How to Get a VIN Verification

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

When people talk of “verifying” or checking a car's VIN, this phrase can have different meanings, and there are different ways to get it done. A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a series of numbers and letters that is specific to an individual vehicle, much like a serial number. The U.S. National Safety Commission began requiring VINs in 1981 for all vehicles on the road. Verifying your car's VIN is necessary if you need to get it registered. It can be helpful if you are trying to buy a used car. It can also help you learn information about the history of your own car. Knowing what you want to do can help you decide the best way to go about getting your VIN verification.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Verifying VIN for Sale or Registration

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/46\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/46\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid1652898-v4-728px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    For legal purposes like registration or changing title on a vehicle, the state needs to verify that the VIN on the car is correct. You generally cannot do this by yourself, but you may still have some options.
    • Some states require you to take your car only to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Nevada is one state that uses this system. [1]
    • Some states will allow you to get a verification from a local police station or the DMV. Examples of this are Montana, [2] Massachusetts, or Vermont.
    • Some states have private, licensed VIN verifiers who are more conveniently located, but will charge a small service fee. California and Florida [3] both use this system.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/aid1652898-v4-728px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Go to the authorized verification center, police station or DMV with the car in question. Call ahead to find out if you can make an appointment. Make sure that you take along whatever paperwork you need to have verified. For example, you may need the car's title and registration, or some states just have a simple form that verifies that the VIN is accurate.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/aid1652898-v4-728px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you are going to a private verification center, you will need to pay a fee that generally ranges from about $10 to $40 for the verification.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid1652898-v4-728px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Collect the verified paperwork and return it to the Department of Motor Vehicles as required to complete your transaction.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Checking a Car's Theft or Damage History

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid1652898-v4-728px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    For most cars, you can find the VIN in one or more locations: [4]
    • Look on the dashboard, in the far left corner just under the windshield. It is usually easiest to see this from the outside, looking in the windshield.
    • Look on the front of the engine block. Open the hood and look toward the front of the engine and you should find it on a metal plate.
    • Look in the rear wheel well on the driver's side. The VIN may be located by looking directly up inside the wheel well.
    • Look inside the driver's door, either under the side mirror or at the door handle. The VIN may be located either near where the door latches or directly under the side mirror.
    • Check out https://www.autohausaz.com/html/vehicle_identification_numbers.html for a thorough list with specific VIN locations for each car's make and model.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid1652898-v4-728px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The two leading official sources for the information you need are the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). [5]
    • The NMVTIS has an official, secure web site, http://www.vehiclehistory.gov/ , that will search the VIN and let you know if that car has ever been reported as stolen. The NMVTIS search has a fee that ranges from $3 to $15 and gives you a five-point report of the car's title, prior damage, odometer records, and salvage history.
    • The NICB also has an official, secure site, https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck/vincheck , to check the car's history. The NICB search is free, but provides a limited report that only tells you if the car has ever been reported stolen or a “total loss.” [6]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid1652898-v4-728px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Either search engine will prompt you to enter the VIN for the car you are considering. Be very careful to enter each digit correctly, and then click on “Submit.”
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid1652898-v4-728px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Very quickly you will receive a report online that will tell you if the car has ever been reported stolen; if it has ever been reported as a “total loss” due to some damage; or if it has ever been reported as “salvaged.” [7] [8]
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Checking Used Car History Before Purchasing

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid1652898-v4-728px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    For most cars, you can find the VIN in one or more locations: [9]
    • Look on the dashboard, in the far left corner just under the windshield. It is usually easiest to see this from the outside, looking in the windshield.
    • Look on the front of the engine block. Open the hood and look toward the front of the engine and you should find it on a metal plate.
    • Look in the rear wheel well on the driver's side. The VIN may be located by looking directly up inside the wheel well.
    • Look inside the driver's door, either under the side mirror or at the door handle. The VIN may be located either near where the door latches or directly under the side mirror.
    • Check out https://www.autohausaz.com/html/vehicle_identification_numbers.html for a thorough list with specific VIN location for each car's make and model.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid1652898-v4-728px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Several commercial companies provide online search engines that will check your VIN. These commercial sites are often more comprehensive than official government-sponsored sites, although they may cost more. Some of the leading commercial sites are Carfax.com, Edmunds.com, CarDetective.com or AutoCheck.com.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/aid1652898-v4-728px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Follow the links on the site you have chosen to enter the VIN of the car you are considering. Be very careful to enter each digit correctly.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/aid1652898-v4-728px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Most commercial sites will charge a fee that ranges from $20 to $50. Some sites will give you a single report for this amount, while some will offer you the option of paying to use their service for several searches or for several months. Choose the option that best suits your needs.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/aid1652898-v4-728px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The full report will give you identification information, accident history for the car, a check of the odometer reading, and a wider range of reported damage or other issues. [10]
    6. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Checking for Recalls

