Motorists in South Carolina will need a VIN lookup on any used cars they wish to register within the state. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles allows vehicle owners to submit requests for vehicle information reports online, in person or by mail. For a more in-depth VIN number lookup, SC residents can order quickly and conveniently through a trustworthy online service.

Used car shoppers are strongly encouraged to get full VIN reports in order to avoid legal and safety issues that may come with the purchase of a used car. To learn about the different types of reports available, and how to order a VIN code lookup in South Carolina, refer to the sections below.

Requesting a VIN Lookup Online in South Carolina

Ordering an instant VIN number report online is recommended for any SC motorists who own, are selling or are buying a previously owned car. Looking up VIN number details online will provide you with a complete history of where the vehicle has been and any associated issues that have been reported, both the specific vehicle and general notices about the brand or model. A quick and easily accessible online VIN number check includes:

• Manufacturer notices and data, such as the original window sticker, manufacturer specifications, factory installed options, plus safety recalls and bulletins.
• DMV and state agency information, such as title history, odometer readings and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports.
• Auto insurance data, such as total loss reports, and damage claims, including flood damage.

How to Check VIN Number Information in Person in South Carolina

For South Carolina residents seeking to look up VIN numbers concerning title history within the state, submitting the request in person, at a DMV office, is another option. Vehicle owners must first get the “Request for Vehicle Information form 5027-A” from the DMV office location, or by downloading it from the South Carolina DMV government website.

Instructions for completing the request are printed on the form. Petitioners should complete the form and submit it with the appropriate payment to any DMV Office. Information available from an SC DMV VIN code search includes:

• Current liability insurance company name
• Placard information
• Basic or complete title history
• Current vehicle title information
• Registered owner information

The request is sent to the SC DMV headquarters in Blythewood, and the results of the search are then sent to the petitioner. If you are requesting title records in person, be prepared to wait for the DMV to research and mail the requested information.

Checking VIN Numbers by Mail in South Carolina

Residents of South Carolina may also request a VIN code lookup by mail, for a title history of their vehicles. To complete a mail-in request, petitioners must complete the “Request for Vehicle Information form 5027-A.” This form is available from any SC DMV office location, or it can be downloaded from the state DMV website. Mail the form, with appropriate payment to the Title Mail-in Unit. The information available from a by-mail SC DMV VIN code lookup report is limited to:

• Current liability insurance company name.
• Placard information.
• Basic or complete title history.
• Current vehicle title
• Registered owner information.

As with the in-person request for information, be prepared to wait for the DMV to compile the report and mail the results to you.

What info is in an SC VIN history report?

A VIN history request submitted to the SC DMV contains a limited amount of information. You can expect to find the title history of each title transaction within the state of SC. It is possible that title history information will be missing, especially if the vehicle has been registered in other states.

It is important to note that no VIN history report will contain personal information about previous owners, including names, addresses or other personal identifying data. An online VIN code check will contain a complete vehicle history with information compiled from several sources. A reliable online VIN report includes the following details:

• Title history with expanded state access
• Odometer readings from DMV title records, online listings and National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
• Insurance total loss data from severe damage from accidents, flood, theft or crime
• Safety recall information from the manufacturer
• Safety recall information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association
• Full vehicle specifications
• Original sales window sticker
• Junk, salvage and loss data
• Lien information, including the names of banks and lenders
• Impound and towing records
• Auction and sale listing

Why would I need to perform a VIN check in South Carolina?

VIN history reports are crucial for owning, buying or selling a used car. When surveying vehicles, keep the following in mind:

• For buyers – Knowing the history of the car can ensure you make a good buying decision; avoid lemons, or troublesome lien and registration issues by checking ahead of time
• For owners – Stay up-to-date on safety recalls
• For sellers – Use original manufacturer specifications to create a complete list of options, and an accurate description of your vehicle; provide your potential buyer with the confidence to buy your car.

How do I locate my vehicle’s VIN number?

VIN numbers are 17-character codes that describe a specific vehicle. The VIN system was introduced and adopted to protect auto consumers, prevent theft and track a specific vehicle. A car’s VIN number is printed in several different places. The most common location is on the dashboard, close to the windshield. Some other locations include:

• The front of the engine.
• The driver’s side door.
• The firewall.
• The radiator support bracket.
• The steering column.
• The left instrumentation panel.
• On printed materials, such as the guarantee or the maintenance book.

Checking your car’s VIN numbers and ordering a complete history report is crucial for used car buyers. If you are thinking of buying – or already own – a used car, consider ordering a comprehensive VIN check.

Vehicle History Report Fees in South Carolina

A vehicle history report costs $6 in South Carolina.