research auto vin number

VIN Decoder

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is an operating administration of the United States Department of Transportation and is the federal agency responsible for improving motor vehicle safety on United States roadways. As part of our mission, NHTSA develops certain standards for motor vehicle safety and reporting. Under NHTSA’s regulations, each motor vehicle must contain a vehicle identification number, also known as a VIN, which is a 17-character number that encodes specific information about the particular vehicle.

On NHTSA.gov, you can query a particular vehicle’s VIN to identify specific information encoded in the number. NHTSA’s VIN decoder is publicly accessible at: https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/ .

Using NHTSA's VIN Decoder to Identify a Vehicle’s Plant of Manufacture

Among the information NHTSA's VIN decoder provides is information about the vehicle’s plant of manufacture. After searching a VIN, you'll see the build plant and country for the vehicle in question. This is a two-step process:

Step 1: Go to https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/ and enter the full VIN into NHTSA’s VIN decoder, then click Decode VIN .

Step 2: Refer to the field at the bottom of the page result, which expressly lists the build plant and country for the searched vehicle. 

Note:  The information displayed through the VIN decoder is reported by the manufacturer. If you have further questions regarding this information, please contact the vehicle manufacturer. In addition, more information may be available on a label affixed to the vehicle. See 49 C.F.R. Part 583.

if you already have an account

VIN check for free at autoDNA. Is it worth it?

Find out what a vin check is, how long it takes, how you can quickly check your vehicle.

The VIN you have entered is invalid.

Possible reasons:

• there may be a typo in the VIN
• the VIN provided in the offer you're checking is invalid
• the seller has provided you with an invalid VIN

Remember: before you enter the VIN, double-check it against the photo of the nameplate or documents.

Enter the VIN number of the vehicle whose history you want to check.

It consists of 17 characters and cannot contain the letters I (i), O (o) i Q (q). You will find it in the registration book and several places in the vehicle, depending on the model.

Remember - before you enter the VIN, double-check it against the photo of the nameplete or documents

What is VIN check?

Checking the VIN gives you the opportunity to obtain vehicle history reports for inspected cars . To find the VIN, you can look at several locations: on the dashboard near the windshield, inside the driver’s side door frame, or in the engine bay. Additionally, the identification number should always be easy to find in the vehicle registration certificate and other documents like the insurance policy or the title. This process is crucial before buying a used car, as it allows you to investigate the vehicle’s past and identify hidden problems that could affect your purchase decision.

It’s a good idea to start the process of checking the VIN as early as when you’re browsing for deals. This can be done at no charge by checking the number in the ad or by asking the seller directly. Confirming that the serial number listed in the ad matches the actual identification number of the vehicle can protect you from fraud. Dishonest sellers may hide the vehicle body number to avoid revealing the car’s unfavorable past, such as accidents or damage. The VIN number can also be noted in the vehicle’s registration certificate, which is key to confirming its authenticity.

The presence of the chassis number in an ad increases its credibility and enhances the quality of the services offered by the ad platform. VIN numbers are standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO -International Organization for Standardization) and have a unique 17-character format, which is crucial for proper vehicle identification.

Already during browsing purchase and sale offers, it's good to initialise the process of checking VIN of the vehicle you're interested in. VIN checking in the offer or directly asking the seller is free.

Checking the VIN for free can be done online (as part of e-services), using government services or autoDNA reports.

Free VIN check

You can perform a free body number check at the autoDNA service. It will give you the basic, specific information offered by the VIN decoder and will give you an idea of the range of information displayed in the paid autoDNA report. At no cost, you can discover what information the vehicle report includes, such as vehicle history, equipment details, a register of liens, archival photos of the vehicle, a log of previous checks, and information on its presence in stolen vehicle databases.

The autoDNA report is the most complete source of information on more than 500 million used vehicles in Europe and around the world, offering to check a vehicle’s history for free by identification number. By running a VIN number lookup, you can obtain a full vehicle report before buying a used car to ensure it did not have any major issues in the past. Each report can contain a lot of valuable information about a used car and vehicle history, and a database used for the reports contains billions of records.

Check VIN for free with autoDNA - this gives you access to information gathered from many reliable sources. The data in autoDNA reports comes from more than 26 European countries, the US and Canada, and from more than 50,000 different institutions providing services in or for the automotive sector. The report also includes inspection data, which is crucial for assessing the technical condition of a vehicle.

The autoDNA service is available 24 hours a day from anywhere in the world, on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. All you need to check your vehicle is the chassis number.

National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) : The NICB provides a free VIN check to determine if a vehicle was ever reported stolen or issued a salvage title due to damage. This helps in identifying vehicles that may be stolen and ensuring they are not resold fraudulently.

NHTSA VIN Decoder : The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) allows you to query a vehicle’s VIN to identify specific information encoded in the number. You can use their publicly accessible VIN decoder.

The free vehicle identification number provides information that is crucial as a world manufacturer identifier for the initial buying decision. For enhanced data on a particular vehicle, turn to the full Vehicle History Report provided by autoDNA’s VIN check and VIN decoder, ensuring transparency and security of the transaction.

Always check the VIN number before buying a vehicle to avoid the following risks or hazards , such as:

autoDNA reports use only proven and highest-quality data, so you can guard against a misguided purchase.

autoDNA obtains data from multiple countries as a world manufacturer identifier, including the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Belgium, Slovenia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, Norway, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Denmark. This makes it possible to check the history of vehicles imported from various parts of Europe and North America.

