What can I do if my car doesn't have a VIN number?

Asked by: Odessa Grady  |  Last update: May 5, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (44 votes)

If you are sure the car never had a VIN, or something happened to it, you will have to contact your local DMV office. Each state has a different policy and procedure on what to do when you need a VIN. Some states will require an inspection by a DMV official or police officer to determine that there is, in fact, no VIN.

Is it illegal to not have a VIN?

States can have their own law against removing a VIN number. For example, California has several. The most severe carries up to: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in jail, and.

What to do if you can't find the VIN number?

  • Check Old Documents : Look through any old paperwork you might have, such as registration, insurance documents, or service records.
  • Contact Your Insurance Company : If you had insurance on the vehicle, your insurance company may have records that include the VIN.
  • Visit the DMV

Can a vehicle be sold without a VIN number?

Answer: The vehicle can't be sold without a public “vehicle identification number.” If the public VIN has been removed, the vehicle would need an inspection by the Driver Vehicle Services, which would result in getting a state-issued VIN (blue VIN).

Why would a VIN number not be found?

The most common reason for the dash VIN to be missing is a salvage rebuilt vehicle. Cars popular with tuners like Subaru and BMW sedans often end up crunched and rebuilt. The title should be ``branded'' indicating that status.

What To Do If Your Car Doesn't Have a VIN Number

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Where else can a VIN number be found?

You may find the VIN on the driver's side doorjamb, inside the glove compartment, on the right-hand dash panel, or the top left-hand side of the frame between the steering gearbox and firewall. The letters I, O, and Q are not included in a VIN to avoid confusion with the numbers 1 (One) and 0 (Zero).

How do I find my old car without the VIN?

How To Locate a Vehicle (Without the VIN)?
  1. Gather Any Available Information. Start by collecting any information you have about the vehicle. ...
  2. Contact The Police. ...
  3. Check Local Impound Lots. ...
  4. Use Online Resources. ...
  5. Check Online Marketplaces. ...
  6. Contact Local Mechanics and Auto Shops. ...
  7. Contact Dealerships. ...
  8. Check Vehicle History Reports.

How do I get a replacement VIN number?

To verify the VIN plate has been destroyed and the car isn't stolen an inspection is done by a police officer or DMV official. Take all recorded info with you to that inspection to help the process. The best place to begin the process of getting a new VIN number would the DMV.

Does a car have to have a VIN number?

In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the United States standardized the format. It required all on-road vehicles sold to contain a 17-character VIN, which does not include the letters O (o), I (i), and Q (q) (to avoid confusion with numerals 0, 1, and 9).

How do you get a VIN for a car that doesn't have one?

If you are sure the car never had a VIN, or something happened to it, you will have to contact your local DMV office. Each state has a different policy and procedure on what to do when you need a VIN. Some states will require an inspection by a DMV official or police officer to determine that there is, in fact, no VIN.

Can I look up my VIN number online?

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/.

Can I look up a VIN number by license plate?

You can search with a vehicle identification number (VIN), or you can search with a valid license plate number and state. Searching via a license plate and state is a terrific option if you can't find the VIN, it's hard to read or your car has no VIN. In the box below, simply enter the license plate number and state.

Can you create your own VIN number?

If you're titling a homebuilt vehicle or one where the frame and body do not have a VIN number, the state will issue a state-assigned VIN after the car passes inspection. There are also services you can look into that will get you a new VIN using the state's legal process.

Is it necessary to have a VIN number?

The VIN can be used to track recalls, registrations, insurance coverage, and history reports, making it an important tool for vehicle identification and ownership verification. Drivers can usually find it on the dashboard or inside the driver's side door frame.

Do cops check VIN?

They would usually run the plate number. One reason to run the VIN is if the plate returns to a different vehicle than the one on which that plate is.

How to replace missing VIN?

You may be able to keep its original registration number if you can prove the vehicle's original VIN . If you cannot, you'll have to apply for a replacement identity number. DVLA will give you an authorisation letter to get the vehicle stamped with the new VIN if your vehicle passes its assessment.

How can I recover my VIN number?

On the driver's side dashboard – stand outside the vehicle and look at the corner where the dashboard meets the windshield. In the driver's side door or door jamb – the VIN is usually printed on a sticker in that location.

What is the cheapest way to check VIN number?

Where Can I Get a Free VIN Check?
  • 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.

Where can I find VIN history?

  1. Bumper.com. An additional website is owned by the Approved NMVTIS Data Provider and sells vehicle history reports that include NMVTIS information; it is: BeenVerfied.com.
  2. Carsforsale.com. ...
  3. Carvertical.com.
  4. Checkthatvin.com.
  5. Clearvin.com.
  6. EpicVin.com. ...
  7. GoodCar.com. ...
  8. PolarisXchange.com.

Where is the VIN number on an old car?

If you have an older car, perhaps something from the '60s or '70s, you may find the VIN plate riveted on the driver's side quarter panel. The VIN no. of the car is going to be there.

How to find who owns a car by VIN?

Legal Methods for VIN Owner Lookup
  1. National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS)
  2. State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
  3. Commercial Vehicle History Report Services.
  4. Insurance Companies.
  5. Lien Check Services.

How do I find my VIN number without my car?

If you want to find the VIN without your vehicle, you can find it on your insurance card and insurance papers, vehicle registration, and vehicle title.

How to get a new VIN number for a car?

Contact Your Local DMV: Begin by reaching out to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent authority to inquire about the process for changing a VIN number.

Are there hidden VIN numbers on cars?

All manufacturers place the primary VIN number under the windshield on the driver side (post-1980), but there is always an official VIN number placed somewhere else on the car to help law enforcement and insurance companies verify the car's authenticity.