https://mvdmt.gov/vehicle-title-information/,"No set place: all owners sign the title over and the buyer signs it; no notary is needed on a Montana title. If the Montana title cannot be handed over and the vehicle was last titled in Montana, is currently registered and is being sold to a Montana resident, the seller can instead give the buyer a bill of sale (MV24) authorizing an electronic record transfer, which must then be notarized, with a replacement title application (MV7) from the owner and a title application (MV1) naming the same buyers.",https://mvdmt.gov/faqs/,2026-10-22
Nebraska,"List: the Nebraska Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board posts an alphabetical PDF list of active dealers, with dealer name, dealer number, address, owner or officer and phone, plus monthly supplements.",https://mvilb.nebraska.gov/active-dealers,https://mvilb.nebraska.gov/active-dealers,"Online check: the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles' Vehicle Title and Lien Inquiry, listed as free, shows the status of a title or lien; the department's lender guide says title issuance and lien notation can be verified through it and more information on title brands may be found there. What it needs (VIN or other) is not stated on the pages we opened.",https://edmv.nebraska.gov/TAP/?link=TitleInquiry,https://dmv.nebraska.gov/services,"Financed cars: once a lien is noted, the state keeps the title as an electronic record until the lien is satisfied (lenders may choose to take part in the electronic lien and title program); on release the title is printed and mailed as the lienholder instructs. An electronic title for owners with no loan: not found.",https://dmv.nebraska.gov/dvr/lien-notations,"No set place: everyone named on the title signs in the seller's section, and the buyer's name, address and signature go in the purchaser's section at the time of purchase. A notary for the seller's signature: not found.",https://dmv.nebraska.gov/dvr/title/transfer-ownership,2026-10-22
Nevada,"Online list: the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles' Business Licenses Report shows all active licensed vehicle dealers in a paged online table with name, address, city, ZIP, county and phone, sortable by column; no search box or download was found.",https://dmvapp.nv.gov/DMV/OBL/Business_Reports/Pages/BusinessLicenses.aspx?LT=BDLR,https://dmv.nv.gov/olbl.htm,"None: the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles does not provide vehicle records to prospective buyers; authorized requesters only, by paid records request by mail or online through GovQA (title printout $5.00 per record, Form IR 002).",,https://dmv.nv.gov/records.htm,"Financed cars: dealers and financial institutions must take part in the electronic lien and title program; when the loan is paid off, the state prints a paper title and mails it to the registered owner. All titles without a lienholder are printed.",https://dmv.nv.gov/elt.htm,"No set place: the seller signs the title exactly as the name appears on it and gives it to the buyer; for vehicles 2011 and newer the seller must provide the paper title (a bill of sale with an application for a duplicate title is not accepted), and the department's electronic lien and title page says paper titles must be used in private party sales. A notary for the seller's signature: not found.",https://dmv.nv.gov/title.htm,2026-10-22
New Hampshire,Not found,,,"None: paid records request only. A Division of Motor Vehicles title search (number of owners, lienholder, mileage, title issue date, brand) costs $20 and is requested on form DSMV 505 by mail or in person; the page names attorneys, private investigators, towing companies and repair garages as requesters.",,https://www.dmv.nh.gov/vehicles-boats-or-titles/title-search,"State law since September 13, 2025 defines a certificate of title as physical or electronic and authorizes an electronic lien and title hub, a contracted agent of the department, to pass title information between the division, lenders and dealers; when a loan on an electronic title is paid off, the department mails or delivers a lien-free title to the owner. Whether lenders must take part, whether the hub is in use, and electronic titles for owners with no loan: not found.",https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XXI/260/260-14.htm,"No set place: the seller fills in the buyer's name, the buyer's address and the odometer reading on the back of the title, the seller and the buyer sign, and the seller gives the title to the buyer. No official page found states whether a notary is needed.",https://dmv.nh.gov/vehicles-boats-or-titles/apply-title/title-frequently-asked-questions,2026-10-22