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/aid1652898-v4-728px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    For most cars, you can find the VIN in one or more locations: [11]
    • Look on the dashboard, in the far left corner just under the windshield. It is usually easiest to see this from the outside, looking in the windshield.
    • Look on the front of the engine block. Open the hood and look toward the front of the engine and you should find it on a metal plate.
    • Look in the rear wheel well on the driver's side. The VIN may be located by looking directly up inside the wheel well.
    • Look inside the driver's door, either under the side mirror or at the door handle. The VIN may be located either near where the door latches or directly under the side mirror.
    • Check out https://www.autohausaz.com/html/vehicle_identification_numbers.html for a thorough list with specific VIN location for each car's make and model.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/aid1652898-v4-728px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) web site has a quick and free search to see if your car is subject to any outstanding safety recalls. Go to https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/ to use this service.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-16-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-16-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-16-Version-2.jpg\/aid1652898-v4-728px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-16-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Be very careful to enter each digit correctly.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-17-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-17-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-17-Version-2.jpg\/aid1652898-v4-728px-Get-a-VIN-Verification-Step-17-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The NHTSA search will quickly tell you about any safety recalls, in the past 15 years, that are incomplete on your vehicle. [12]
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If you are unable to locate the VIN on your car, particularly if it is a model made before 1968, consult the owner's manual or a dealership for help.
        Thanks
      • You may wish to understand the meaning of your car's VIN more fully.
        • The first digit is a code to indicate the country of origin where the car was manufactured. Different countries are designated different numbers. For example, the United States will be represented by the numbers 1, 4 or 5.
        • The second digit will indicate the manufacturer, such as Audi, Nissan, Honda, etc.
        • The third digit is a code for the type of vehicle.
        • Digits 4-9 make up the vehicle descriptor section, and designate the model, body type, transmission type, restraint system and engine code.
        • The last seven digits show the model year, manufacturing plant and numbers your car was assigned on the assembly line.
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Be careful using online sites that claim to offer "complete" free VIN searches. The information you get is likely to be quite limited or not truly related to the car. They may provide generic information about the make and model, but not the specific car. [13]
        Thanks
      • Understand that for most official purposes, verifying your car's VIN is not something you can do by yourself. Self-verifying is useful for your own understanding, but to sell, register, or title a car, or perform many other official functions, you must use a licensed verifier or state agent.
        Thanks
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Spot a Fake Driver's License
      Applying for an International License (International Driving Permit) in the U.S. from AAA
      How to
      Acquire a Driving License in Saudi Arabia
      How to
      Change Address for Texas Car Registration
      How to
      Find Your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
      How to Find Out the Owner of a License Plate: A Simple Guide
      Easy Ways to Register a Car from Out of State in California
      How to
      Install a Front License Plate
      How to
      Transfer a Vehicle Tag in Florida
      How to
      Take a Name off a Car Title
      How to
      Use a VIN Number to Check a Car's Options
      How to
      Remove a License Plate
      How to
      Fill Out a Car Title Transfer
      How to Register a Car Without a Title
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.flhsmv.gov/dhsmv/newflres.html
      2. ↑ https://dojmt.gov/driving/vehicle-identification-number-vin-inspections/
      3. ↑ http://www.flhsmv.gov/dhsmv/newflres.html
      4. ↑ https://www.autohausaz.com/html/vehicle_identification_numbers.html
      5. ↑ https://www.bja.gov/ProgramDetails.aspx?Program_ID=69
      6. ↑ https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck/vincheck
      7. ↑ https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck/vincheck
      8. ↑ http://www.vehiclehistory.gov/
      9. ↑ https://www.autohausaz.com/html/vehicle_identification_numbers.html
      1. ↑ http://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/sampleautocheckvehiclehistoryreport
      2. ↑ https://www.autohausaz.com/html/vehicle_identification_numbers.html
      3. ↑ https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/
      4. ↑ http://cars.laws.com/vin-lookup

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      The VIN number, or vehicle identification number, can be found on the far-left corner of the dashboard, on the inside of the driver’s door, or on the front of the engine block. To verify a VIN, try entering it on a car theft website, like vehiclehistory.gov. These websites will give you a report that tells you if the car has ever been stolen, damaged, or reported as salvaged. If you want more information on the car, use a website like Carfax.com or Edmunds.com. These sites charge a small fee, but will provide tons of useful information, like accident reports, maintenance history, and previous vehicle locations. To learn how to verify a VIN if you’re registering your car, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 124,349 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement