How to Complete a VIN Inspection in Indiana
A VIN verification in Indiana is a mandatory procedure performed for any vehicle that is titled in another state that needs to be transferred to Indiana. Vehicles that must be inspected include any vehicle that is owned by a new resident of Indiana and any vehicle that is assigned to a state resident on a manufacturer’s certificate of origin (MCO). If you fail to obtain a VIN inspection, you will not be able to title the vehicle in Indiana.
For that reason, you must verify a VIN number through the IN Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) for every car you wish to title. Overall, these inspections can be conducted at no cost at any BMV branch. Moreover, certain law enforcement officers may be qualified to perform this type of vehicle verification. However, if you choose to have an inspection administered by a law enforcement officer, you may be charged a fee of up to $5.
When is an Indiana VIN verification required?
According to local traffic laws, all new Indiana residents must obtain a certificate of title for their vehicles within 60 days of moving to the state, thus requiring a VIN inspection to be conducted beforehand. Failing to do so can result in unwanted fees and fines.
For that reason, a vehicle verification is necessary for all new residents who wish to title a vehicle in the state. During that procedure, inspectors will verify the existence of the given vehicle identification number and also the standing of the VIN.
Where can I go to obtain a VIN inspection in Indiana?
If you wish to verify the VIN number of your vehicle in Indiana, you can do so for free by visiting a BMV office, as well as through a designated inspector in a full or partial BMV service provider. If you have any specific questions about the IN car verification process due to certain unique circumstances, you may contact the BMV over the phone at (888) 692-6841, or visit the official website for the bureau.
If you need to fill out an Indiana DMV VIN verification form for a vehicle that does not appear to have a VIN, or if the VIN has been defaced or altered in any way, then you must fill out and complete the application to request a special identification number.
What to Bring to a VIN Number Verification in Indiana
Upon showing up to your Indiana car verification, be mindful that you will not need to provide any ownership documents. However, you will be required to bring proof of identity and proof of your residency in the state. Furthermore, for a vehicle VIN verification to be conducted, you must take the car that needs to be inspected to a BMV branch. If you cannot bring the vehicle upon inspection, you will not be able to undergo this type of verification with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
On the other hand, there is a way to get a VIN number validation without a vehicle being present. To do so, you must contact a state law enforcement officer. Examples of qualified professionals who can conduct such inspections include:
- An employee of a licensed dealer
- A military service member assigned to an Indiana military post
- An Indiana law enforcement officer
If you wish to have any of the abovementioned professionals administering your new vehicle inspection in Indiana, you will need to print and submit a “Physical Inspection of a Vehicle or Watercraft” form, which can be downloaded and printed out from the BMV website. Furthermore, it is important to note that the inspector will be required to fill out and complete the form in either blue or black ink.
When you show up to a car inspection station in Indiana, the inspector conducting the procedure may charge a fee, unlike the Bureau of Motor Vehicles itself. However, according to state traffic laws, the cost of this inspection cannot be more than $5. Before conducting a VIN verification, an inspector should inform you of how much you will be asked to pay, as well as which payment methods you will be allowed to use.
It is worth noting that, when inspections are conducted by law enforcement officers, the fee payment is not collected by the BMV. Therefore, this payment should not be submitted along with your application.
What to Do After Completing a VIN Inspection in Indiana
If a designated inspector conducts your state car inspection through a BMV branch or authorized service provider, this procedure will be over upon its in-person completion. As long as the vehicle passes the verification process, you will be able to move forward with titling your vehicle immediately.
On the other hand, if a state law enforcement officer conducts your vehicle inspection elsewhere, you will need to send the signed inspection form to the BMV. After the inspection is complete and you pay the necessary fee, you will need to mail the form to the following address:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles 100 N. Senate Avenue Room N440 Indianapolis, IN 46204
Once the Indiana vehicle inspection form is sent to the BMV and is approved, you will be able to move forward with titling your vehicle in the state.