New Jersey,Not found,,https://www.nj.gov/mvc/business/newuseddeal.htm,None: paid records request only: a certified title search ($15 by mail with form DO-22; the page also links an online order) gives a certified copy of the title with current owner information only; requesting another person's record needs a permitted use under N.J.S.A. 39:2-3.4(c) and supporting documents.,,https://nj.gov/mvc/vehicles/certitle.htm,"Financed cars: lenders can receive an electronic title through the Motor Vehicle Commission's electronic lien and title system; state law says lenders, except individuals and exempted lenders, must take part. At the end of the loan the lender releases the lien through the system. Not found: whether a paper title is then printed and mailed, and whether an owner with no loan can hold an electronic title.",https://www.nj.gov/mvc/press/archives/2024/053024.htm,"No set place: the seller signs the seller's section on the back of the title and gives it to the buyer, who signs the buyer's section.",https://www.nj.gov/mvc/vehicles/transowner.htm,2026-10-22
New Mexico,"Online list: the Motor Vehicle Division's Dealers and Auto Recyclers page links a List of Dealers on its MyMVD online services, the same link it uses for its lists of auto recyclers and MVD partners; no official page says what it shows, what it can be searched by, or that it can be downloaded.",https://eservices.mvd.newmexico.gov/partner/_/,https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/dealers-auto-recyclers/,"Not found: no free online check was found. The Motor Vehicle Division's vehicle, lien and registration records search is a paid subscriber service for business and government entities ($75 a year per subscription of up to 10 users, plus service fees billed monthly); its records page also names public records requests to the Taxation and Revenue Department, with no fee stated.",,https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/dealers-auto-recyclers/access-to-nm-driver-and-vehicle-data/,Not found,,"No set place: the seller signs the assignment of title on the title, and seller and buyer both sign the odometer mileage statement.",https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/vehicles/vehicle-registration/buying-a-vehicle/,2026-10-22
New York,"Online search: the Department of Motor Vehicles' Find a DMV-Regulated Business, by business type with ZIP Code or county, or by 7-digit facility number. It shows only businesses with a current, valid registration or license.",https://process.dmv.ny.gov/FacilityLookup/,https://dmv.ny.gov/business/find-a-dmv-regulated-business,"Online check: the DMV's title and lien status check: enter the VIN with model year and make. It shows the date the title was issued (printed), the number of liens and each lienholder's name and address, and no owner information.",https://process.dmv.ny.gov/TitleStatus/,https://dmv.ny.gov/titles/check-a-title-or-lien-status,"Paper titles only: the DMV mails the title to the owner even for a financed car, and its system has no electronic title. Lenders may record and release liens electronically; a lien released this way does not bring a new title automatically.",https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/elt1.pdf,No set place: the seller completes and signs the Transfer by Owner section on the back of the title and mails or delivers it to the buyer; seller and buyer both sign a bill of sale.,https://dmv.ny.gov/titles/certificate-of-title,2026-10-22
North Carolina,"Not found: no free lookup or list. The State Highway Patrol's Investigative Services Unit, Dealer Section, which handles dealer licensing, sells dealer lists (new and franchise, or independent) in Excel for $37.00 each, ordered by mail.",,https://www.ncshp.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/Dealer%20List%20Invoice.pdf,"None: paid records request only: form MVR-605A to the Division of Motor Vehicles, in person or by mail; vehicle information $1.25, certified copies (complete or partial title history) $16.75.",,https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/records-reports/Pages/default.aspx,"Financed cars: when the electronic lien system is used, no certificate of title need be issued until the last lien is satisfied, when a clear title is issued to the owner; after an electronic lien release, the Division of Motor Vehicles mails or delivers the certificate of title to the address the secured party gives. All individuals and lienholders with at least five transactions a year must use the electronic lien system. Titles for owners with no loan: not found.",https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-58.4A.html,"Before a notary: seller and buyer complete the back of the title, and a North Carolina title must be notarized. State law has the seller sign before a person authorized to administer oaths, or in a manner that meets the state's Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.",https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/title-registration/vehicle/Pages/default.aspx,2026-10-22
