Vehicle History Reports
Determine what is the easiest way to get your VIN check
Verify your information to determine your options
Online assistance to get your vehicle history report
Get all the info you need with our free step-by-step guide
- Determine what is the easiest way to get your VIN check
- Verify your information to determine your options
- Online assistance to get your vehicle history report
- Get all the info you need with our free step-by-step guide
How to Order Vehicle History Reports
1. Get Your VIN Check Report Online
Order a VIN check now to access your vehicle’s complete history. Whether you are buying a car, selling one or simply interested in learning more about your current vehicle, a VIN check can help. Vehicle identification numbers help record important information about a car, including title history, odometer readings, previous owners and much more. A VIN check puts these important details at your fingertips, helping you make informed decisions. Get yours now to access your vehicle’s record online.
Start simplifying your application process today by visiting your state-specific page:
Select a state to begin:
Select a state to begin:
2. By Mail
Some people prefer to complete their car-related transactions by mail. However, in the case of a VIN check, there is little reason to use conventional mail to run a car background check. Still, if you have access to a by-mail VIN check service and would like to use it to get information about a vehicle, there are a few factors to take into account. First, make sure you are not on a tight deadline if you are completing a task by mail, since this method usually takes longer than completing a task online. Second, be sure the payment method and information you provide are accurate, as any errors will cause delays.
3. In Person at the DMV Office
Depending on your state, you may be able to request a VIN check in person at the DMV. However, there are a few drawbacks to using this method. The primary one is that DMV lines are usually long and slow, so visiting a DMV location to perform a task you can simply do online will require more time and energy. Additionally, the VIN checks available through the DMV are often not as thorough as the ones available online. Many DMVs provide basic information about a car on their VIN checks, while online services pull together information from various sources, including the federal government and private companies.
A Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, is a unique number assigned to every motor vehicle. A VIN lookup can be accomplished using several different methods, and can help owners, law enforcement officers and state DMVs ensure that the vehicles on U.S. roads remain safe and legal. The best way to request a VIN number lookup report depends on a car owner’s individual needs and preferences.
Ordering a VIN Lookup Online
The quickest and simplest way to perform a VIN code lookup is to order one online. Your online VIN number check report will provide you with the latest and most comprehensive information available about your vehicle. It will show your vehicle’s specifications, title history, applicable safety recalls and important car accident and auto insurance claim data.
Get Your Vehicle History Report Online
Reports are available for cars, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and even commercial vehicles, such as trucks or buses. Checking VIN numbers online can spare you the lines and wait times typically associated with ordering a report through other methods.
Obtaining a VIN Number Lookup at the DMV
If you don’t mind the inconvenience of a trip to the DMV, you can also look up VIN number information by requesting a report from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Looking up a VIN number is not something all DMV offices in all states will be prepared or equipped to do, however. If you decide to visit the DMV rather than order a VIN number report online, you will need to contact your local DMV office in advance.
In addition to inquiring about how to check a VIN number using your state’s standard process, you will need to find out what forms of payment your DMV office of choice accepts, and what documentation your state requires to initiate such a request.
Requesting a VIN History by Phone
In some states, you may be able to order a VIN history report by phone from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. This option will not be available in all states. You will need to have a credit or debit card available for payment when calling, and should be prepared to provide identifying information to the DMV representative at the time of the call. The resulting VIN number lookup report will be mailed to you, and may not include all of the information available from an online vehicle history report.
Getting a VIN Code Lookup via Mail
Some states allow residents to order VIN number checks by mail. This is the slowest way to get your vehicle history information, and is only suitable for car owners who are in no hurry to get their results. (For quick and easy access to your VIN report, order online now!) Before attempting to order by mail, you will need to contact your state’s DMV for details and instructions on what form to use, where to send your request and what methods of payment are acceptable.
What info is in a VIN history report?
When you look up a VIN number using our easy, online interface, you will receive a comprehensive vehicle history report that contains the following important details about your vehicle’s history and safety:
- Title and odometer information
- Recalls and defects associated with your vehicle’s VIN
- If the vehicle has ever been towed, impounded or involved in an accident
- Vehicle specifications, manufacturer information and safety status
- How many times the vehicle has been sold in the past, and whether or not it has ever been stolen
- Information on more than 75 other problems, issues or concerns associated with the vehicle or its title
Why would I need to perform a VIN check?
There are many benefits to checking VIN numbers. If you are considering purchasing a vehicle, looking up the VIN can help you ensure that it is not stolen, and that its title is clean. It will alert you if the title is marked by any brands that may prevent you from registering, insuring, operating or reselling the vehicle, such as salvage or junk titles. It can also bring to your attention safety issues, of which you would not otherwise be aware.
Request Your Online Vehicle History Report
Running a VIN number report on a vehicle you already own can help you spot problems before they arise, and take corrective or preventative action that saves time, stress and money later. This can include:
- Title errors that might prevent you from selling or transferring ownership of the vehicle.
- Complete information on recalls.
- Defects.
- Other safety issues.
How do I locate my vehicle’s VIN number?
If you own a standard passenger vehicle, such as a car or truck, your vehicle’s VIN number is required by law to be clearly displayed in several places. It will be plainly listed on your vehicle title, and is usually noted on your registration sticker, as well. The easiest place to check for your VIN number, however, is directly on your vehicle.
Most VIN numbers are inscribed in the dashboard, and are clearly visible by anyone standing outside the vehicle near the windshield pillar on the driver’s side of the car. Alternatively, some vehicles have VIN numbers marked on the inside of the driver’s door, where it latches when closed.
Sources
- State Vehicle Record Requests from vehiclehistory.gov