Incorrect VIN

[69chevybmx]

So, I purchased a truck from a guy about 10yrs ago and titled it. I didnt have the truck with me when I went to the BMV so they didn't do an inspection. Come to find out, the title I was given has a VIN that doesn't match the VIN tag on the truck.

Spoke with the BMV, lady said just have a cop come out and fill out Indiana state form 39530 and mail it in to get a new title with the correct VIN. So I did that and went to mail it in. Low and behold, I didn't know the address to send it to. Called back and am now told I have to apply for a completely new VIN and can no longer use the metal door placard riveted to the cab.

Personally, I don't want to replace that metal placard with a cheesy sticker. Anyone have to deal with this before?

[davepl]

No, but I'd dig around with Google and find an appropriate address and mail the form in anyway. Add a cover letter that reads "As advised by your department on [date] I have completed form 39530 in order to obtain a corrected title that reflects the proper VIN...". When you state that you're doing what they asked and they can't just tell you no, you've got a better shot someone will follow up properly. But it's still the DMV. They should let Costco do normal renewals.

Is it an off-by-one transcription error or a completely different number? If the latter, how'd that happen? It'll be more challenging to fix.

[69chevybmx]

Totally different. The title I have an have had it registered under for the last 10 years is actually for a C20. I never noticed that it was wrong when I purchased it as it was my first vehicle purchase. I didn't even think to check it.

[davepl]

Well, if nothing else it'll be an education in attention to detail. I just hope the truck wasn't stolen at some point in its life... you can lose the vehicle.

In theory it could have loans or other debts against it too (the payday loan goons now offer car title loans) since you never checked that it had a clear title (not knowing that the title you were looking at wasn't for that truck).

I wonder where the truck that matches your title is? Have you googled the whole vin?

[69chevybmx]

I called the license branch and the VIN on the truck is not registered to anyone. I also had a police inspection and the VIN on the truck is not reported stolen.

As far as the VIN on my title, its for a C20 so who knows where that truck is. It has been registered to me for the last 10yrs. Glad I was never in a situation where they needed to check my VIN.

I found this because I'm trying to sell the truck now. I have a 70 C10 that is much nicer and cant afford to keep two. Luckily, I caught this before someone handed me money for the truck. I've spoken with the previous owner to see if he ever had a C20 and might have just given me the wrong title. He is probably in his late 70s early 80s and doesn't seem to have much memory of all the vehicles he has owned.

I don't know if I can just apply for a lost title or not. I'll dig into it further with the BMV next week. I just don't want a completely new VIN for the truck in the form of a sticker.

[franken]

Two possible ways to get a title when there is none, are a mechanics/storage lein, and a bonded title.
Check your states DMV web site and see how to get a title for the VIN on the truck.