North Dakota,"Online search: the Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Division Online Dealer Search finds active North Dakota dealers by dealer number, dealer type (including used motor vehicle dealer) or city; leaving every field blank lists all dealers.",https://apps.nd.gov/dot/mv/mvrenewal/dealerSearch.htm,https://apps.nd.gov/dot/mv/mvrenewal/dealerSearch.htm,"Processing status only: the Department of Transportation's Title Status Search, by VIN alone, searches the current processing status of a vehicle title.",https://apps.nd.gov/dot/mv/mvrenewal/titleStatus.htm,https://apps.nd.gov/dot/mv/mvrenewal/titleStatus.htm,"Financed cars: the title goes to the lender, and state law lets the Department of Transportation use electronic lien notification instead of sending the lender the title. State law also says the department issues titles in paper or electronic form. Not found: whether lenders must take part, what happens at payoff under it, and whether an owner with no loan can get an electronic title in practice.",https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t39c05.pdf,"No set place: the seller endorses the assignment and warranty of title on the title, with the buyer's name and, if applicable, the selling price, and delivers it to the buyer.",https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t39c05.pdf,2026-10-22
Ohio,"Online search: Motor Vehicle Dealer Search by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, which licenses dealers. It searches by business name or permit number and shows the status of the license.",https://bmvonline.dps.ohio.gov/bmvonline/search/dealer,https://bmvonline.dps.ohio.gov/bmvonline/home/otherservices,"Online check: the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles online title search, by VIN or title number, with no fee shown. The bureau says it finds the title number and shows whether the lien was released; it covers only titles issued in Ohio.",https://bmvonline.dps.ohio.gov/bmvonline/titles/titlesearch,https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/titles-new.aspx,"Financed cars: lenders may take part in the electronic lien and title program, and the title stays electronic until the lien is canceled. After payoff, the BMV's visual aid says the owner gets a paper title or keeps the electronic title, as chosen, while its lien release page says the owner applies for a paper title at a county clerk of courts title office and pays the title fee. An owner with no loan may also keep an electronic title and get a paper title from a county clerk of courts title office on request.",https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/publicsafety.ohio.gov/lien-release-and-title-visual-aid-resource.pdf,"Before a notary: the seller's signature on the title assignment must be notarized. For an electronic title, the seller assigns ownership on form BMV 3770, also with a notarized signature.",https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/titles-new.aspx,2026-10-22
Oklahoma,"Online search: the Oklahoma Used Motor Vehicle, Dismantler, and Manufactured Housing Commission, which licenses used motor vehicle dealers, links a Search Licensed Dealers tool from its home page. Its pages do not say what the search uses.",https://okus-oumvdmhc.ongovcore.com/public/verify-professional-license,https://oklahoma.gov/oumvdmhc.html,"None: paid records request only. Title histories come from Service Oklahoma by Form 769 Vehicle Information Request, in person or by mail.",,https://oklahoma.gov/service/all-services/auto-vehicle/vehicle-titles.html,"Since July 1, 2025, titles are issued electronically, with limited exceptions. Financed cars: the lender holds the title while the lien is active (electronic lien entry is optional for lenders); after payoff the owner may request an electronic title release through Service Oklahoma. With no lien, or after payoff, the owner may request a paper title.",https://oklahoma.gov/service/all-services/auto-vehicle/vehicle-titles.html,"Before a notary: the Oklahoma title must be assigned and notarized. When the title is electronic, the seller fills out the Electronic Title Bill of Sale (Form 718), which must be notarized, and gives it to the buyer.",https://oklahoma.gov/service/all-services/auto-vehicle/vehicle-titles.html,2026-10-22
Oregon,"Online search: the Vehicle Business Lookup on DMV2U from Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV), whose Business Licensing unit licenses vehicle dealers; the DMV site index calls it the Licensed, Cancelled, Suspended Dealer List. The DMV pages do not say what it searches by.",https://dmv2u.oregon.gov/eServices/?link=business,https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/Pages/Dealers/Dealers-Home.aspx,None: paid records request only. Oregon DMV sells vehicle records to requesters who qualify under the records privacy law: a vehicle record print costs $4 and a vehicle title history $22.50.,,https://www.oregon.gov/odot/DMV/Pages/Records/Available.aspx,"Financed cars: DMV sends the title to the lender; to remove the lender, the owner mails or brings DMV the signed title, the lien release and the title fee. DMV expects an electronic lien and title program, optional for lenders, later in 2027; electronic titles for owners with no loan: not found.",https://www.oregon.gov/odot/About/GR/2026%20eTitling%20Progress%20Report%20(HB%203080%202023).pdf,No set place: the seller signs and dates the back of the title or a bill of sale and gives the buyer the title. No official page found requiring a notary.,https://www.oregon.gov/odot/DMV/pages/vehicle/buysell.aspx,2026-10-22
Pennsylvania,"Online search: the Pennsylvania Department of State's license search in the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS). Its verification page lists the State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers, and Salespersons, which licenses vehicle dealers, and says the search shows a licensee's license number and status.",https://www.pals.pa.gov/#!/page/search,https://www.pa.gov/services/dos/verify-a-professional-or-occupational-license,"None: paid records request only. PennDOT vehicle records come by Form DL-135, Request for Vehicle Information, by mail: $15.00 per record or $47.00 per certified record.",,https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/faqs/miscellaneous-faqs/public-records-faqs; https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bdl/bdl-form/dl-135.pdf,"Financed cars: the lender holds an electronic title (all lienholders except individuals and those not in the business of financing vehicles must take part); when the loan is paid off, PennDOT prints and mails a paper title to the owner. An electronic title for an owner with no loan: not found.",https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/faqs/motor-vehicle-faqs/mandatory-electronic-lien-and-titling-faqs,"At an authorized PennDOT agent (an agent, tag service or motor vehicle dealer): the seller and the buyer each sign the title in the agent's presence, and the seller's signature must be notarized or verified. If a lender holds the seller's title electronically, a paper title must be obtained first.",https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/penndot/documents/public/dvspubsforms/bmv/bmv-fact-sheets/fs-buysell.pdf,2026-10-22
Rhode Island,"List: the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles posts a Licensed Dealership Listing (PDF) giving each dealer's license number, name, address and city. Dealers are licensed by its Dealers' License and Regulations Office.",https://dmv.ri.gov/media/1/download?language=en,https://dmv.ri.gov/registrations-plates-titles/buying-advice/licensed-dealership-listing,"None: paid records request only. The Division of Motor Vehicles Title Inquiry (RI.gov subscribers only, by VIN or plate) costs $54.50 and shows the most recent title record; the DMV's Request for Information form charges $53.50 per VIN for a title inquiry.",https://www.ri.gov/DMV/titleinquiry,https://www.ri.gov/DMV/titleinquiry,"Financed cars: since October 1, 2026, financial institutions and credit unions recording five or more liens a year in Rhode Island must use the electronic lien and title program, and the title stays electronic until the loan is paid off. What the owner then gets, and electronic titles for owners with no loan: not found.",https://dmv.ri.gov/registrations-plates-titles/electronic-lien-and-title,"No set place: the seller signs the title over on the back as seller, the buyer signs as buyer, and the seller gives the buyer the title and a signed bill of sale. No official page found requiring a notary.",https://dmv.ri.gov/faq,2026-10-22
South Carolina,"Online search: the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles offers View Dealer License Information, which shows whether a dealership is active, expired, suspended, cancelled or revoked, its location, and its sanction history for the last ten years. The page does not say what it searches by.",https://www.scdmvonline.com/SCTRNS/Public/Transactions/Info.aspx,https://dmv.sc.gov/business-customers/dealers/view-dealer-license-information,"None: paid records request only. Current title information or title history is requested from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles on Form 5027-A, Request for Vehicle Information, at $10.00 for each record type.",,https://www.dmv.sc.gov/about/freedom-of-information-act,"Financed cars: business and commercial lenders must record liens in the electronic lien and title program. When an enrolled lender holds the first lien, no paper title is printed, and the title stays electronic until it is printed (the program offers a Print Title function, and state law gives the lienholder the option of a paper title). When the lien is released, a title is printed and mailed. State law lets the owner keep the title as an electronic record with the department once all liens are satisfied. Not found: whether an owner who never had a loan can hold an electronic title.",https://dmv.sc.gov/business-customers/electronic-lien-and-title,"No set place: the seller signs the title over to the buyer and writes the odometer reading, the sale date and the selling price on the back of the title.",https://dmv.sc.gov/vehicle-owners/buying-or-selling-a-car,2026-10-22
South Dakota,"List: the South Dakota Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division, publishes the South Dakota Active Dealer List, a complete list of licensed motor vehicle dealers. The official page does not say what it can be searched or sorted by.",https://my605drive.sd.gov/TAP/eServices/_/?link=dealerlist,https://dor.sd.gov/businesses/motor-vehicle/dealer-vehicle-licenses/,Lien check only: VIN Check in the Vehicle Registration and Plates portal (my605drive) takes a VIN and shows whether there is a lienholder on the vehicle. No official page describes a free check of title status or title brands.,https://my605drive.sd.gov/TAP/eServices/_/,https://dor.sd.gov/individuals/motor-vehicle/,"Financed cars: the title is kept as an electronic record while a lien is on it, and lenders do not have to use an electronic lien and title provider; when the lien is released, a paper title is printed and mailed. Titles with no lien are printed on paper.",https://dor.sd.gov/individuals/motor-vehicle/,"No set place: the seller signs the title over to the buyer, fills in the purchase date and price, and gives the buyer the title; the official pages do not mention a notary. The Department of Revenue has announced an option in my605drive for individual (non-business) buyers and sellers of South Dakota titled vehicles with no active liens to complete the sale online after identity verification (at first in person at a county treasurer office); the buyer must still visit a county treasurer office to finalize the title application. No official page says it has launched.",https://dor.sd.gov/newsroom/what-you-need-when-selling-your-vehicle-to-a-private-party,2026-10-22
Tennessee,"Online search: the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission (Department of Commerce and Insurance) links Verify a License, a public search of any individual or company for a valid state license, and publishes Active Dealers Statewide, a list of active motor vehicle dealers that can be sorted, searched and downloaded. The pages do not say which fields the search uses.",https://search.cloud.commerce.tn.gov/,https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/mvc/consumer.html,"None: paid records request only. A vehicle record or a complete vehicle history is requested from the Tennessee Department of Revenue by mail on the Vehicle Information Request form, from $1.00 per record to $15.00 for a complete history.",,https://revenue.support.tn.gov/hc/en-us/articles/360059968052-VTR-62-How-to-Request-a-Record-of-the-History-of-Your-Vehicle,"Financed cars: lenders may take part in the electronic lien and title program (taking part is currently optional), and while a lien in the program exists the title is kept as an electronic record, not on paper. When the lien is paid off, the title may be printed or kept electronic; a paper title may be requested when program rules allow. Not found: how an owner asks for a paper title, and whether an owner who never had a loan can hold an electronic title.",https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/revenue/electronic-lien-and-title--elt--program.html,"Not found: no Tennessee state page we read says where the seller and buyer must be, or whether a notary is needed on a Tennessee title. The pages say only that the seller assigns the title to the buyer on the certificate of title, electronic signatures on titles are not accepted, and a title from another state must be notarized if that state requires it (Kentucky excepted).",https://revenue.support.tn.gov/hc/en-us/articles/360059954152-VTR-42-Error-Made-on-the-Assignment-of-Title-When-Selling-Vehicle,2026-10-22
Texas,Online search: the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles links a Dealer License Lookup from its Dealers menu. The department's pages do not say what it searches by.,https://texasdmv.my.salesforce-sites.com/dealers,https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/consumer-protection,"None: paid records request only. Title history is requested from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles by mail or in person on Form VTR-275, Request for Texas Motor Vehicle Information: $5.75 for a title history, $6.75 for a certified title history.",,https://www.txdmv.gov/open-records,"Financed cars: certified lenders may file titles electronically (the electronic lien and title program is not mandatory), and when the lien is released a paper title is sent to the owner. For a car with no lien, state law lets the department issue a title or only notify the owner that a record of title was established; no department page we read says which it does.",https://www.txdmv.gov/dealers/lienholders,No set place: the seller signs the title over to the buyer and gives it to the buyer when the car is delivered; no notary is named. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles advises the seller to go with the buyer to the county tax office so the title application is filed.,https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle,2026-10-22