The information obtained comes from more than 50,000 institutions operating in the automotive market: state authorities, central vehicle registries, insurance companies, workshops, service centers, and other technical institutions for vehicles manufactured after 1981.

Remember - there is always a good time to check the past of your car. If you didn't check the chassis number during the vehicle purchase-sale transaction, do it now to know the vehicle's history.

If you are still wondering - don't delay, just contact us. The autoDNA team is at your service to help you learn more about the vehicle you are interested in.

How long does it take to check a VIN number for free?

In just a few minutes you will check your vehicle by VIN . Just enter the 17-character vehicle engine number on the autoDNA website.

In the first step - a free check - you will receive the result of checking the availability of information for a specific VIN. This will let you know the range of information that the full paid Vehicle History Report contains. In the next step, you can already decide to purchase the finished autoDNA report(s). Payment can be made via e-transfer, credit card, PayPal, or Voucher. Promotional campaigns also offer discount codes that, when entered into a special field in the shopping cart, reduce the amount to be paid. Look for them on our blog or Facebook.

VIN checking via the VIN decoder is an integral part of a transparent vehicle buying and selling process. Vehicle History Reports provide comprehensive and accurate information about the history of used cars, including odometer readings, previous owners, damages, accidents, recalls, and other essential information. VIN checking improves the efficiency of the market, improves the quality of the product, and increases the price of vehicles in good condition.

If a report is included in the buy-sell transaction, the customer is more likely to buy, even if the vehicle has a higher price - such an ad is perceived by the other party to the transaction as more credible.

The report allows you to pre-screen good cars from cars with hidden defects, the so-called "lemon cars" . Thus, there is no need to drive and look at many cars, wasting time.

The investment in the autoDNA report pays for itself hundred times over , because it protects you from buying a car that may be, for example, after a total loss and require huge expenses for repair.

"lemon car"

Click to watch

According to data collected by autoDNA, the difference in value between identical cars, which differ only by 100 000 km, is, on average, more than 5.000 EUR. The difference, which represents a measurable loss for an unaware driver buying a vehicle with the odometer reversed , is the greater the younger and more prestigious the car.

For example, for an Audi A6 of 2018 vintage, a correction of the odometer by 100,000 km translates into more than a 10.000 EUR drop in real value. The same vintage Opel Corsa loses nearly 2.000 EUR in market value in a similar case, and the Volkswagen Passat (also from 2018) loses nearly 6.000 EUR in value for every 100,000 km turned. Older cars, on the other hand, may have the odometer rolled back not by 100,000 km, but by 200,000-300,000 or even more.

How does this relate to the real expenses from the wallet of a statistical Smith? The loss in value may be similarly high and perceptible - both for a younger car (relatively more expensive), and for an older car (with a very large revaluation).

The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique identification code assigned to each vehicle. It consists of 17 characters (numbers and letters) that represent various information about the vehicle, such as make, model, year, and place of manufacture, among others for driver’s purchasing peace of mind.

To easily check the VIN for free and find out important information regarding further questions, just visit the autoDNA website, enter any VIN number into the search engine on the main page, and then click the button.

Basic information about the vehicle will be displayed at no charge. The autoDNA service is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and uses a unique VIN decoder to find a particular vehicle's VIN information.

By checking the VIN for free on autoDNA you can get basic information about the motor vehicle, such as: make, model, and availability of archival photos. Note that more detailed reports may require a fee .

autoDNA's Vehicle History Reports are the most complete source of information on more than 500 million used motor vehicles in Europe and around the world. Each autoDNA vehicle report can contain a wealth of valuable information about a used car and its history, and it uses a database of 23 billion records.

Service autoDNA.com obtains information from more than 26 countries in Europe and North America which makes up a comprehensive Vehicle History Report. The data comes from more than 50,000 different institutions in the automotive industry, among these institutions are:

• Car dealers
• Vehicle inspection stations
• Financial institutions
• State administration
• Associations
• Repositories and records of stolen vehicles
• Disassembly stations
• Car dealerships

Before you purchase a used vehicle, we recommend not only obtaining an autoDNA motor vehicle report from the seller, it is important to conduct a test drive, as well as a mandatory detailed inspection of the vehicle by an authorized mechanic or specialized vehicle service station.

Yes, you can check the detailed history of a vehicle using the VIN number, but a full report is usually not available for free. The autoDNA service offers full reports for a fee, which may include information on:

• year of manufacture
• make and model of the car
• date of first registration
• country of origin
• accident history of the vehicle
• engine power and capacity
• recorded mileage

Checking VIN for free on autoDNA website does not require registration or login.

However, in order to access more detailed reports and services, registration on our site is necessary. By registering at autoDNA you will get access to a convenient customer panel. Vehicle History Reports are available by email, downloadable PDF and QR code up to 60 days after purchase.

