[jbsides]

California is all I can speak for. AAA has staffed its offices here with some retired and former DMV clerks, some of whom are very knowlegeable. They have access to the same databases and records as the CA DMV, only there I have come away with no answers, and sometimes more fees and problems. It's the old government worker versus private sector scenerio.
At AAA, they are willing to help, especially when it is not real busy, and that is when you can get all kinds of info on a cars history. All you have to do is ask the right questions and you get the right answers. As for AAA offices in other states, what have you got to lose? I have my '69 insured through JC Taylor, a AAA affiliate. They seem to know all about the car.

JB