Can DMV from one state check validity of title from another?

[Rotmilky]

Hi guys, I've been lurking the site for quite some time. I've been lurking because, well, I don't own a Porsche yet, so I don't really have lots to contribute.

I've been in the market for awhile, but I live in NM. The population is less than 2 mil and it's not a wealthy state. So, not many cars come on the market here. I had been thinking of expanding my search to include some of the nearby states to increase the possibility of finding what I'm looking for. Luckily, last week I found one locally and bought it. The car came with a 2005 NM title with 0 liens titled to the seller. I figured it'd be a slam dunk to get the title in my name. Umm, nope. As it turns out, it wasn't the most recent title. In 2009, a new title was issued with a lien on it from the IRS.

The seller claims he forgot about the IRS lien and just grabbed the wrong title when he gave me the earlier title . The lien was, unfortunately, for way more than the car was worth. So, the seller refunded me my purchase. However, had I bought a car from another state, lets say Texas for example, would the newer title and lien have been turned up at the NM DMV? The experience gives me pause about buying a car from another state. Had this car come out of Texas, would I have ended up with a tainted title that I didn't know had a lien against?

I'm currently checking out the driveways of the other 2 people that live in this state hoping they'll have a 911 for sale soon.

[geshaghi]

If you have any concerns, call the DMV in NM (or AAA if you are a member) and they can at least check the VIN and see what comes up.