Confirm consents

• The Controller of data is AUTODNA Sp. z o.o., seated in Łódź, ul. Obywatelska 128/152, 94-104 Łódź, KRS (National Court Register) no. 0000349742, NIP (Taxpayer ID Number): 5492391545, REGON (Business ID Number): 121164104. You may contact the Controller by the correspondence address of the Controller or by email: [email protected] .
• provide the service of User Account in the Controller service, based on the provisions of the accepted regulations (Art 6 Section 1 Letter b) of GDPR) throughout the entire period of providing these services, until the moment of unregistering the User Account from the service;
• enable placing and executing the order, and entering a sale contract remotely via the autodna.pl service (Art 6 Section 1 Letter b) of GDPR) throughout the entire period of executing the order;
• in order to fulfil the legal obligations incumbent on the Administrator resulting from the applicable provisions of law, including the issuance and storage of invoices, accounting books and accounting (financial) documents relating to the agreement in accordance with the Act of 11.03.2004 on the tax on goods and services – in accordance with Article 6(1)(c) of the GDPR;
• market products and own services via a newsletter – for the realisation of our legitimate interest in conducting direct marketing of products and own services, pursuant to Art 6 Section 1 Letter f) of GDPR, and in accordance with the Act on Rendering Electronic Services and the Telecommunication Law, we require your additional consent to use the mentioned communication channels in order to carry out marketing activities. In this case, your data will be processed until lodging the complaint regarding the processing of your personal data or withdrawing your consent to receive marketing information delivered by electronic means;
• establish, investigate or defend of any possible claims which could be connected to the actions and services conducted by AUTODNA Sp. z o.o. – for the realisation of our legitimate interest in securing claims, pursuant to Art 6 Section 1 Letter f) of GDPR, over the period of time provided by the law regulations concerning laches.
• Your personal data recipients may be parties providing and supporting the information systems used by the Controller, and parties providing services connected to the current activity of the Controller – pursuant to the entered contracts of entrustment of processing of personal data, and ensuring the application of relevant technical and organisational measures ensuring the data privacy by the aforementioned parties, as well as the public authorities authorised to access such data, in accordance with the applicable law.
• access your data, and also to correct, delete and restrict the processing, as well as to transfer your data and object processing it;
• withdraw your consent (including the consent to receive marketing information) at any moment, whereby withdrawing your consent does not affect the legality of the activities conducted before withdrawing it on the basis of the consent;
• lodge a complaint regarding the processing of their personal data to the supervisory authority – the Polish Data Protection Commissioner, when you think that processing your personal data violates the GDPR regulations.
• Your personal data will not be transferred to a third party or an international organisation.
• Your personal data will not be subjected to automated decision making, including in the form of profiling.
• Providing personal data is necessary to make and execute an order or to receive our marketing information. roll up

Free VIN Check and VIN Decoder

Look up ivin data reports for free.

A valid VIN is 17 characters long. It contains only letters and numbers, except for the letters i , o and q . iVIN Reports are available only for US passenger vehicles model years 1981 and newer.

iVIN Lite | $10/mo trial 2-month trial price | 50 Monthly Reports

iVIN Pro - Just $49 / mo BIGGEST SAVINGS | Get unlimited reports

Get 5 free iVIN Data Reports every month. No credit card required. Sign Up Now

What Should You Know Before Buying or Selling a Car?

Vehicle history reports are important, but they only give some of the answers you should know before buying or selling a vehicle.

iVIN Reports are powered by iSeeCars' award-winning data analysis. Try our comprehensive VIN checks to get all of the answers you need, make an informed decision and have peace of mind.

Compare iVIN Data Reports by iSeeCars

We analyze the data. you negotiate a better deal..

3 Important Questions Our Reports Answer

What's a fair price for this car?

Know the fair local market value and compare the price with siimlar cars for sale near you.

How does this vehicle compare?

Find out the average mileage for similar cars, key price considerations and iSeeCars listing history.

What else should I know or check?

Check open recalls and reported thefts, and see unbiased dealer ratings all in one place

Over $350 Million Saved and Counting

Here's what other ivin users are saying:.

I just downloaded the app, I'm very impressed with the plethora off of information! Being of a particular age and being female the unfortunate reality is a lot of scammers out there and it's great to have background knowledge on a vehicle. Now I can educate before purchasing another car.

Excellent info on my vehicle. I'm glad I checked, now I know the actual value of my Blazer. Had posted it for way less than what it's actually worth . Thank you I would if made a big mistake selling any cheaper.

Great app! Finally an app that actually is free like it says and works! I've been trying for over a year to find out info with a VIN check on my car and this one worked!

How To Run a Free VIN Check

What is a vin or vehicle identification number.

VIN stands for "vehicle identification number." It is the unique code assigned by manufacturers for a specific automobile. A VIN is the automotive equivalent of a social security number. No two vehicles in operation have the same VIN.

A VIN is made up of 17 alphanumeric characters with each letter or number revealing identifying information about the vehicle including year, make, model, engine size, manufacturer, manufacturing location, and safety features. Along with providing vehicle specifications, a VIN can also be used to identify past or open recalls, registrations, warranty claims and status, insurance coverage and theft records.

Why is checking a VIN on a used car important?

How do i look up a vin number to get a free iseecars vin report.

You can sign up to get 5 free lookups and access 5 full VIN reports every month. Low-cost paid subscription plans are also available if you want to see more reports.

Here's where you can look up one of our free VIN reports:

• Desktop computer or mobile website - Free VIN lookup
• iSeeCars free mobile Android and iOS VIN apps - Download our app so you can quickly scan a vehicle's barcode and instantly view the VIN report
• All used car listings on the iSeeCars website - Click the "Full Report" button to see the report
• Google Chrome extension - Automatically generates our iVIN report when a VIN is found on any website you're browsing, like Craigslist and car shopping sites

How can I check a car's vehicle history report for free?

Some iSeeCars reports include a free vehicle history report when it's provided by the vehicle's seller. These CARFAX or AutoCheck vehicle history summaries provide helpful information about a car's past, including reported accidents, the number of previous owners, and a reported salvage title. Knowing the free vehicle history info helps you better understand the condition of the vehicle and anticipate future problems.

Can I look up my vehicle specs by VIN number?

Yes. iSeeCars iVIN Data Reports include key vehicle specifications, including trim, color, transmission type, drivetrain, engine type, towing capacity and more. These specs also show how the car compares to the average for its vehicle class.

Can I check safety recalls and recall information by VIN number?

Yes. Each iSeeCars iVIN Data Report includes a free recall check that indicates if there are any open or past recalls for the vehicle. The VIN report also links to the NHTSA database, which identifies (a) if there is an open recall for any new or used cars and (b) information about all past recalls for the vehicle, including safety-related recalls such as those involving Takata airbags.

Along with being a safety hazard, unresolved recalls including emissions recalls can result in a failed vehicle inspection. If a vehicle has an open recall, ask the seller to address the recall notice because it will likely involve recall repairs.

Is a VIN always 17 digits?

Beginning in 1981, all vehicles are required to have a 17-digit VIN. Vehicles manufactured before 1981 have VINs that are between 11 and 17 characters.

In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standardized how VINs are formatted. Under the NHTSA standard, a VIN is composed of 17 characters consisting of numbers and letters, and each set of numbers has a specific meaning. A VIN never includes the letters I, O and Q to avoid being mistaken for 1 and 0 (zero).

Can VIN numbers be changed?

It's a federal crime to alter, remove or tamper with a vehicle's VIN number.

Where Can I Find a Car's VIN?

The Dashboard

The VIN is usually located on the dashboard of the driver's side of a vehicle. It can be found by standing outside of the car and looking at the corner where the dashboard meets the windshield.

The Door Jamb

If you don't see the VIN on the dashboard, it can be found by opening the driver's side door and looking inside the door jamb. A VIN is also included on a vehicle's registration, vehicle title and insurance card.

How To Decode VIN Number Characters

There are 17 digits or characters in each vehicle's unique VIN. Here is what each VIN digit represents to help you better understand your vehicle.

Digit 1: Country of Origin

The first digit specifies where the vehicle was manufactured. Here are the most common country codes and countries:

• United States
• Foreign vehicle made in the US

Digits 2-3: Manufacturer & Division

The second digit identifies the specific vehicle's manufacturer. It's often the first letter of the manufacturer's name, such as B for BMW vehicles.

Since some characters can stand for multiple manufacturers, the third digit combines with the first two to indicate the specific manufacturing division. For example, JM1 can designate Mazda, while JMB can designate Mitsubishi. The first three digits together are known as the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI).

Here are some of the commonly used second digits:

• General Motors (Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Buick)

Digits 4-8: Vehicle Descriptor Section

These characters identify specific details about the car's vehicle type.

• Digit 4: Safety features and information specific to the model
• Digit 5: The vehicle's series
• Digits 6 & 7: Bodystyle and body type
• Digit 8: Engine size

Digit 9: Security Code

The ninth digit is the check digit, which is a security code used to help detect incorrect VINs, based on US Department of Transportation guidelines.

Digit 10: Model Year

The tenth digit represents the vehicle's model year.

• 1981-2000: Designated by the letters B through Y, with the letters I, O, Q, U and Z excluded.
• 2001-2009: Designated by the numbers 1 through 9 indicate the model years 2001 through 2009.
• 2010-Present: In 2010, the alphabet cycle started again with A and will continue through the year 2030. In 2031, the number cycle of 1 through 9 will start again until 2039.

Digit 11: Manufacturing Plant

The eleventh digit indicates the vehicle's assembly plant. Each vehicle manufacturer has its own set of plant codes. For example, these are the VIN characters for some of Toyota's many manufacturing plants: R for Lafayette, Indiana; S for Princeton, Indiana; and U for Georgetown, Kentucky.

Digits 12-17: Production Serial Numbers

These ending digits are the production line numbers that represent the vehicle's unique production or serial number. (Digits 10-17 are collectively known as the Vehicle Identifier Section.)

VIN Decoders for All Makes

• Aston Martin
• Lamborghini
• Mercedes-Benz
• Rolls-Royce

VIN Check by State

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia

Your car research just got easier. Scan and look up VINs with our free app.

We're sorry for any inconvenience, but the site is currently unavailable.

• DMV handbook
• DMV near me
• Challenge bank
• Learner's Permit
• CDL Premium

VIN Decoder & Lookup

Decode Your Vehicle Identification Number for Free

• Official data from NHTSA
• Most recent recalls
• Most recent complaints

What is a VIN Number (Vehicle Identification Number)?

A vehicle identification number (VIN) is a unique code assigned to every motor vehicle when it's manufactured. The VIN is a 17-character string of letters and numbers without intervening spaces or the letters Q (q), I (i), and O (o); these are omitted to avoid confusion with the numerals 0 and 1. Each section of the VIN provides a specific piece of information about the vehicle, including the year, country, and factory of manufacture; the make and model; and the serial number. VINs are usually printed in a single line.

How to Find the Vehicle's VIN Number

On most passenger cars, you may find the VIN number on the front of the dashboard on the driver's side. The best way to see it is to look through the windshield from outside the car. You may also find the VIN number on the driver's side door pillar. Open the door and look around the area where the door latches to the car. A motorcycle's VIN is usually on the steering neck below the handlebars, although sometimes it's on the motor or on the frame near the motor. A semitrailer's VIN is located on the front part of the semitrailer on the left side.

If you can't find the VIN number on the vehicle, you should also be able to locate it on your vehicle's title or liability insurance documents.

How to Use the VIN Decoder to Do a VIN Number Check

Enter your vehicle's 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the field above to look up and receive an instant report on its manufacturer, brand, make and model, body style, engine size, assembly plant, and model year. The information is provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from the data submitted by the manufacturers to NHTSA. The VIN Decoder lookup is intended for use with vehicles manufactured since 1981. If your vehicle was made before 1981, the VIN will most likely contain 11 characters.

