1. Check Your State's Motor Vehicle Department (DMV):
- Contact the DMV in the state where the vehicle was last titled or registered.
- Provide them with the VIN number and any other relevant information you may have.
- The DMV may be able to provide you with information on the current owner or any other relevant details.
2. Search online Vehicle Databases:
- Use online vehicle databases like Carfax or AutoCheck.
- Enter the VIN number to access the vehicle's history report, which may include information on previous owners and registration details.
3. Run a VIN Search through the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) or the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS):
- These organizations maintain databases of vehicle information and may be able to provide you with details on the vehicle's history and ownership.
4. Contact the Last Known Owner:
- If you have the contact information for the last registered owner listed in the old title, try contacting them to inquire about the current whereabouts of the vehicle.
5. Explore Social Media:
- Some car enthusiasts may post about their vehicles on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. Try searching for the vehicle's make model, and location to see if you can find any relevant information.
6. Check Local Car Clubs or Forums:
- If it was a unique or vintage vehicle, there may be local car clubs or online forums dedicated to that particular model. Reaching out to these communities may lead you to someone, who knows about the car's current status.
7. Consider Hiring a Private Investigator:
- If your efforts prove unsuccessful, you can consider hiring a private investigator specializing in vehicle searches. They may have the resources and expertise to track down the vehicle or provide additional information about its whereabouts.
Remember that if the vehicle was sold or transferred multiple times since your ownership, the trail of ownership may be difficult to trace. Patience, persistence, and a combination of these methods may eventually yield some results in your search for the vehicle.