(a) The department upon receiving an application for certificate of title shall check the vehicle identification number shown in the application against the record of stolen or converted vehicles maintained by it.
(b) The department shall examine each application received and, when satisfied that the applicant is entitled to the issuance of a certificate of title, shall issue a certificate of title to the vehicle on the form prescribed by the department.
(c) The department shall maintain a record of all certificates of title issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter:
(1) Under a distinctive title number assigned to the vehicle;
(2) Under the vehicle identification number;
(3) Under the name of the owner; and
(4) In the discretion of the department, by any other method the department determines.