How to Complete a VIN Inspection in West Virginia
In certain situations, completing a VIN verification in West Virginia is a requirement imposed by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which is overseen by the state’s Department of Transportation. For example, while you do not have to apply for a VIN inspection when obtaining a standard title, you must have your vehicle identification number (VIN) verified when titling an abandoned or junked car. In such cases, your vehicle must be physically inspected by a law enforcement official, who will verify that the VIN displayed on the car matches the one on its records.
The main reason to verify a VIN number in WV is to check whether or not the vehicle identification number attached to a particular car is genuine and/or has not been tampered with. In cases where the VIN is missing, altered or destroyed, you will be required to apply for a replacement VIN in order to fulfill the state’s vehicle verification requirements. To learn more information on when this type of procedure is necessary and how to complete it, read the sections below.
When is a West Virginia VIN verification required?
Applying for a car verification in West Virginia is a mandatory step only in certain special situations where the authenticity of a vehicle identification number is unreliable. As such, the circumstances that will require you to fill out a DMV VIN verification form in WV include:
- You are applying for an abandoned title certificate – You must verify a VIN number when attempting to title a motor vehicle that is older than 24 model years and has been abandoned by its previous owner.
- You would like to apply for possession of a junked or abandoned vehicle – You will need to request a VIN inspection in WV if you are the representative of a motor vehicle dealership or repair facility, and would like to sell a car that was abandoned or junked by its previous owner.
- You would like to title an assembled boat – If you successfully assemble a boat from different component parts, you will be required to apply for a VIN verification before you are allowed to title it.
- You are a lienholder obtaining a repossessed certificate of title – If you are the representative of a lending institution and do not have the title certificate of a repossessed vehicle, you will have to apply for a vehicle verification before requesting a new title.
- You are the buyer of a vehicle for which the seller did not provide you with a title – If you have purchased a car but did not receive a title certificate for it, you will need to fill out a VIN verification form, provided that your name is not listed on the corresponding affidavit of sale.
Where can I go to obtain a VIN inspection in West Virginia?
If you are wondering where to apply for a vehicle VIN verification in West Virginia, note that you will be required to contact an authorized law enforcement agency. Generally, the state DMV does not administer VIN inspections. On the other hand, you can still contact the division to inquire about the authorized agencies and officials that conduct these inspections. Once you get information about a nearby law enforcement office that conducts VIN verifications in WV, you must contact it and check whether or not you can schedule an appointment for this procedure.
After arriving at the West Virginia car inspection stations, an authorized law enforcement officer will conduct a physical examination of your vehicle and check whether or not your VIN is visible, authentic and complete. If the authorized official determines that your VIN, hull identification number (HIN) or serial number is illegible, missing or destroyed, you will be asked to pay a $5 fee for the issuance of a new VIN.
What to Bring to a VIN Number Verification in West Virginia
In order to successfully verify a VIN number in West Virginia with a law enforcement official, you will be required to provide certain types of paperwork. This car verification procedure can be completed by submitting a “Verification of Vehicle Identification Number” (DMV-1B) form along with a document identifying you, such as an ID card or driver’s license.
When filling out the DMV-1B form for a VIN inspection, you will be asked to enter your full name and address, as well as certain details about the vehicle, such as its make, model year, body style and title number. Then, the designated government official will enter the name of his or her authorized agency, badge or unit number and official signature.
Because the WV VIN verification process is a mandatory step in different titling situations, you may be asked to submit additional documents in order to abide by the requirements established by the state’s Division of Motor Vehicles. For instance, if you are verifying a VIN while applying for an abandoned vehicle title, you will also need to submit a corresponding application form and a “Vehicle Removal Certificate” form.
What to Do After Completing a VIN Inspection in West Virginia
After undergoing a VIN number validation in West Virginia, you will be required to mail the subsequent VIN verification form to the main DMV office in Charleston. However, since you will most likely complete a vehicle verification as part of a larger procedure, you may have to complete additional steps and/or submit additional documents.
The steps that you will have to take in such cases will vary depending on your car’s current legal standing, as well as its titling needs. Thus, you may contact the Division of Motor Vehicles after completing your VIN inspection in WV to inquire if further action is required.