Utah,"Online search: the Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division (Utah State Tax Commission) offers Search for a Business in the Enforcement section of the Motor Vehicle Portal, showing a licensed business's legal name, business number, license status with issue and expiration or suspension dates, phone numbers and associated individual licenses. The page does not say what it searches by.",https://mvp.tax.utah.gov/_/,https://dmv.utah.gov/mved/other-overview/records/,"Processing status only: Get Vehicle Title Status on the Motor Vehicle Portal, which the DMV lists under Where is my title? and as the fulfilment status step of a title transfer. No official page describes a free online check of title brands or the title record by VIN.",https://mvp.tax.utah.gov/?LInk=TitleStatus,https://dmv.utah.gov/titles-overview/titles/,"Financed cars: lenders may take part in the Utah e-lien program; when the loan is paid off, an e-lienholder removes its interest from the title automatically. No official page found that says whether a paper title is then mailed, or whether an owner with no loan can hold an electronic title.",https://dmv.utah.gov/register/liens/,No set place: the seller signs the title to release ownership and gives it to the buyer. The official pages do not mention a notary.,https://dmv.utah.gov/titles/transfer-utah-title,2026-10-22
Vermont,"List: the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles posts a downloadable spreadsheet (VD-100) of licensed Vermont new and used dealers. The page says the list changes often and is current as of the date shown; the posted file is dated July 31, 2025.",https://dmv.vermont.gov/document/vermont-licensed-dealers,https://dmv.vermont.gov/document/vermont-licensed-dealers,Lien check only: myDMV's Check Vehicle for Vermont Liens takes the vehicle type and the vehicle identification number (VIN) and displays the search results; liens held by individuals show no personal information.,https://mydmv.vermont.gov/_/,https://dmv.vermont.gov/faq/how-can-i-check-vehicle-for-vermont-liens,"Not found: no DMV page describes electronic titles or an electronic lien and title program. The DMV's Title Liens page says the title, with the lien recorded, goes to the lender, who sends it to the owner when the loan is paid off. 23 V.S.A. 2017 has a version, in effect only once a contingency is met, under which the Commissioner may issue an electronic certificate of title.",https://dmv.vermont.gov/tax-title/vehicle-title/title-liens,"No set place: when the car is delivered, the seller signs the assignment and warranty of title on the title and mails or delivers the title to the buyer or to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.",https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/23/021/02023,2026-10-22
Virginia,"Online search: the Motor Vehicle Dealer Board's Search Active Dealers tool searches active licensed dealers by dealership name, address, city, zip code, certificate number or dealer operator.",https://mvdb.virginia.gov/search-all/,https://mvdb.virginia.gov/search-active-dealers/,"None: paid records request only: the DMV's Prospective Purchaser Inquiry ($12 per vehicle) takes the make, model and VIN and gives a summary that may include the vehicle description, special notes such as water damage, vehicle history and the sold date.",,https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/records/ppi,"Financed cars: banks and financial institutions that record 50 or more Virginia liens a year must use the DMV Electronic Lien Program (others are not required to); when the lien is released, the DMV prints and mails the title to the owner. An owner may choose on the title application to have the DMV keep the title as an electronic record with no paper title; a paper title can be requested later.",https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/lien/faqs,"No set place: the seller signs the assignment and warranty on the title and gives the title to the buyer when the car is delivered. If the buyer, the seller and the car qualify, they may instead complete the transfer online through their myDMV accounts.",https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter6/section46.2-628/,2026-10-22
Washington,"Online search: the Department of Licensing's license lookup searches the licenses it issues by name, license number, type of license or location. The Department also publishes a list: an open dataset of transportation business licenses, including motor vehicle dealers, updated monthly.",https://professions.dol.wa.gov/s/license-lookup,https://dol.wa.gov/professional-licenses/look-status-business-or-professional-license,None: the Department of Licensing names no online check and tells buyers to call 360-902-3770 to verify that a title is valid and clear of liens.,,https://dol.wa.gov/vehicles-and-boats/vehicles/buying-and-selling-vehicle/buy-and-register-vehicle,"Financed cars: a lender that joins the Department of Licensing's electronic titles program holds an electronic title record instead of a paper title (taking part is optional); after the lender releases the lien electronically, a paper title is printed and mailed to the owner. Electronic titles for owners with no loan: not found.",https://dol.wa.gov/vehicles-and-boats/vehicles/vehicle-registration/vehicle-title/electronic-titles,No set place: the seller signs the release of interest on the title and gives the title to the buyer. The Department of Licensing recommends that both meet at a vehicle licensing office to sign over the title.,https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.12.650,2026-10-22
