How to Complete a VIN Inspection in Maine

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), which is overseen by the Office of the Secretary of State (SOS), requires a Maine VIN verification for specific vehicles in the state. These VIN inspection procedures help to deter the trafficking of stolen cars and/or auto parts. During this review, a BMV agent will verify whether the VIN displayed on the car matches the VIN outlined on the vehicle’s official credentials.

In general, you are required to verify a VIN number in ME while applying for a car title. Once the BMV verifies the VIN of a car, its owner will be able to proceed with other important procedures that are related to the vehicle. If you wish to learn more information about this type of vehicle verification in Maine, as well as what details must be included in a DMV VIN verification form, read the sections below.

What is a VIN and how does it affect an ME vehicle inspection?

A Maine VIN inspection must be conducted in order for a vehicle title to be issued by the state BMV. Overall, a vehicle identification number (VIN) is the unique combination of digits that is assigned to a particular car. As such, manufacturers assign a VIN to each car during the production process.

Because this number is unique to each vehicle, a VIN number validation ensures that no two cars have the same VIN. Furthermore, VINs are physically displayed on most modern vehicles. Car owners can typically locate a VIN inside the driver’s side door or on the windshield.

In order to deter the illegal selling or refurbishing of stolen cars or auto parts, the ME Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires a VIN verification. This type of inspection requires the VIN on the car to match the number on its ownership documents. If the numbers do not match, the BMV will not issue a title for the car.

When is a Maine VIN verification required?

The Maine vehicle verification process is required for all cars that are model year 1995 or newer. Otherwise, these cars cannot be titled in the state. Moreover, vehicle owners who wish to title a salvage car must also request a VIN inspection.

Generally, the Secretary of State (SOS) uses the VIN on a title application to verify that the car has not been reported stolen. Furthermore, a VIN verification is also required for trailers that are over 3,000 pounds and motorcycles with engines of 300 cubic centimeters and more.

Where can I go to obtain a VIN inspection in Maine?

The Maine BMV conducts a vehicle VIN verification at the time that a car owner applies for a title. Therefore, motorists must complete an application form for the title and provide the VIN on the document.

If the BMV has any reason to suspect that the given vehicle identification number has been altered or tampered with, it may confiscate the car until the violation is cleared. Consequently, if the applicant receives notice that their car requires a more thorough VIN inspection, they must take the car to one of the following establishments for further review:

If you are submitting a title application for an abandoned vehicle, then the car must undergo a VIN number validation through a law enforcement officer. In such instances, the vehicle owner will be responsible for providing an acceptable payment method for any applicable inspection fees.

What to Bring to a VIN Number Verification in Maine

Motorists must request a VIN verification in order to apply for a title. In order to obtain an application, drivers may visit a BMV branch. After filling out the application form, car owners must return it to a BMV office along with an acceptable payment method for the processing fees.

If the BMV requests a more comprehensive car verification to be performed on your vehicle, then you must take it to an authorized agent. Before this procedure takes place, vehicle owners can benefit from making sure that the VIN is clearly visible and legible on their cars. Otherwise, this vehicle is most likely going to fail its state car inspection.

What to Do After Completing a VIN Inspection in Maine

In most cases, once a vehicle passes a VIN inspection in Maine, the BMV will send out a certificate through the mail. Unless otherwise notified, drivers do not need to take any further action.

However, if the Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires a car to undergo a more detailed vehicle verification, the car owner must have the vehicle examined by an inspector who is authorized by the BMV to administer these procedures. In general, this agent will visually inspect the vehicle and verify its VIN. Upon completing the inspection, the agent will out a BMV VIN verification form that certifies that the vehicle has been visually inspected, and that its VIN does not show any signs of alteration.

If you fail to undergo a required VIN verification, you may be subject to serious penalties and expensive fines. Furthermore, if a motorist does not retrieve his or her confiscated car, the BMV may dispose of the vehicle.

Last updated on Monday, March 9 2020.