Buying a second-hand car is exciting. But what if the car turns out to be a stolen car? That’s a scary thought. If you don’t check first, you could lose your money — and the car too! In Australia, you can find out if a car is stolen before you buy. It’s fast, cheap, and super important.
What Is a Stolen Car?
A stolen car is a car that has been taken without the owner’s okay. Some stolen cars are sold to people who don’t know any better. They might look normal, have a number plate, and even have keys. But if the police find it, they will take it back. You might not get your money back.
How Can I Tell If a Car Is a Stolen Car?
Stolen car checks can be done online using a few Aussie tools. All you need is the car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The VIN is a special 17-digit code. You can find it:
- On the car’s dashboard (look near the front window)
- On the driver’s side door sticker
- In the car’s rego papers
Once you have the VIN, go to one of the sites below and enter it to check.
Best Places to Check a Stolen Car in Australia
Here are trusted websites to find out if a car is a stolen car:
- PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) – This is the main government site. You can pay just $2 to check if a car is stolen or has money owing.
- NEVDIS – This checks info from all state roads and traffic departments. It looks at written-off and stolen car records.
- REVS Check – This is an easy way to get a full history report. It includes stolen checks, write-offs, and money owing.
These websites are safe and give you official results.
Why You Must Check for a Stolen Car
If you buy a stolen car, the police can take it away. It doesn’t matter if you didn’t know it was stolen. You still lose the car, and you won’t get a refund from the seller. That’s why it’s very important to check before you pay.
Also, if you want to register or insure the car, a stolen record might stop you.
How to Do a Stolen Car Check – Step by Step
Here’s how you can find out if a car is a stolen car in Australia:
- Get the VIN – Ask the seller for it or check the car yourself.
- Go to PPSR.gov.au – Click “Search now” and pick “Vehicle search”.
- Pay $2 – This gives you a report with lots of details.
- Look at the stolen status – It will say if the car was ever stolen or written off.
You can also use RevsCheckOnline for a quick check with easy-to-read results.
What to Do If a Car Is Stolen
If your check shows the car is a stolen car, do not buy it. Tell the police or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
If you already bought the car, report it right away. The sooner you act, the better chance you have to sort things out.
Signs a Car Might Be Stolen
Here are some warning signs that the car might be a stolen car:
- The seller has no papers (like rego or service history)
- The VIN has been scratched out or changed
- The seller wants to rush the sale
- The price is too low for the car’s model and year
- The seller won’t let you check the VIN
If anything feels wrong, walk away or do a check first.
Can a Car Look Normal but Still Be Stolen?
Yes! A stolen car can look just like any other car. Thieves may change plates, repaint it, or give you fake papers. That’s why a VIN check is the safest way to know for sure.
Even if it drives fine and has rego, it could still be stolen.
How Long Does a Stolen Car Stay on Record?
In Australia, a stolen vehicle stays on record until police recover it or the case is closed. So even if it was stolen years ago, the VIN check will still show it.
That’s why these online checks are great. They show records from all over Australia — not just your state.
How Often Are Cars Stolen in Australia?
Every year, thousands of stolen cars are taken across Australia. Some get found quickly, but others are sold to innocent buyers. That’s why doing a check has become part of smart car buying. You wouldn’t skip a test drive, right? Don’t skip the REVS or PPSR check either.
What About Buying From a Dealer?
Dealers must follow rules. They should not sell a stolen car. But mistakes can happen. Even when buying from a dealer, it’s a good idea to do your own check. It takes two minutes and costs just a couple of dollars.
Final Thoughts
A stolen car can ruin your day and your wallet. But with a quick online check, you can protect yourself. Whether you’re buying a used car from a mate, Gumtree, Facebook, or a dealer — don’t forget the check.
Just get the VIN and head to: REVS Check
It’s the easiest way to make sure you’re not buying a stolen car.