How to Decode the Vehicle Identification Number

Wondering what all the characters in your vehicle's VIN stand for?

Why the VIN Is Important

There are situations in which you will want to check a vehicle's VIN, since many data registries use it to record details of the vehicle's history. If you're interested in buying a used car, you can do a VIN lookup to get the vehicle history report and find records of its previous owners, accidents, and repairs. You can also find out if the manufacturer had ever issued a recall of the vehicle and whether those repairs were made. Finally, law enforcement agencies do a VIN check to identify vehicles that have been stolen.

Model Year Character Codes

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI): Country of Origin Character Codes

The first three characters of every VIN number uniquely identify the manufacturer of the vehicle. This is called the World Manufacturer Identifier or WMI code.

Helpful Resources

• Bill of Sale Template
• DMV Handbook
• CDL Handbook
• DMV Near Me: Office Locator
• DMV Road Test
• Driving Tips and Tricks

Click icon to share

Check & Decode Any VIN For Free

Comprehensive vehicle history, market value, specifications, car title check and more.

Never buy a used car without knowing its history!

Watch out for these issues revealed by over 500,000 free vehicle history reports..

• 1 in every 5 cars is a SALVAGED car
• 1 in every 15 cars is REBUILT
• 1 in every 25 cars has been involved in an ACCIDENT
• 1 in every 50 cars has a TAMPERED ODOMETER
• 1 in every 100 cars has been DAMAGED BY FLOOD

Why VINCheck.info

Vehicle Specifications

Safety ratings, equipment details, fuel efficiency, market value, recalls & defects, sale history, free vin check and vin lookup in 3 easy steps.

Step 1 : Look for the VIN.

Look for the VIN. It is typically found on the inside of the driver’s door jamb and windshield.

Step 2 : Start the VIN search.

Enter the VIN into the search box. Hit " Continue " and wait for the system to find the VIN in the  database.

Step 3 : Get Vehicle History.

Browse the 10-page report or enter email address to receive a copy via email.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a vehicle identification number (vin).

The VIN is the car’s fingerprint, a unique vehicle identifier composed of 17 characters (digits and capital letters). Each section of the VIN stands for the car’s unique features, specifications, make and model, and other information. VinCheck.info’s VIN search tool decodes these details and checks all records associated with the VIN.

Where can I find the VIN number?

You will find the VIN from outside the vehicle by looking at the dashboard on the driver’s side or on a sticker on the door jamb of the driver’s door. The VIN is also written on the title, vehicle registration, and insurance documents.

Why does the VIN checker say “Invalid VIN”?

The VIN lookup tool displays "Invalid VIN" if there are errors in copying the 17-character combination. Make sure to accurately input the valid characters. The letters O (o), I (i), and Q (q) are not part of the standard format to prevent confusion with numerals 0, 1, and 9.

What is a VIN check?

A VIN check is a process of verifying and retrieving information about a vehicle using its unique VIN number. It can provide details about the vehicle's history, including ownership, accident history, and more.

What are the limitations of free VIN lookup services?

Basically, running a VIN lookup free of charge can generate a vehicle history report. However, many free VIN lookup services only provide basic car history. Traditionally, comprehensive reports are offered by paid providers. VinCheck.info has changed the conventional paywall model by offering full vehicle history reports for free, with advertisers covering the cost.

What are the differences between a VIN decoder and a VIN number check?

While a VIN decoder focuses on providing basic vehicle details based on the VIN numbers or characters, a VIN check offers a deeper and more thorough examination of a vehicle's history and background. VinCheck.info is a VIN check tool that decodes basic vehicle manufacturing details and traces the vehicle’s past based on data from a wide network of information sources.

Why should I run a VIN lookup?

Buyers, as well as sellers, can get a full vehicle history report by running a VIN search. If you want to buy a used car, you’d want to run a VIN number lookup to make sure it did not have any major issues in the past. As a car owner, you may want to have a vehicle history report you can present to a buyer if you want to sell your car.

What can a free vehicle history report tell me?

The VinCheck.info free vehicle history report is a comprehensive 10-page report that offers critical details on a used car collated from industry and government sources. Basically, it presents a used car’s past and current condition, including:

• vehicle specifications
• equipment details
• market value
• fuel efficiency
• safety rating
• inspection checklist
• recalls and defects
• auto insurance information

Can I perform a VIN search legally for any vehicle?

It is generally legal to perform a VIN check on a vehicle you own or are considering purchasing. You can run a free VIN check for any model or make if you have the VIN. However, it's important to use this information responsibly and not for illegal purposes, such as attempting to clone or steal a vehicle.

• Free VIN Check

Motorcycle VIN Check and Lookup

Lookup Motorcycle VIN Number and get Full VIN History Report

If you're a motorcycle enthusiast, you know how important it is to find the perfect ride. One way is to get the facts from the seller. But not everyone is forthcoming with the critical details about the bike's history that can allow you to make an informed decision.

It’s difficult for all the information to trickle down from the original owner. Then comes the challenge of dealing with dishonest sellers looking to get rid of the bike after it has been stolen , involved in accidents or crimes. Luckily, you have the best tool in your arsenal as a buyer, and that’s our motorcycle VIN check tool!

What is a Motorcycle VIN Check?

You check motorcycle VIN to find out the history of a motorcycle based on its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) , which is a unique 17-digit code that identifies each motorcycle. Looking up the VIN can tell you things like:

• Year, make, model, and original motorcycle shade.
• Number of previous owners and how long they owned it.
• Reported mileage and maintenance records.
• Accident and damage history.
• Title and registration status.
• Theft and recovery incidents.
• Past recalls .

