When the ZL1 and Yenko Camaro VINs became known in the ‘80s I and several others spent much time and money trying to locate the cars. Learned a lot about the title/registration process; the fundamental problem was each state was free to do it as they pleased. Several states didn’t even issue titles; some southern states registered cars by county. Some states kept perpetual records; some only went back 10 years or so. If an owner stops registering the car it will drop off the file after a period of time. Also, it is not uncommon for cars to be repeatedly sold on an open title. You may locate the owner of record who will have no idea where the car is. Hard to believe but even the feds couldn’t necessarily locate a vehicle in those days. Back then the records, such as they were, were mostly open to anyone. If you knew what state the car was in you sent in a few bucks and they mailed a copy of the last registration. If you didn’t know the state, a friendly peace office could run the VIN on NCIC and maybe find the car.
Well that was then. Remember 40+ years ago was the Stone Age of computer technology; the records were on mag tape no one can access any longer. There was a stalking incident in CA that involved the use of DMV records. As a result CA and other states closed the records to private individuals. ‘Casual’ NCIC inquiry is no longer possible so that door is closed. And there is little reason to maintain vehicle registration data for 10 years so states most don’t. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. No harm in asking.
But, good news. Today most cars are mobile hot spots. If the battery is hooked up someone always knows where a car is. And thanks to GPS tracking, where it has been. Isn’t technology great?