Auto Theft Task Force

68A Inspections – Northern Collin/Denton County Auto Theft Task Force

The Northern Collin/Denton County Auto Theft Task Force offers 68A vehicle identification inspections to help residents with the registration or titling of certain vehicles. These inspections are required by the state in specific situations. 

When Inspections Begin

We will begin offering full inspections on October 1, 2025. However, starting July 1, 2025, we will provide inspections by appointment only on a case-by-case basis.

What Is a 68A Inspection?

A 68A Inspection (Form VTR-68A) is completed by a law enforcement officer to verify the identity of a vehicle. It’s often required if you:

• Are applying for a bonded title
• Own a homemade trailer or vehicle
• Are registering a vehicle without a previous title

Who Can Schedule an Inspection?

You may request an inspection if:

• You live in Collin or Denton County
• You live in Cooke or Grayson County (case-by-case approval)
• Residents from other counties or those titling vehicles in other states must contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles for inspection options.

Inspection Fee

There is a $40 inspection fee, which may be waived in certain cases.

Where Are Inspections Held?

Inspections are conducted at a designated location. Once your appointment is confirmed, you will receive the address. Inspectors do not travel to homes or businesses. You must bring your vehicle or trailer to the inspection site.

What to Bring

Please bring:

• A valid photo ID
• Your vehicle title
• For homemade vehicles or trailers: proof of manufacture, bill of sale, and any ownership documents
• If your vehicle was a gift or inheritance: related documentation

Inspection Schedule

The task force holds inspections twice per month. Appointments are required.

How to Schedule

To request an appointment, email the Northern Collin/Denton County Auto Theft Task Force and include the following information:

• Full name
• Home address
• Phone number
• Email address
• Vehicle year, make and model
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Reason for the inspection (Be specific. If moving from another state or country, include that information.)

Purchasing a used vehicle can save you money, but it also comes with risks. Taking the time to research and verify important details can protect you from buying a stolen, unsafe or illegally modified vehicle. Follow these steps to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of auto theft or fraud:

1. Be suspicious of any deal that seems too good to be true. Do your homework using a reliable resource to research the vehicle.
2. Use online tools to check the vehicle’s history by using the VIN. Visit txdmv.gov for information and resources. You can also check nicb.org (National Insurance Crime Bureau) to ensure the vehicle has not been stolen, flooded or deemed unrepairable. The information you find may impact the vehicle’s value and reveal if it has been declared unsafe. Keep in mind that stolen vehicles or those without insurance in other countries may not appear in these databases, so stay cautious.
3. Verify the seller’s credibility. Ask for references related to financing and insurance history, and confirm with the listed institutions. Be wary of a seller with no fixed address, employment or contact number. Request to see the seller’s driver’s license or official ID.
4. When buying from a private seller, ask to see the title and confirm that the name and address match the seller’s ID.
5. Be cautious of a newly issued registration on an older vehicle. Watch for new license plates or shiny bolts on an older plate, which may indicate something suspicious.
6. Make sure the VIN plate on the dashboard is secure and undamaged. It should have original stainless steel rosette rivets with a hole in the center. The VIN should match the registration, title and federal safety sticker on the driver’s door. If the plate is scratched, bent or missing rivets, it may have been tampered with.
7. Check that the federal safety sticker is intact and free of tampering. It is usually located on the driver’s door or door jamb.
8. Look for signs of tampering such as a loose dashboard or an ignition switch with chisel or pull marks.
9. A fresh paint job on a newer vehicle could be an attempt to hide prior damage or disguise its history.
10. Confirm that the inspection and registration stickers are current and were issued in the same state.
11. Be suspicious if the seller only provides remade keys for a newer model vehicle instead of the originals.
12. Always get a signed title and a completed Application for Texas Title (Form 130-U) from the seller.