Note that by itself, the VIN number is static and doesn’t change throughout the motorcycle’s history. The reason you can obtain information about past accidents or theft records is that it’s used by DMVs , repair facilities, and law enforcement agencies to track all incidents associated with the motorcycle throughout its history, even across borders.

Why is a Check Important?

Knowing the full history and specifications of a motorcycle by ordering a bike VIN check can help you protect your investment and enjoy your motorcycle for many years to come. You get peace of mind knowing that you are buying a reliable and trustworthy unit that has no hidden problems or risks.

Here are some audits conducted when you check motorcycle VIN and their importance:

Specification

Unlike cars, motorcycles may not have easily visible indicators of their brand, model, or engine capacity. Sometimes, only avid enthusiasts can tell the difference between various models and years.

The VIN provides a way for anyone despite their knowledge of motorcycles to find out the exact specifications of the model . Just run the VIN through the bike serial number checker to learn about the manufacturer’s specs, which can aid in determining if it has been modified in any way or if the identifier belongs to the unit.

Title Check

The serial number bike check can reveal the status of the title from DMV entries. You can determine if you’re buying a motorcycle with a clean or branded title.

Titles branded as salvage or rebuilt indicate that the unit was heavily damaged in the past. The title may be branded as recovered signaling that it was recovered after theft. The branded status generally increases the insurance premiums and can make units difficult to resell.

Stolen Check

Our VIN number lookup tool can help you avoid buying a stolen motorcycle, which can attract potential legal trouble and financial losses.

That said, some sellers may try to hide the fact that the motorcycle has been reported stolen by changing the VIN. So, be on guard for any inconsistencies in the bike’s specifications and title documents.

Additionally, review the registration records in the VIN Check report to determine when ownership changed hands. It should be consistent with the year the seller claims to have bought the motorcycle.

Odometer Records

Before selling the bike, some sellers may tamper with the odometer or falsify the service records to make the motorcycle appear more valuable than it is. A bike VIN lookup will contain past reported odometer readings. While it may not show the current mileage, you can use past readings along with the anticipated usage to determine if the mileage reading is consistent.

DMV VIN Check

With our motorcycle VIN report, you can obtain records from all DMV jurisdictions where the motorcycle was registered. These records are crucial because they can show you the status of the unit’s title , such as clean, salvage, rebuilt, etc. You can also see any accident records, reported mileages, outstanding liens, and specifications.

As the information comes from multiple DMV records, you can better avoid incidences of title-washing, where motorcycles are registered in different jurisdictions to ‘wash’ their previous title status.

Motorcycle Value by VIN

A motorcycle VIN search can reveal detailed information about the features, specifications, model and year. This info serves as a starting point for additional research into what similar models are currently selling for. You can also better compare different motorcycles under consideration to find the one that suits your needs and budget.

Where Is the VIN on a Motorcycle?

A method that always works when trying to find the position of the VIN is to check the motorcycle's manual . In the preface, you may find a diagram with the location of the VIN.

If you don’t have the paper manual, just search for PDF versions online. Another trick is to carry out searches on related forums.

We’ve done most of this work for you, and here are known locations for VINs for popular brands:

The VIN location for Honda motorcycles varies depending on the model and year. However, a common place to look for it is on the steering head , which is the metal frame that connects the front fork to the rest of the bike. Turn the handlebars to the left and look at the right side of the steering head.

Ducati motorcycles have two identification numbers: one for the engine and one for the frame.

You’ll find the stamped VIN on the right side of the steering head that connects the steering head to the front fork. The engine number is located on the left side of the engine, just below the rear carburetor.

If you need to locate the VIN number on your Yamaha motorcycle , you can check the following places:

• On the head tube that connects to the front forks. It should be stamped on the left side.
• On the steering head that holds the steering stem and bearings. Check on the left side of the steering head, but some models may have the number on the right side.
• On the engine housing underneath the radiator, or behind the attachment for the left shock. On some models, the engine number may match the VIN number on the frame when the bike is new and will differ when the engine has been replaced or modified.

To locate the VIN number on your Suzuki motorcycle, you can check one of the following places:

• The cycle’s frame, where it is stamped directly on the metal. Check the right side of the steering head.
• One the VIN decal or identification plate, which is attached to the cycle’s frame. It may be in the same location as the stamped VIN number or a different spot.
• A plate riveted to the neck of the cycle, which also displays the VIN number. Turn the handlebars to the left or right to make it visible.

On Kawasaki motorcycles, the VIN can be found in different locations depending on the model and year. Here are some possible placements on Kawasaki motorcycles:

• On the frame neck or steering header from the right side. It’s the most common location for most Kawasaki models.
• On a metal plate attached to the frame near the front fork or on the side of the frame for older models or custom bikes.
• On an engraved sticker or label on the frame or under the seat for newer models of bikes with special features.

Here are some possible placements for the VIN number on BMW motorcycles:

• On the steering head bearing/front forks. It’s where the handlebars connect to the frame of the bike. You may need to turn the handlebars to see the VIN clearly.
• On a metal plate attached to the frame near the engine. The plate may also have other information such as the engine number and the production date.
• On a sticker on the rear wheel swingarm. It’s the part that connects the rear wheel to the frame and allows it to move up and down. The sticker may be on either side of the swing arm or the bottom.

