ARE YOU BUYING A
STOLEN CAR?
When buying a used car, do you know where it came from? Are you comfortable with the dealership or person you are purchasing the car through?
Below is a list of resources to help you determine the status of the vehicle you are about to purchase.
CHECK THE VIN (VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
Have the seller complete a VIN Inspection or VIN Certification before buying a vehicle. Colorado State Patrol offers VIN Inspections.
Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) before considering to purchase, to see if the vehicle is a stolen vehicle in Colorado.
Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see if it matches the year, make, model and style of the vehicle
Make sure the vehicle of interest does not have current liens or other red flag issues
Verify the vehicle’s history of titling, crash incidence, stolen status, etc
Consult Kelly Blue Book can for the true value of the vehicle of interest
Find out what forms are needed for the purchase, sale, title & registration
If you need additional help, please contact the Colorado Automobile Theft Prevention Authority for any questions or concerns regarding the purchase or theft status of your vehicle. You can reach us at (303) 239-4560 or at cdps_catpa@state.co.us.
Additional Resources
Information about crime in Colorado
Information about crime in the US
Information about vehicle theft in the US
Assistance and information regarding vehicle theft in Colorado
Information about vehicle theft and crimes internationally.
Lost, Stolen or Compromised Documents?
Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association
Toolkits
for Law Enforcement Agencies
CATPA Grantees’ Projects:
- The Attorney General’s Office (AG’s Office)
- Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center (ATICC)
- Beat Auto Theft Through Law Enforcement (BATTLE)
- Colorado Auto Theft Investigators (CATI)
- CATPA-Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force (C-MATT)
Contact CATPA to learn more about any of these initiatives