VIN Inspections

The main purpose of a VIN inspection is to check that the vehicle is not reported stolen. There is a national database that contains the VIN numbers of stolen vehicles which allows the status of vehicles to be determined from any state. VIN inspection also helps with preventing titling errors. If the VIN was mistyped then it is important that it matches with the car which drastically helps curb titling problems.

Usually people don’t catch that there is an error until they are trying to put the vehicle title in their name. That is why it is important that before buying a used or even new car to make sure the VIN on the car matches to the title document. Depending on the situation, different documents are required such as affidavits or odometer statements to prove the VIN is correct.

Not all states require VIN inspections. Some states allow gas station auto mechanics to inspect the VIN, others states require the highway patrol. Some states will even allow auto auctions to fulfill the VIN inspection.

Basically if the VIN information is not accurate then the vehicle cannot be titled in the person’s name leading to unnecessary frustration and a DMV hassle.