You can find the VIN on the chassis plate of your bike, located in the headstock area where the front fork and handlebar attach to the frame. You may need to remove some parts or use a flashlight to see the VIN.

The location of the VIN on the KTM motorcycle varies depending on the model and year. However, some common places to find it are:

• On the steering head tube behind the front number plate.
• Right side of the frame, near the foot peg or brake pedal.
• On a metal plate attached to the frame, under the seat, or near the fuel tank.

Indian Motorcycle

The VIN on most Indian motorcycles is located on the left side of the frame, near the steering head. You can also find the VIN on a sticker on the right side of the engine case, below the oil filter.

Harley-Davidson

The VIN can be found on different parts of the HD motorcycle depending on the model and year. Some common locations are:

• On a metal plate attached to the frame near the steering head;
• On the engine case on the right side;
• Left side of the frame near the rear wheel;

How Can I Check a Motorcycle VIN for Free?

To compare different units, you can start with a free Motorcycle VIN check report that shows some basic facts . However, if you want to know the complete history of the motorcycle, it is recommended that you get a full paid report that reveals all the important details from its past.

A free report will help you narrow down your options, and the paid motorcycle VIN report can help you make the final decision.

Dirt Bike VIN Check

While dirt bikes are motorcycles designed for off-road use, they also have a 17-digit identification number like other motorcycles. The VIN number can be used to perform a VIN check, allowing you to obtain a specification and full history report that contains information from various vehicle databases. For instance, the dirt bike VIN lookup can allow you to verify the bike's ownership, mileage, accident history, and other important details that will make your purchase safer.

How to Do a Check?

Our VIN check tool is responsive and fully updated with the latest database entries. You don’t need any special automotive knowledge to use it. Simply complete your search in four simple steps and obtain a full history report from the motorcycle VIN lookup tool:

• Click on the link and find the VIN search bar at the top of the page.
• Enter the VIN of the motorcycle you are interested in the search field.
• Press the " Check VIN " button.
• A detailed report of the motorcycle’s specifications will appear on your screen in an instant.

Note that this is the preliminary free report from the VIN information. The screen will display categories of paid information that will be available if you decide to order the full report. You can choose from several payment packages and receive the entire record going back to the first moment the motorcycle was registered.

Never in history has it been so fast and easy to obtain such information. It’s like using a time machine that reveals hidden details about past accidents, damages, repossessions, loans/liens, reported odometer readings, and more. What’s more, the data comes from trusted and official sources.

Buying a motorcycle can be risky if you don't know its history and specifications. You might end up with a stolen, heavily modified, or damaged bike that could cost you more in the long run.

To avoid this, you should always request a thorough check on the bike from a motorcycle VIN lookup service before you buy it. This will help you verify its authenticity, condition, and value.

So, don't miss this opportunity to get a complete motorcycle VIN number lookup from us. FAXVIN has through the years saved buyers from serious issues, ensuring that they always end up with the best value for their money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this article helpful?

VIN DECODING

For all makes and models.

Powered by OE Build Data

VIN Matching

Compare two VIN’s and immediately see which components match and which components do not match. Our proprietary matching algorithms allow you to instantly identify which components are a match between vehicles using OE Build Data and AI.

VIN Decoding

Our advanced VIN Decoder merges together data from multiple data sources to give you a single VIN Decoeder for all makes and models from 1980-current model year . It uses a combination of OE build data with AI to give you the most detailed single VIN decoding tool available.

Mileage History

Get the full mileage history for any car using the VIN or License plate. Our mileage history tool uses repair and service data as well as registration data to give you the full picture of a vehicle’s mileage history. Coming soon: Current mileage estimate using AI.

Plate To VIN

Getting a full 17 digits of a VIN over the phone is really hard. Our Plate to VIN tool allows you to enter a license plate and decode your customer’s VIN in seconds without mistakes even if you have really fat fingers.

Available Brands

VIN Match Pro decodes ALL makes and models sold in the United States for ALL model years from 1980-current. We have combined data from multiple sources with OE Build Data available for over 90% of production vehicles sold in the US. We are adding new data sources regularly to expand our coverage with the goal of getting to 100% coverage. For brands without OE Build Data, we offer AI enhanced VIN decoding that is far more comprehensive than any other options available.

• Mercedes Benz
• Lamborghini
• Aston Martin
• Rolls Royce

Starter Plan

Plate to VIN Lookup

VIN Decodes & Matches

$0.75 Per VIN

OE Build Data Access

$0.60 Per Additional VIN

Professional Plan

$0.50 Per Additional VIN

Need More Than 500 VIN’s per month?

What is a VIN Match?

VIN Match Pro decodes all makes and models. We have OE Build Data available for over 90% and we are adding new data sources regularly to expand our coverage. See chart for the brands that we currently offer OE Build Data powered VIN Decoding.

For brands without OE Build Data, we offer AI enhanced VIN decoding that is far more comprehensive than any other options available.

VIN Match Pro decodes all makes and models. We have OE Build Data available for over 80% and we are adding new data sources regularly to expand our coverage. See chart for the brands that we currently offer OE Build Data powered VIN Decoding.

Idaho License Plate Lookup

License Plate Search

• Vehicle Details
• Vehicle Specs
• Recalls and Defects
• Public Records
• Vehicle Identification Number
• Recalls And Defects

License Plate Lookup in Idaho

• Driver criminal history
• Vehicle registration
• Mileage and odometer readings
• Title Information
• Recent vehicle inspection information
• Vehicle's registration details
• Vehicle information and description
• Accident history
• Repossession history
• Weather/natural damage
• Maintenance history

What is an Idaho License Plate?