West Virginia,Not found,,,"None: paid records request only: the Division of Motor Vehicles' Request for Vehicle Information (form DMV-100-TR) gives title history for $25.00, or lien and basic registration information for $5.00, by year, make, plate and VIN.",,https://webapps.transportation.wv.gov/TWS/WVDOTDocumentStorageMigration/PDF/Transportation/DMV/DMVFormSearch/DMV-100-TR_Request-for-Information.pdf,"Financed cars: since July 1, 2025, financial institutions recording five or more liens in a calendar year must use the Division of Motor Vehicles' electronic lien and title system; when it is used, a paper title need not be issued until the last lien is satisfied, and a clear paper title is then issued to the owner. Where a lienholder holds a paper title, on payoff it mails the title with the release to the owner, who applies for a clear title. Fully digital titles are offered to non-resident businesses through the National Digital Titling Clearinghouse; for individual owners with no loan: not found.",https://code.wvlegislature.gov/17A-4A-2A/,"Not confirmed: the seller and the buyer both sign the back of the West Virginia title; state law has the owner's statement of liens in the assignment verified under oath, and no official page we read says whether that needs a notary.",https://dmv.wv.gov/titles,2026-10-22
Wisconsin,"List: the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles, posts lists of licensed dealers as PDF reports updated daily; the motor vehicle dealer list gives the dealer plate number, dealer name, business name, address, city, zip code, county and license expiration date.",https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/dlr-agents/tips-tls-dlr/buyerslicissued.aspx,https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/dlr-agents/tips-tls-dlr/buyerslicissued.aspx,"Lien check only: the DMV's Lien Holder Search takes the VIN and shows whether the title was delivered to the owner or a lender, and the lender's name and address when the loan is through a business. A separate Title Search shows only the date WisDOT last processed a title, and only when the VIN and an owner identifier match DMV records; the page recommends the owner's Wisconsin driver license or ID number, or a business's FEIN.",https://trust.dot.state.wi.us/linq/linqservlet?whoami=linqp1,https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/online-srvcs/other-servs/lien-search.aspx,"Financed cars: a lender may choose to receive the title as an electronic record (currently optional); lenders other than individuals that list more than 48 liens a year must add and release liens electronically. When the lien is released, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation prints a new title and mails it to the owner, unless another lien is recorded, in which case the next lienholder receives it. Electronic titles for owners with no loan: not found.",https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/dmv/shared/lenderfaq.pdf,"No set place: on the back of the title, the seller signs and dates it and fills in the selling price, the buyer's name and address and the odometer reading.",https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/vehicles/sll-jnk-vhcl/sellyourvehicle.aspx,2026-10-22
Wyoming,"List: the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) posts a downloadable spreadsheet of licensed Wyoming vehicle dealers, updated monthly.",https://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/vehicle_bus_regulation/new-business.html,https://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/vehicle_bus_regulation/new-business.html,"None: paid records request only: the Wyoming Department of Transportation's certificate of title search costs $15 per record, requested on form MV-220 with the VIN, title number or owner name.",,https://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/titles_plates_registration/title_search.html,"Not found: no official page describes an electronic lien and title program in use now. From July 1, 2027, W.S. 31-2-113 requires dealers, lenders, lienholders, insurers and secured parties (except those not normally financing vehicles) to use an electronic lien and title system; owners may use it or ask a county clerk for a paper title.",https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title31.pdf,"Before a notary: the seller signs and dates the assignment on the title before a notarial officer, who acknowledges it, and gives the title to the buyer when the vehicle is delivered. From July 1, 2027, the seller may instead sign electronically, and the title may be delivered electronically through the state's electronic lien and title system.",https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title31.pdf,2026-10-22