How To Check Your VIN

The Lone Star state is well-known in Texas. Many drivers enjoy driving around this state because of the beautiful scenery and spectacular sunsets and sunrises that can be seen from their cars. You can buy a cheap used car if you want to see it but don't have a personal vehicle. However, to purchase a safe vehicle, you only need to know the VIN ID code.

Overview of Texas VIN

This code is made up of 17 characters. It can provide you with information about the technical specifications and history. You can use a free VIN check in Texas to learn motorcycle or car fundamentals. Paste the code and wait a few moments to see the results. To obtain a complete report, you must use a paid Texas VIN check. The check time is about a few minutes, regardless of which variant you select.

Texas DMV VIN Check

There are two ways to check the car's history. The first step is to take the code to your local Texas DMV VIN check office. You can do it online if you want to save time. You will receive similar reports with varying designs. The online VIN check in Texas, on the other hand, will provide the following information:
  • Accidents on the road have a long history. When a driver is involved in an accident, the police arrive and file a report. You will see information about all accidents that have been reported.
  • The flaws that occurred during the manufacturing process. If you notice that the defect was not repaired, you should inquire why this was not done. In this case, you have the option of negotiating the price.
  • The information on liens and loans. If there is a balance that hasn't been paid off, you buy it along with the car. In this case, you can also bargain on the price.
  • The information on thefts. Buying a stolen car is dangerous and illegal. In such a case, you should contact the police.
  • Engine specifications and information about the car's condition and equipment on the day it was manufactured.
  • Every time the car was registered, the odometer readings were reported.
  • The flood, fire, and hail damage information. It will keep you from making a risky purchase.
  • You'll be able to tell whether the vehicle was used for personal, taxi, or police purposes.
  • In addition, you will receive the service, inspection, and registration history.
The most common data sources collected for you to check the car's history are car operators, car manufacturers, state inspection stations, the U.S. NMVTIS, Canadian motor vehicle agencies, insurance companies, and other reliable databases.

Methods Of Locating the VIN

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is analogous to your vehicle's fingerprint. Every automobile should be assigned a unique number that can be used to identify it. Look for the VIN in a variety of places on the vehicle. The VIN can also be found on many car documents, such as the title or registration. Because thieves will tamper with the VIN label, you should inspect it thoroughly before purchasing a used car.

In The Car

Dashboard

Examine the dashboard. The majority of VIN plates are located on the lower left side of the dashboard. Place yourself in the driver's seat and look at the dashboard in front of the steering wheel. You may see the VIN more easily if you stand outside the vehicle and look through the windshield.
  • If the vehicle was manufactured after 1981, the VIN should have 17 characters.
  • Before that date, vehicles had VINs ranging from 11 to 17 characters.
  • A typical VIN is 1HGBM22JXMN109186.

The Front of the Car Frame

The VIN can sometimes be found near the windshield washer container on the car frame. Check by crouching in front of the car on the driver's side.

Spare Tire

The VIN can sometimes be found beneath the spare tire, usually in the trunk. Pick up the tire to inspect it.

Driver Side Door

The VIN should also be displayed on the Federal Safety Certification Label, standard in all new vehicles. This label should appear in the following locations on the driver's side door:
  • On the driver's side doorframe. Examine the area where the door latches while the door is open. It should be close to the seatbelt release.
  • The inside of the driver's doorjamb. Open the door and take a look ahead. The VIN should be located inside the doorjamb, where the mirror is when the door is closed.

Rear Wheel

Crawl beside the vehicle, near the rear wheel on the driver's side. Examine the well above the tire. The VIN could be found inside the wheel well.

The Engine Block

Open the hood and inspect the engine's front end. Some manufacturers affix a body plate with the VIN or a portion of the VIN (typically the last eight characters). This plate should be secured to the engine compartment's firewall.

Paperwork

Car Title

The VIN can be found on the title document. It will appear in different places depending on your state, but it should be near the top of the title.

Registration Card

Your vehicle identification number (VIN) should also appear on your registration card. If you don't have a registration card for your vehicle, contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

Owner's Manual

The VIN should also be included in the owner's manual that came with the vehicle. If the vehicle is new, the owner's manual should be included. However, if you bought a used car, you might not have it.

Insurance

You most likely had to provide the VIN to your insurer, so consult your insurance card or policy. The vehicle identification number (VIN) should be listed there.

Federal Safety Certification Label

Newer vehicles are required by law to have a safety label that includes the VIN. This label is usually found inside the driver's side door and is attached to the back or front door pillar post. It could also be on the door. Look for signs that the label has been tampered with:
  • The label should be completely adhered to the vehicle, with no loose corners.
  • The label should be free of tears and scratches. Pay special attention to the VIN.
  • The label should be coated in a gleaming clear coat.
  • The label should be smooth and free of scratches.
  • A screw or rust-proofing material should not be used to obscure the label partially.
  • The VIN on the certification label should correspond to the VINs on the vehicle.