The Idaho Transportation Department also allows motorists to show their support for a particular cause or hobby through the license plates issued. These include agriculture, white water rafting, Idaho mountain biking, aviation, and firefighters.

Idaho permits motorists to personalize their license plates subject to approval by the ITD. The state also issues souvenir plates for novelty purposes. Souvenir license plates cannot be used legally as a license plate affixed to vehicles.

Passenger License Plates vs. Commercial License Plates

The requirements for obtaining a passenger license plate are the same as obtaining a standard license plate in Idaho.

How Do I Get a License Plate in Idaho?

To complete a registration for a vehicle in Idaho:

• The vehicle must be owned by a resident or business in Idaho.
• The owner of the vehicle must have completed the vehicle title. A vehicle owner may apply for registration immediately after submitting the required documents to a county assessor's motor vehicle office.
• New residents in Idaho must complete vehicle title and registration within 90 days.

Per Idaho regulations, anyone whose principal home has been in Idaho for 90 continuous days qualifies as an Idaho resident, although residency may be declared at any time earlier; vehicles may also be titled and registered at the time residency is declared by the new resident.

To complete vehicle registration and title, the following are required:

• Personal identification.
• The current vehicle title and registration. If the automobile is not titled in the registrant's name, it is recommended that the registrant ensures that the title has been signed over by the seller and the bill of sale has been obtained from the seller. The ITD requires that the lienholder's address and name be provided if a lienholder holds the title. A duplicate title obtained from the state of initial issuance is required if the vehicle title has been lost.
• Cash or check payment of the applicable fees and taxes.

Although additional processing and administration fees may apply, the total cost to register a vehicle depends on:

• County of residence
• Type or weight of the vehicle
• Vehicle age
• Inspection requirements

The State of Idaho set a basic annual registration fee for passenger vehicles with a maximum gross weight of 8,000 pounds as follows:

$69 for vehicles between one and two years.

$57 for vehicles between three and six years old.

$45 for vehicles seven years or older:

• For electric vehicles: An additional $140 per year. Neighborhood electric vehicles are exempt.
• For plug-in hybrid vehicles: An additional $75 per year.

Idaho Transportation Department 3311 W. State Street P.O. Box 7129 Boise, ID 83707-1129 Phone: (208) 334-8000

Third-party aggregate sites are a reliable alternative for obtaining license plate information. These sites are maintained by independent establishments which collate the information from government-run repositories. Obtaining records from these sites often proves substantially easier than government alternatives. However, requestors may be required to provide any information required to facilitate the record search and pay any required fees to access the record of interest.

How Can I Find the Owner of a License Plate in Idaho?

A license plate lookup may be performed to find the owner of a vehicle registered in Idaho with an Idaho license plate. An Idaho license plate lookup will provide publicly available information on a license plate's registration in the state. While this information may not include the car owner's name or contact information for privacy reasons, it will consist of information that aids in identifying the vehicle owner.

Idaho License Plate Renewal

To complete the renewal process, the following are required:

• Proof of physical address in Idaho.
• A state-issued driver's license or identification card.
• The vehicle plate number.
• The last six digits or characters of the vehicle identification number.
• A credit or debit card or PayPal account. A MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover credit or debit card is accepted. Additional service fee applies for online renewals.
• EIN filed with the state Tax Commission. This applies to businesses.

Can You Look Up License Plates with VIN?

A vehicle's license plate number is linked to its VIN number in public vehicle records. The Idaho BMV obtains information about vehicles when owners complete vehicle registrations. The VIN number is one of the vehicle information that registrants will provide. Hence, if the VIN number is known, you can retrieve the license plate number.

VIN Number Lookup

By conducting a VIN lookup, you put the VIN in a search tool to obtain information about the vehicle from the database of vehicle registration agencies. Conducting a VIN lookup is one of the safest methods of establishing the vehicle's true identity and ascertaining if the vehicle is suspect or not. Before performing a VIN lookup, you must find the VIN on the vehicle. The VIN number may be imprinted into the chassis of a vehicle, usually in the engine bay or underneath the plastic trim around the driver or passenger door opening. The VIN number may also be repeated in other parts of a vehicle. VIN can be found on the front of the car frame or beneath the spare tire.

By conducting a VIN lookup, you can obtain information about the vehicle such as:

• Past ownership
• Vehicle maintenance
• Flood damage
• Airbag deployments
• Liens held on the vehicle
• Faulty odometer settings

Can Civilians Lookup License Plates in Idaho?

What do police see when they run your plates in idaho.

In Idaho, there are different categories of information police officers have access to when they run a motorist license plate. These include the vehicle and license plate details, such as the vehicle’s year, make, model, the name of the registered owner of the vehicle, and the license plate’s expiration date.

Police officers will also be alerted if the vehicle or the license plate has been reported stolen or used in a crime. If the current driver is the registered owner of the vehicle, police officers may also conduct a secondary search to retrieve their driver’s license details as well as other personal details. These personal details include their name, social security number, date of birth, and address. Police officers may also run the driver’s details through their databases and other databases to find if there are any active warrants for the driver’s arrest.

Free License Plate Lookup in Idaho

Individuals who want to look up license plates for free in Idaho would need to use services and online tools provided by different third-party websites online. Although most third-party website charges their users a fee to use the license plate lookup services and tools they offer, some website may provide limited access to these tools for free.

As a result, when free license plate searches are carried out, they typically only yield minimal information about the vehicle associated with the license plate in question. In most cases, inquirers must pay a fee for more thorough information and additional reports.

How to Search for Ticket by License Plate in Idaho