Guides

Start with your state, then your situation

VIN verification rules often change based on why you are titling or registering the vehicle. Out-of-state titles, salvage or rebuilt vehicles, bonded titles, and kit cars can follow different paths.

Try a ZIP like 30303, “Travis County” or “Columbus, OH”

VIN Verification

What is a VIN verification and when do you need one?

Learn what a VIN verification is, when you may need one, who can do it, what to bring, and how forms, fees, and rules vary by state.

Read the guide →

Car Registration

Registering a car from another state: the VIN step

Bringing a car from another state? Learn when VIN verification is required, who can do it, what to bring, and how rules differ by state.

Read the guide →

VIN inspections

Salvage and rebuilt vehicle VIN inspections

Learn when salvage and rebuilt vehicles need VIN inspections, who can do them, what papers to bring, and how state rules, forms, and fees differ.

Read the guide →

VIN inspections for trailers, kit cars and homemade vehicles

Learn how VIN inspections work for trailers, kit cars and homemade vehicles, including who inspects them, common forms, assigned VINs and fees.

Read the guide →

VIN verification

Who can do a VIN verification (DMV, police, licensed verifiers)

Who can do a VIN verification? Learn when DMV staff, police, notaries, dealers, and licensed verifiers can inspect a vehicle and what to check first.

Read the guide →

VIN Inspection

Mobile VIN verifiers: what to check before you hire one

Hiring a mobile VIN verifier? Learn how to check state rules, confirm credentials, avoid red flags, and make sure the inspection will count.

Read the guide →

VIN Issues

VIN doesn't match or the plate is missing: what now?

What to do when a VIN does not match the title or the plate is missing, including inspection steps, key documents, and when states assign a new VIN.

Read the guide →

Used Cars

How to decode and check a VIN before you buy

Learn how to decode a VIN and check recalls, title brands, salvage history, theft records, and mismatches before buying a used car.

Read the guide →

Vehicle Titles

VIN verification for a car bought without a title

Bought a car without a title? Learn when VIN verification matters, when you may need a bonded title, and how to check your state's rules.

Read the guide →

Boat HIN

HIN verification for boats

Learn what HIN verification for boats is, when you may need it, who can inspect it, where to find the number, and what to do next.

Read the guide →

VIN Inspections

VIN inspection after a stolen car is recovered

Learn when a recovered stolen car may need a VIN inspection, who can do it, what papers to bring, and how the rules can change by state.

Read the guide →