How do scammers wash titles?

Scammers exploit states with minimal disclosure requirements. They purchase a salvage vehicle, re-title it in a lax state like Mississippi or Louisiana, and the title transfers without the salvage brand. The car then appears to have a clean history.

How can I detect a washed title?

Run an NMVTIS check that shows title history across all states. Look for out-of-state title origins on newer vehicles. Check for physical signs of damage. Verify VIN matches across all vehicle locations. Be suspicious of prices too good to be true.

What is NMVTIS and how does it help?

NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System) is a federal database tracking title information across all states. It shows salvage history, total loss records, and state title transfers that individual state DMV records might miss.

What should I do if I bought a washed title car?

Document everything and consult an attorney. You may have legal recourse against the seller for fraud. File complaints with your state attorney general and the FTC. Washed titles are federal fraud - criminal penalties may apply to sellers.

Are washed titles more common after hurricanes?

Yes. After major hurricanes, flood-damaged vehicles surge into the used car market. Scammers wash titles and transport these cars to other states. Be especially cautious buying cars from Gulf Coast states following hurricane seasons.

AutoHunter Blog | Used Car Market Insights & Guides

Q: What is title washing?

Title washing is fraud where a car's salvage, flood, or lemon title brand is removed by re-registering the vehicle in a state with weak disclosure requirements. The "clean" title hides the car's problematic history from future buyers.

What Is Title Washing?

Title washing is a scam that hides a vehicle's salvage, flood, or lemon history. Scammers exploit states with weak disclosure requirements to remove damaging title brands. A car totaled in Texas can appear clean when re-titled in Mississippi. Over 450,000 vehicles are title-washed annually.

Victims pay full retail price for damaged vehicles worth a fraction of that amount. Average losses run $4,000-$8,000 - and that doesn't count ongoing mechanical problems from hidden damage.

How Title Washing Works

The process exploits differences in state title disclosure requirements:

Scammer purchases salvage/flood vehicle cheaply
Makes cosmetic repairs to hide damage
Transports vehicle to lax disclosure state
Obtains new title without salvage brand
Sells to unsuspecting buyer at full retail

High-Risk Title Washing States

States commonly used for title washing due to weak disclosure
State	Disclosure Requirements	Risk Level	Common Source
Mississippi	Minimal brand disclosure	High	Hurricane vehicles
Louisiana	Weak enforcement	High	Hurricane vehicles
Kentucky	Lax title requirements	Medium-High	Out-of-state washes
Alabama	Limited disclosure	Medium-High	Southern flood cars
Oklahoma	Less strict requirements	Medium	Various sources
Missouri	Some loopholes exist	Medium	Various sources

Post-Hurricane Alert

Following major hurricanes, flood-damaged vehicles surge into the used car market nationwide. Scammers wash titles and transport cars to distant states. If buying within 6-12 months of a major storm, be extra vigilant.

How to Detect Washed Titles

Step 1: Run NMVTIS Check

The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System tracks titles across all states:

Shows salvage history regardless of current state
Reveals total loss records from insurance
Tracks state-to-state title transfers
Costs $5-$10 from approved providers

NMVTIS catches what single-state VIN checks miss. It's your best defense against washed titles.

Step 2: Verify Title Origin

Be suspicious when:

Current title is from a different state than seller's location
Newer vehicle has been registered in multiple states quickly
Title is from a known washing state (Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky)
Seller has explanation for why title is out-of-state (especially "bought at auction")

Step 3: Physical Inspection for Damage Signs

Physical signs of hidden damage to look for
Sign	What to Look For	What It Indicates
Fresh undercoating	New coating on frame/floor	Hiding rust or flood damage
Mismatched panels	Color differences, gap issues	Accident repair or parts car
New carpet/interior	Fresh materials on older car	Flood or smoke damage cleanup
Musty smell	Mold odor in cabin	Water damage history
Rust in odd places	Rust under dashboard, in trunk	Flood exposure
Electrical issues	Random malfunctions	Water damage to wiring

Check Under the Carpet

Flood damage often hides under carpets and seats. Pull back carpet edges and check for water stains, mud residue, or rust on floor pan. Check under the spare tire area for water marks.

Step 4: Professional Inspection

Before any out-of-state vehicle purchase:

Get pre-purchase inspection from independent mechanic
Specifically ask them to check for flood/accident indicators
Request inspection of electrical connections for corrosion
Have them check airbag system for proper function

Red Flag Combinations

Any one sign warrants caution. Multiple signs together = walk away:

Out-of-state title + fresh interior + priced below market
Short ownership period + auction purchase + cosmetic refresh
Seller avoids questions + cash only + no inspection allowed
Perfect exterior + electrical issues + musty smell

Legal Recourse If Scammed

If you discover you bought a washed-title vehicle:

Document everything: Photos, communications, receipts
File police report: Title washing is fraud
Contact state AG: Consumer protection division handles these cases
Consult attorney: May have civil fraud claims against seller
Report to NICB: National Insurance Crime Bureau tracks patterns

WATCH

NMVTIS check is your best protection against washed titles.

Title washing hides salvage and flood damage by exploiting weak disclosure states. Always run NMVTIS check, investigate out-of-state titles, and inspect for physical damage signs. If the deal seems too good, there's a reason.

Pros

NMVTIS catches what state checks miss
Physical signs often reveal hidden damage
Knowledge protects against fraud
Legal recourse exists for victims

Cons

Detection requires active effort
Some washed titles are well-hidden
Not all damage leaves visible signs
Scammers adapt techniques constantly

Recommendation

Run NMVTIS check on every used car, especially those with out-of-state titles. Be extra cautious within 12 months of major hurricanes. If title history shows rapid state-to-state transfers, investigate thoroughly or walk away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find Clean History Vehicles With AutoHunter

AutoHunter helps you find vehicles worth investigating, so you can spend your VIN check budget on legitimate opportunities.

Start Free Trial

Safety Guide

VIN Check Before Buying Guide