When you’re thinking about buying a used car, it’s smart to check if the car has any back fees.

Back fees are the unpaid costs for owning and using a car, which include things like renewing the registration, paying for parking tickets, and covering toll expenses.

If the car you’re purchasing has back fees, and you buy it, those unpaid bills might become your responsibility! To avoid this surprise and make an informed decision, you should try the methods below to check if a car has back fees or unpaid financial obligations.

Method 1: Ask the seller

This is the most straightforward way.

If you’re buying from a private seller, ask them directly if the car has any unpaid fees. A reputable seller should be honest about this.

If you’re purchasing from a dealership, inquire about the financial history before finalizing the purchase.

Method 2: Inspect documents

There are some documents that can provide valuable insights into the car’s financial status.

You can ask for a review of the car’s registration documents to ensure the registration is up to date. If the registration is expired, there might be unpaid registration fees.

In addition, you can ask the seller for receipts or invoices showing that they have paid any required fees, taxes, or fines. These documents can serve as proof that back fees have been settled.

Method 3: Reach out to the DMV

The DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) staff might provide you with information about any unpaid fees associated with the vehicle you’re interested in.

To get ready, you need to have the VIN of the car. The VIN is a unique identifier for the vehicle and is usually located on the dashboard near the windshield or on the driver’s side door frame. Or you can provide the license plate number.

Then find their contact information on the official website of the DMV. Or if you prefer face-to-face communication, you can visit the DMV office. Then speak to the staff member and explain your situation. They should guide you through the process and provide you with the information you need.

Method 4: Obtain a vehicle history report

While vehicle history reports might not always mention unpaid fees, they can give you a general understanding of the car’s history.

A comprehensive vehicle history report that is offered by an online service can include the following information:

• Accidents & Salvage Records
• Vehicle Specifications
• (including photos, colors, accessories, safety features, and more)
• Market Value
• Ownership Cost
• Theft Records
• Sale Listings
• Recalls & Warranties
• …

To obtain a vehicle history report, you’ll first need to have the VIN or license plate number. Then try the online services below to perform searches.

Option 1: BeenVerified vehicle search

BeenVerified is a trusted people search engine. However, it also offers a vehicle search service. Powered by Bumper, it gathers trustworthy and consistently refreshed data from prominent industry sources such as NMVTIS, JD Power, NHTSA, and many other auto industry leaders.

To do research on the vehicle you’re purchasing, take these steps:

1. Go to BeenVerified’s Vehicle Search page.
2. Select a search option based on the information you have at hand. Enter the information as required and click SEARCH.
   
   
3. Wait for BeenVerified to find your match. When the report is generated, select a membership plan in order to view the full report.
   
   
   Sample report. Your reports may contain more or less information.

If you encounter any issues, do not hesitate to reach out to their support center:

Tel: 1-866-885-6480
Email: support@beenverified.com

Option 2: Bumper vehicle search

As an approved NMVTIS data provider, Bumper is a great place for VIN checks and license plate searches. With its intuitive design and millions of data sources, obtaining vehicle history reports is just a matter of a few mouse clicks.

Below are the steps you can take:

1. Visit Bumper.com.
2. Select a search option based on the information you have at hand. Then input the information into the search bar and click SEARCH.
   
   
3. Wait for the tech to work its wonders. When a report is ready, you’ll need to select a membership plan in order to unlock it. And you might be able to claim offers by the time you use their services.
   
   

Should you acquire any assistance, feel free to contact their support team:

Tel: 1-332-225-9745
Email: support@bumper.com

Final words

When buying a used car, you should always be diligent and thorough in your research. By combining information from multiple sources, you should be able to save yourself from unexpected financial burdens later on.