I am attempting to trace the ownership of my 1966 Chevelle. I can't seem to get a response from an owner one back. He is in Oklahoma. Is there a way or an agency to contact in OK where I can find out who owned the car before this guy?
Thanks,
Bob

If he won't respond, maybe you had better back off. There are laws on the books that protect privacy and no state agency is allowed to give you his name/address unless you are in law enforcement and even then you do not have the right to that information for personal use. You do not have a legal right to that information.

You have to be careful doing this, just tracking down someone can get you in a lot of trouble invading someone's privacy in some states.

Bob,

There might still be a few states that divulge prior vehicle ownership records, but those days are disappearing quickly :( You might try contacting the OK DMV to see if they can be of any help. The worst they can do is say 'no'. elcamino is right, you have to tread lightly here. With all the identity theft going on these days, people are getting apprehensive about giving out any information.

BobStarap,
I'm in the same boat as you on wanting to know the history. With the value of these cars skyrocketing over the years I'm surprised that collector car insurance companies or appraisers haven't come up with a legal way to do this. They could act as an impartial third party contacting the original owner(s) and ask if they wish to speak with you. As long as they don't divulge personal info of either party I don't see the harm and if they only make one attempt (certified mail?) then we've done as much as we can and have to move on. Everyones criminal history and traffic violations are pretty much public info and that seems alot more personal than vehicle ownership. Sorry for the rant, JMHO smile.gif .

Thank you for the feedback, gentlemen. I agree with all of you. It would be nice if there was a way trace the ancestry of a car. I think the agency idea would be great. As long as they weren't intrusive, of course. Based on what's in the media, the FBI might be a way to go (ha,ha).
Bob