What to do if you can't find your VIN number?
Asked by: Reece Spencer | Last update: July 4, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (10 votes)
What to do if you can't find the VIN number?
As the other answers stated, you should have the VIN on paperwork from at least three agencies - vehicle registration, insurance and loan documents. If you can't find the paperwork, you should be able to look it up on your insurance company website for your policy or get it from a call to your bank.
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/.
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.
What if I lost my VIN number?
There are some cases where you might be wondering how to get a new VIN number plate for a car if after searching restlessly you just can't find it. Apply with the state for a new VIN plate if it is destroyed, stolen, or unidentifiable. You will have to provide proof of the need for the replacement, though.
How To Find Car VIN Number
Can you find a VIN number online?
To find my car VIN online, all you need to do is: Log onto the DVLA website. Enter your vehicles registration number into the vehicle search box, and then select your vehicle from the results provide. Once this is done, you'll be able to see your vehicles basic information, including it's make, model, and VIN Number.
How to fix a 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.
What is the easiest way to find the VIN number?
- Stamped on the dashboard near the windshield, on the driver's side of the vehicle.
- On a plate or sticker on the driver's side door jamb.
- Stamped on the engine's firewall.
- On your insurance card and insurance policy.
- On your vehicle title and registration.
Can I find my VIN number with my license plate?
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. Once the information is submitted, records will be returned on that plate. Some searches may return multiple records.
Can I call the police to check a VIN number?
I want to further clarify that by far the #1 authority when it comes to VIN verifications in Los Angeles is the CHP (California Highway Patrol). They have a division completely dedicated to VIN verifications and also have highly specialized and trained individuals to conduct these inspections.
Why can't I look up my VIN number?
There may be a mistake in the VIN for the vehicle. Often the characters B, 8, or 0 may get transposed or obscured - especially if the customer is reading the VIN back to an agent on the phone. Errors can and do occur on registration papers as well!
How to check VIN number of car?
The hood: The VIN is also printed under the car's hood, next to the engine. The dashboard: You may also find the car's VIN number on the driver's side dashboard of your car. However, not all car manufacturers mention the VIN at this place, and you can check your car to see if it is present on the dashboard.
Can anyone see your VIN number?
A VIN number can only be used to obtain general information about the service records and history of your vehicle. After all, anyone can approach your car and read or write down its VIN. The VIN number is found on a metal plate under the windshield, where anyone can see it.
Can you look up a VIN number online?
The Ultimate VIN Lookup: A Carfax Report. A free VIN decoder can show you a wealth of information about a vehicle, including its age, features and where it was made. However, for a car's history, the best VIN lookup tool is a CARFAX Vehicle History Report.
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.
How do I find out my license plate number without my car?
You can look at your vehicle's documents, such as your car registration, title, or insurance card. You can also go to your local motor vehicle department and show the required paperwork to receive the plate number.
Is vehicle ID the same as VIN?
The car's vehicle identification number (VIN) is the identifying code for a SPECIFIC automobile. The VIN serves as the car's fingerprint, as no two vehicles in operation have the same VIN. A VIN is composed of 17 characters (digits and capital letters) that act as a unique identifier for the vehicle.
What is the best free license plate lookup?
- Epicvin – Best for Best Value. ...
- Bumper - Best for Knowing Your Car's Estimated Value. ...
- VinAlert – Best for Federal Search Database. ...
- Carfax - Best for Vehicle History Information. ...
- Vinpit – Best Online License Plate Lookup Tool. ...
- Autocheck – Best for Automated Vehicle History Reports.
What is the cheapest way to check VIN number?
- 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.
What are the two most common places to locate a VIN on a car?
- Windshield and dashboard junction: Positioned near where the windshield meets the dashboard, usually on the driver's side.
- Driver's side door: VINs are often printed or engraved on the inside of the driver's side door.
Why would a VIN number not be found?
1) You may have mistyped the VIN. Verify the VIN you are entering is correct. You can find the VIN on your title/registration documents or get the VIN directly from the vehicle's dashboard or driver's side door jamb. 2) You may have entered a VIN with invalid characters.
What if the VIN number is not correct?
If the number on the car doesn't match the one on the vehicle registration document, don't buy the car. Something is not right. Some unscrupulous types will take the VIN number from one car and transplant it onto another.