How to look up owner of vehicle by VIN?
Asked by: Kian Koelpin | Last update: November 11, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (59 votes)
Can a VIN number tell you who owns the car?
You can find out what state the car was owned in and how many owners it had… but not the name of the current owner. You would need to run a license plate number for that and it is illegal for anyone not in law enforcement to do so.
How to find the owner of a vehicle by VIN for free?
Yes, you can check a VIN for free using platforms like VinCheckPro, iSeeCars or the National Insurance Crime Bureau's VINCheck tool. Each offers valuable information at no cost.
How to find the current owner of a vehicle?
Contact the Registry of Motor Vehicles or your local corresponding agency. If you provide the Registry of Motor Vehicles with a car's license plate or VIN, they will use that information to identify the owner.
Can you get personal information from a VIN number?
It should go without saying that anyone willing to steal your physical vehicle identification numbers can also gain access to and steal your identity. They can very easily discover your name, address, nationality, age, etc. all through your VIN. With that type of information, they can do further harm.
How To Check Ownership Of A Vehicle With VIN (How To Find Owner Of A Vehicle With VIN)
What can someone look up with a VIN number?
A VIN is usually composed of:
17 characters including digits and capital letters, that acts as a unique identifier for your car. The VIN number tells you when and where the car was built. It tells you the manufacturer, year, make and model, and the trim level including unique features and specifications.
How to run a VIN number for free?
- J.D. Power VIN Lookup & Decoder. The J.D. Power VIN Lookup & Decoder is a free VIN lookup tool that gives buyers in-depth information about any vehicle. ...
- National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) VINCheck® Lookup. ...
- CarFax.
Does Carfax give you the owner's name?
CARFAX Vehicle History Reports are intended to provide data regarding vehicle history and do not relate to individuals.
Are VIN numbers public record?
VINs contain data about the vehicle's options and manufacturing and a unique serial number. Government-maintained VIN histories include service records and information about current and previous owners, but don't worry, this data is not public record. Contrary to the rumors, it is perfectly safe to give out your VIN.
Is a VIN number proof of ownership?
The title serves as proof of ownership and includes identifying information about the vehicle, such as its make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN). A title is essential for registering or selling a vehicle. An understanding of the different title types is important when car shopping.
How do I run a VIN number for information?
- Step 1: Go to https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/ and enter the full VIN into NHTSA's VIN decoder, then click Decode VIN. Example.
- 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.
Can a VIN number be traced?
The VIN is a unique code assigned to every vehicle and contains important information about the car, including its make, model, year, and country of manufacture. By tracing a car's VIN, you can uncover important details about its history, such as accidents, repairs, and ownership history.
How to locate a stolen car by VIN for free?
Use NICB's Free VINCheck® Service
NICB's VINCheck is a free service provided to the public to assist in determining if a vehicle has been reported as stolen, but not recovered, or has been reported as a salvage vehicle by cooperating NICB member insurance companies.
What information is attached to a VIN number?
World Manufacturer Identifier: The first three digits define the vehicle's country of origin, manufacturer, region where it was produced, and its type or manufacturing division. Vehicle Description: The next six digits describe the car's model, body, restraint system, transmission, engine, and fraud detector.
How to check Carfax for free?
A free CARFAX report is also available through many dealer websites. As you browse a dealer's used car inventory, look for links to free CARFAX Reports. If a link is unavailable, contact the dealer and ask them for the CARFAX Report. Free CARFAX Reports are available at many car dealerships in your area.
How to find the previous owner of a vehicle?
How can I learn a vehicle's history? Visit the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) website, vehiclehistory.gov, to get a vehicle history report with title, insurance loss, and salvage information.
Does CARFAX have title information?
Title History
CARFAX investigates whether the vehicle had flood, fire, or hail damage and an accurate odometer reading. The title section also shows the type of title, such as Rebuilt, Junk, Salvage, or Lemon.
Is VIN private information?
VIN numbers are not typically considered confidential. In fact, they are often displayed prominently on a vehicle's windshield and registration documents. A VIN is a unique 17-digit code that identifies a specific vehicle.
How to find owner of car by VIN?
- National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS)
- State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Commercial Vehicle History Report Services.
- Insurance Companies.
- Lien Check Services.
Is there a truly free VIN lookup?
NICB's VINCheck is a free lookup service provided to the public to assist in determining if a vehicle may have a record of an insurance theft claim, and has not been recovered, or has ever been reported as a salvage vehicle by participating NICB member insurance companies.
Can you run a VIN number yourself?
You can obtain a free VIN check by entering it in the VIN check box below under "Run an AutoCheck ® vehicle history report." Enter your VIN in the space provided and click "Check VIN." (You can obtain your free VIN check without having to purchase anything.)
How do I find the registered owner of a car for free?
One way is to check with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the state where the car is registered. You can also contact a law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the vehicle is currently located. Finally, you can use an online search service like CarFax or AutoCheck.
Is vehicle VIN public information?
Even so, there is no danger, as VIN data is not public. It's just meant to give your car a unique identity.
Can you trace a car with VIN number?
You can track a stolen car online with the vehicle identification number. VIN not only helps you check the lost car but also plays an important role on stolen car search. You can follow these steps on how to locate a stolen car by VIN. Go to AutoCheck, and purchase a vehicle history report.