History of a car?

[RS/SS396???]

Does anyone know if the DMV could help with finding the History of registered owners?

[1968RSZ28]

Does anyone know if the DMV could help with finding the History of registered owners?

What state?

Paul

[Sauron327]

It depends on how long your state will hold information until the system is purged. They do not hold data indefinitely.

[lakeholme]

And you have to work around the privacy restrictions.

[ko-lek-tor]

And you have to work around the privacy restrictions.

Phillip, I have heard this advice myself, yet no one elaborates on how one works around these restrictions?

[Kelley W King]

You have know someone ? who has access to the files.

[RS/SS396???]

CA car

[cook_dw]

You have know someone ? who has access to the files.

Or check the correct boxes on the forms.  They vary from state to state.

[6667ss138]

I'm not sure if the CA DMV still offers it but in 2004 I received 20 years (back to 1984) of certified DMV records for my 66 Chevelle.
I called them and they mailed me the form. I think it cost me around $20. to get official stamped/certified, registration records. They did black out the address's but I got names and even phone numbers.
Hope this helps, good luck!

[RS/SS396???]

Thanks Len I'll give it a try!

[lakeholme]

I've always attached a cover letter on car club stationary and emphasized that the history of the car is important to its restoration. I say what I'm after is the original dealership. What I would not mention is wanting to talk with the previous owners. Some states have a line on their form for you to "promise" to respect privacy. I realize that seeking previous owners is implied in the information request, but I'm suggesting you not make that the main issue. Better off stressing documentation and restoration.

[z28z11]

It depends on how long your state will hold information until the system is purged. They do not hold data indefinitely.

As Darrell mentioned, Tennessee changed a few years back - they stopped going back to the archives (which are on microfiche) due to fewer employees and no overtime, according to the DOT office. They still have the records, but just won't cooperate and look them up. Even when they did, in the last years they would go all the way back, the Federal Privacy Act forbid them to hand out the paperwork with owner's names or personal info on them, so they redacted the names. Thanks goodness I got mine before they clamped down - all the paperwork from new on both the '68 and '69 Z's (they were sold new in Tennessee). Looked up a couple of others over the years as well. A real gift -

Point is, maybe you can negotiate with a willing DOT clerk in your state - I'd bet that most states have archives somewhere; the trick would be to get someone to locate and/or dive in to find them. I wonder if offering to fund some overtime would help motivate some people - just my opinion. How much would it be worth to anyone to own documentation ?

Regards,
Steve