A West Virginia VIN report can provide you with an immense amount of information about a vehicle. Details typically shown on a vehicle number check include accident and damage history, titling history, how many owners a vehicle has had, odometer records and more. Fortunately, you can request a vehicle history report online and by mail.

When you look up VIN numbers online with DMV.com, you receive a comprehensive report that you can access immediately. In the sections below, find out what you get instantly versus requesting a VIN report by mail from the WV DMV office. You will find that the instant report is the most useful and practical option.

How to Conduct a West Virginia VIN Lookup Online

You can perform a VIN number lookup online in order to take advantage of a greater level of convenience. Online requests are provided instantly, allowing you the ability to make an informed decision on a vehicle no matter where you are, without having to wait for a report.

How to Lookup VIN Numbers by Mail

You can look up VIN numbers by mail through the West Virginia DMV. Simply download and complete the request form, follow the mailing instructions provided on it and provide the appropriate fee. For a basic vehicle history report, you will only need to pay a standard fee along with your request form, but more thorough information will cost extra. You will also be required to pay for postage or other mailing fees.

What information is in a West Virginia VIN history report?

A VIN code lookup provides a complete vehicle history report, including vehicle specifications, safety recalls, title history, accident report history and other invaluable pieces of information.

A WV VIN number check is an invaluable tool if you are interested in purchasing a vehicle, especially when purchasing from a private seller. The vehicle’s history report will include details on whether or not a vehicle has a current lender on the title, which could result in the repossession of the vehicle should it remain unpaid. You will also be able to view previous odometer records, allowing you to detect whether or not an odometer reading has been illegally rolled back in order to increase the value of a vehicle. Additionally, the report will flag any current safety recalls on the vehicle, including the severity of the recall and the recommended repairs.

A VIN report will include reported accidents that the vehicle was involved in as well as notify you if the vehicle has ever been declared a total loss by an insurance agency. A vehicle is declared a total loss if it sustains an immense amount of damage, incurs flood damage or has been a part of an unrecoverable theft. In cases such as these, a salvage title is issued. Salvage vehicles are often harder to sell and insure, with many insurance agencies refusing coverage or offering limited coverage for a far higher premium rate.

A vehicle’s VIN history report will also include information regarding:

• Towing and impounds.
• Manufacturer.
• Theft status.
• Reported vehicle titling problems.

Why would I need to perform a VIN check in West Virginia?

After learning how to check a VIN number, it is important to be aware of the reasons that you may need to do so. Looking up a VIN number in West Virginia is the most important thing that you can do to protect yourself and finances when purchasing a vehicle from a private seller or even a dealership.

As stated previously, a vehicle history report will provide you with a great deal of information regarding the car you are interested in, such as whether or not there is a current lien on it, if the odometer reading has been tampered with, if there are any safety recalls and the amount of damage that a vehicle has sustained throughout its lifetime. This information is invaluable in making an informed purchase as well as determining whether or not a vehicle is worth your investment.

Checking VIN numbers is also important for motorists wishing to sell their vehicle to a dealership or private seller. A clean vehicle history can increase the value of a vehicle and provide a key document that can aid in any negotiation. Additionally, this document can provide more information to prospective buyers, increase credibility and help to answer any questions that a potential buyer may have.

How do I locate my vehicle’s VIN number?

In order to request a VIN number report, you will need to first obtain the identification number that is associated with the vehicle in question. A vehicle identification number works similar to a serial number and on vehicles 1981 or newer, the identification number is made up of letters, numerals and is 17 characters long. The length of the identification number will vary for older vehicles.

The VIN number can be found on both the vehicle’s title and owner’s manual. Additionally, the number can be found on associating documents such as registration and insurance documents. If you do not have access to these documents, you can find the identification number on the vehicle itself. Generally, a vehicle identification number can be found on the lower left-hand corner of the dashboard, in front of the steering wheel. If you cannot locate the number there, the number may also appear:

• In front of the engine block.
• In front of the car frame.
• Beneath the spare tire in the vehicle’s trunk.
• Directly above the tire on the rear wheel well.
• Inside of the driver side doorjamb.

If all else fails, you can contact the vehicle’s manufacturer or dealership for additional guidance.

Vehicle History Report Fees in West Virginia

A basic vehicle history report costs $1.50 in West Virginia.