License Plate Reverse Search?
 

I've managed to find an abandoned (appears so anyway, has not moved from an in-and-out parking garage in more than 6 months) 87-88 911 Targa. It appears to be in decent shape, not leaking anything, no damage, just parked and left it.

What's the best or quickest legal way to find out who the owner is? Can't seem to find any reverse search engines online. I doubt the DMV would be very helpful.

Hoping maybe I can score one of those "garage finds"!

Owner might be paying for long term storage. Ask the garage owner if thats the case, and ask them to pass along your contact info to the owner.

If that doesn't work, get the VIN #, and see if there are any service records in the Carfax report. Shop might be able to direct you to the owner.

DMV varies from state to state...Where I live, you can go to DMV, pay $5 and fill out a quick form that states the reason you want to know. Show UR ID, the form gets mailed to the owner and you get the PUBLIC RECORD.......Don't expect to find online info like you can on prop tax record, phone numbers, etc......

Re: paying for long term storage: its not a pay for garage, just a single level garage at a shopping center. There is so much dust on the car people have been writing on it, leaving jokes about how long its been there for.

Good idea on the carfax, haven't thought of that.

Is the registration current?

Getting the VIN would be very helpful. You can use an on line site to see if it has been reported stolen, which is a possibility if the registration is expired. Also, try to track down a friend, or friend of a friend, that is in law enforcement. They can check the VIN and possibly come up with the owner's name. This would have to be done as a "favor" as this is not typically done for private citizens.

Another possibility is to ask your local enforcement about the protocol for claiming an abandoned vehicle meaning, if a vehicle is abandoned, would you be able, in any way, to eventually lay claim to it. I'm thinking along the lines of having them first tag the vehicle, after so many days they tow it to a yard and the owner is notified of the towing and storage. If there is no response, the car might be able to be claimed by anyone (you) who is willing to pay the fees. Ask about this first as you don't want to be cut out by the storage/towing yard.

Be careful about notifying the garage owners of the car. They may wish to claim abandonment rights/storage fees and take the car themselves. I think you're in for a bit of sleuthing.

Sounds like a worthy quest, Will be standing by for developments, Maybe leave a note on the car of your interest.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

Cheers Richard