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Looking For Authorized VIN Verifiers? Here Are Your Options

Did you recently move to a different state and are thinking about verifying your automobile? Have you bought a vehicle from a different state or another country and wonder whether you need to register it? Well, all vehicles on state roads need to appear in the state DMV database, and the only way to do that is through a vehicle inspection. While the process is necessary to prioritize the adherence to safety and environmental standards on the road, you'll also get various benefits. Verifying your vehicle will protect you from fraudulent activity if someone attempts to register your vehicle elsewhere. Also, having an official record of vehicle possession will enable you to verify ownership if someone steals your automobile. So, where can you get VIN verification?


The DMV

Generally, the state Department of Motor Vehicles oversees VIN inspection procedures by designating an authorized DMV vehicle inspector. While the process is usually free of charge, it can come with some drawbacks. The DMV employee cannot come to you or your vehicle's location at a time of your choosing. You'll have to take your vehicle to the DMV location. That can be difficult to achieve if you have an inoperable vehicle or a busy schedule, especially if the DMV location is far from your residence or business premises.


Highway Patrol

Like the DMV, the highway patrol offers VIN verification services for free. The option also necessitates that you take your vehicle to the location of the VIN verifier. That means you're likely to find it challenging to tow your vehicle if you have to travel for miles. Additionally, the highway patrol officers generally allow VIN inspections by appointment or referral from the DMV only, thereby eliminating the convenience of working on your schedule.


Motor Clubs

Some auto clubs like AAA offer VIN inspection services. However, you first have to join the club to enjoy the service since these clubs don't serve non-members. The good news is you'll also get the service free of charge as it's included in your membership fee, but you'll have to compromise and take your vehicle to the auto club's VIN verify place.


Licensed Mobile VIN Verifiers

If you're looking for convenience during VIN verification, you should opt for mobile vehicle verifiers. These are people or agencies licensed and authorized by the DMV to conduct vehicle inspections. They'll come to the location your vehicle is at the time you want, but you'll part with some bucks. However, some restrictions apply. Licensed mobile verifiers can't process certain vehicles (you'll have to go to the DMV or law officers), including revived salvage vehicles, specifically constructed vehicles (SPCNS), disassembled or incomplete vehicles, and direct import or gray market vehicles.

What Does A VIN Verifier Check?

Sometimes, the DMV requires that you get VIN verification for some vehicles and situations. The process generally involves checking the vehicle identification number and a physical inspection to ascertain that the features on paper (or DMV system) are on your car. You might have to get an inspection if your car isn't in the DMV system because it fell out of it or is old and isn't in the updated system. Another scenario that could warrant an inspection is if you changed your vehicle's body configuration such that it requires a new body type model. Also, VIN verification is necessary if you want to change incorrect information or you've purchased an out-of-state vehicle. But, what exactly does a VIN verifier check?


The VIN Inspection Checklist

The first thing that the authorized vehicle verifier will check is the vehicle identification number, which should be unique to your car. No other vehicle must have an identity similar to yours to deter any fraudulent activities. VIN verification also involves inspecting certain aspects of your vehicle. These include:

  • The license plate

  • Type of vehicle, including the fuel type, wheels, axels, and body type

  • Vehicle details like the odometer reading, color, make, and model

  • Emissions labels

  • Federal certifications

Note that VIN inspections are only viable for complete vehicles. If you have unassembled vehicles (or parts), an authorized vehicle verifier may fail to help you out. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure your vehicle is complete and has all its parts before initiating the inspection process and ending up wasting too much time and money in the process.

Did you know that VIN inspections also spread out to motorcycles? If you bought your motorcycle out of state or want to change its engine case, you'll need to get a VIN inspection. A VIN motorcycle inspection generally checks rearview mirrors, brake lights, daytime headlights for vehicles manufactured after 1977, and turn signals for vehicles manufactured after 1972.


How Do You Get VIN Verification?

If you need to schedule VIN verification, you'll have to contact authorized inspectors who must document and sign off the official Verification of Vehicle form. Authorized vehicle inspectors include:


  • Official DMV inspectors

  • Peace officers such as military police

  • Highway patrol officers

  • Auto club employees

  • Licensed VIN verifiers


Note that neither the DMV nor the highway patrol officers charge a VIN verification fee. However, unlike a licensed VIN verifier, they'll not travel to your location even if you find it impossible to go to them. Moreover, these inspectors usually work on an appointment basis, meaning you may find it difficult to complete your vehicle registration if you're a busy person. For a small fee, licensed VIN verifiers can travel to where your vehicle is located at the time of inspection and eliminate any hassles.

The Benefits Of VIN Verification When Purchasing A Vehicle

Like any other machine, vehicles can wear and tear after a certain period. Therefore, how can you tell you're buying a potent vehicle? VIN verification can come in handy here. The process involves physically inspecting a vehicle and recording its features. Before purchasing a vehicle (whether new or second-hand), scheduling VIN verification to find out everything about it would be wise. Note that some benefits aren't apparent, as you'll find out.


Proving Vehicle Ownership

One of the primary reasons for VIN verification is to match the vehicle identification number to its ownership documents. Sometimes, it can list the current and previous owners. That means you can easily tell whether the seller owns the vehicle or if they're a fraud. Additionally, VIN verification can determine if the automobile is stolen property and save you from trouble with law enforcement officers in the future. Getting a vehicle inspection gives you peace of mind that you're buying authentic property.


Verifying Emissions And Federal Certification Requirements

Every state has different provisions for safety and standard emissions. If you're purchasing a vehicle out-of-state, knowing which vehicle will pass standard checks at the DMV can be challenging. A VIN verifier will ensure that the vehicle you purchase has no emissions or safety concerns. That way, you won't waste money buying a vehicle that will be unroadworthy in your state.


Getting The Features And Specs Right

VIN inspections involve recording various aspects of the vehicle, including what it was before if it underwent a major change. You'll get the full inventory of the car's description and parts, for instance, the make, year, model, vehicle configuration, odometer, and fuel type. The list will come in handy when you need to order new parts and want the correct fit. Besides confirming you're purchasing the accurate vehicle, VIN verification ensures that the seller provides every piece of equipment, including the optional items.


Easing The Vehicle Insurance Process

Insurance carriers will also check your vehicle's identification number before agreeing to cover it. That's because they want a guarantee that they're covering the right vehicle, and they can't do so based on your word alone. A VIN will provide the exact details of the vehicle to ensure that the insurance carrier offers the correct quote per the vehicle model. Additionally, you'll be sure that you aren't paying excessive premiums due to a mistake since VIN inspections often provide the correct information.


Identifying Open Recalls

When purchasing a used vehicle, it's highly unlikely you'll know whether it has an open recall. VIN inspections help figure the make, year, and model of your car, which can help identify general recall information. You can then take care of the recall before driving your vehicle in your state.


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Quick VIN Verification 

3838 W Carson St Ste 314

Torrance, CA 90503

310-598-5343


https://www.vinverifications.com/vin-verification/los-angeles-county/

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Quick VIN Verification, a VIN verifier, offers vehicle verification services for automobiles. We work closely with Quick Auto Tags, a registration service, to get your vehicle titled and licensed. After the VIN verification, you will only require some documents to conclude the vehicle registration process.