California DMV History

[Bob Forman]

It appears the Department doesn't keep records forever. I sold my 356 in 1971 and the car disappeared sometime thereafter. Unfortunately I didn't retain the VIN.

[Doug McDonnell]

If you remember who insured it back then try them. A long shot I know but worth a try.

[Bob Forman]

Thanks Doug. I did call USAA and they only keep their records for about 20 years.

[Wes Bender]

My current 356C was registered from new in California to at least three owners until I purchased it about seven years ago. I sent a request for information form along with the fee. All I got back was that it came up with no known records. They did manage to keep my money though.......

[Mike Wilson]

Same experience with CA DMV. I ran into a dead end with them, AAA and even a contact in my local p.d. Records only going back 7 years unless the car was stolen.

Mike

[Brett Berry]

Looks to me like a typo on the form. Form lists FLY 868 but the pic shows FYL 868

You might want to try again. Good luck!

Brett

[VinceFinaldi]

Eagle eye!

[Bob Forman]

Eagle eye is right! I'll try again. For $5 it's worth it.

[Mike Wilson]

I did the $5.00 one. It wasn't helpful.

Mike

[Paul Ahnell]

Woof!! 210 cm, Marker toe pieces with cable bindings, and big baskets on the poles. The good (?) old days when you could get a lift ticket for $6.

[Brett Berry]

Helps to have a big screen! And a real keyboard. I can't function without them.

Mike, is there another way to use the DMV system without using the $5 method? I'd be curious.

[Mike Wilson]

I ran into dead ends, Brett, since records are only retained for 7 years. However, I have heard of people hiring private investigators to locate/identify previous owners and they might be helpful in tracking down other info related to the car. I located info on the original owner of my 356 and his daughter using the latest available census and Googling their names.

Mike

[ralph bauer]

I just received info on my request from CA DMV. Quick turn-around—about 16 days.
They went back to 1990. Not too much new info from the prior 2 owners but the approximate exchange dates from one owner to another is helpful.
Bob, after looking at your filled out request form it appears that 2 items were not included. The vehicle/vessel box at the very top was not checked and the vehicle identification # to the right of the license plate number was not filled out. i don't know what their policy is but it seems to me they aren't likely to provide info based only on a license plate. Hope this is helpful.

[Mike Wilson]

One reason I tried to determine my car's history was to see if I could find the original license plate number. Since it is a '63, it would have had the first year black plates. Unfortunately, one of the previous owners submitted them for the newer blue plates. Also unfortunate was that none of the previous owners kept good records, receipts, etc. so no license number on repair invoices, registrations, etc.

Mike

[Jim Neil]

I'm going to try this. I have photos of the '61 Cab I came within a hair of buying back in ~1966, which show the CA plate. I have "information the current owner may be interested in receiving" (period photos). Always have wondered where that car is now, and still regret not buying it. Think I'll also try on my first 911, '93 RS America, have the VIN and dealer sticker and the original floor mats, would pass them on if I found the current owner (assuming he's a good guy).