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Stolen vehicle check

Verification that a vehicle isn't on a state's stolen register

A stolen vehicle check verifies that the VIN and registration plates aren't recorded on any Australian state's stolen-vehicle register. Buying a stolen car forfeits the vehicle and your money to the original owner.

A stolen-vehicle check verifies the vehicle's VIN and registration plates against the federal stolen-vehicle register (maintained by NEVDIS, populated by each state's police force).

If a vehicle is recorded as stolen and you buy it unknowingly:

  1. The vehicle is impounded by police on next ANPR detection.
  2. The original owner (or their insurer) recovers the vehicle.
  3. You — the buyer — keep nothing. No vehicle, no refund.
  4. You may face investigation as a possible accomplice.

Australian property law (nemo dat quod non habet) means a thief cannot pass title. Every subsequent buyer inherits the lack of title — your only recourse is civil action against the seller, who has typically disappeared by the time you discover the issue.

How the check works

The Aussie Car Check Essentials report ($19.99) includes the NEVDIS stolen-vehicle status flag, returning two separate values:

  • Vehicle (VIN) recorded stolen — Y/N
  • Number plates recorded stolen — Y/N (sometimes only the plates are stolen, not the vehicle)

The check takes about 30 seconds and is non-negotiable for any private vehicle purchase. See our full guide on what happens if you buy a stolen car in Australia.