VIN Owner Lookup | How To Find Previous Owner Of Vehicle

Successfully buying a used vehicle, mostly a car, is more complicated than buying a new one. You have to do your research to find the right used car that is safe and has a fair price. Therefore, finding the previous owner of the chosen vehicle would minimize the chances of getting an unreliable, overpriced, or unsafe vehicle.

Get the VIN number

Each vehicle has its own VIN number. This unique number contains information including the manufacturer identifier, vehicle descriptor, and vehicle identifier. With the VIN number, you can find the vehicle’s safety issues and know whether this particular vehicle needs to be recalled. The search may show you if the vehicle has been stolen. Using a VIN lookup tool can tell a lot about a vehicle, but it takes more sleuthing to ascertain the previous owner’s name of the vehicle.

Usually, you can find the VIN number on the driver’s door frame, if not, you can find the VIN number on your insurance paper or vehicle registration document.

Use the VIN number to search for the previous owner

With a VIN number, you’re getting closer to the goal. Running a VIN lookup will lead you to the vehicle’s previous owner.

1. Run BeenVerified to search for the previous owner

When you have the VIN number, you can use BeenVerified to search for the vehicle history and the insurance history of the vehicle. It helps you verify whether this chosen vehicle is safe and well-maintained. BeenVerified will search its extensive database to find related vehicles’ accident history, specifications, market value, sales history, etc.

What’s more, you can use BeenVerified to search for the previous vehicle owner. Its people search services allow you to search for the person in several ways, as long as you have the clue.

1) It’s safer to search for and write down the VIN number by yourself on the vehicle. Because there are many shady sellers out there who will try to substitute a clean VIN for one with issues.

2) Go to BeenVerified.

3) Click the Vehicle Search tab. Then enter the VIN number and click Search for a vehicle.

4) Wait for a few minutes, and a detailed report will be presented.

5) Run the people search engine on BeenVerified to search for the previous owner of the vehicle if needed.

2. Look up the previous owner by EpicVIN

EpicVIN is one of the best-known vehicle search tools. With a robust database, it not only allows you to track down the vehicle owner by VIN or license plate number but also reveals loads of essential information about a vehicle, such as:

• Owner details
• Accidents and salvage records
• Vehicle specifications
• Ownership costs
• Sale listings
• Market value
• Theft records
• Recalls and warranties

1) Go to the official EpicVIN website.

2) Select according to the information you have, then enter the number and click Check VIN.

3) Wait until the results load up and you’ll see different sections of records. Click each section to get more detailed information.

3. Run Bumper to discover the vehicle history

To learn more about a vehicle you own or plan to buy, you can use Bumper to research a vehicle by VIN number. Bumper can help you know a vehicle’s accident history, salvage, and theft records. It’s also a great tool to help you compare two similar vehicles. With the help of their cost data and 150+ data points of vehicle specs and recalls, you can make a wiser decision.

1) Go to Bumper.

2) Enter the VIN number and click SEARCH.

3) Bumper will search on its database and give you a report that contains the information you need.

Request documents from the seller

If you’re dealing with sellers or dealers, ask them for all the paperwork about the vehicle, like service records, titles, or registrations, these paperwork may have previous owners’ names. However, they may don’t want to share the information with you. 

Go to DMV

Your state DMV can usually tell you the name of the company (or companies) that insured the vehicle before you bought it. Every state has different laws about what can be disclosed, so please do your research.

Look at the title. It will tell you: … Who the vehicle owner is.”

–dmv.ca.gov

I know here in Ontario with the used vehicle package you get a printout of every previous owner and where they registered it and what the mileage was at time of registration.

I don’t know about Colorado, but here in Ontario you can go to the DMV and buy a printout that lists the car’s previous owners, when it changed hands and at what mileage.

–reddit

Most DMVs have a phone number where you can reach a real human being. You need to tell them what you need and provide the VIN number, it’s the trigger for finding previous insurer information. Ask the DMV for a duplicate of title transfer. There may be a fee associated with this. The DMV will fax or email you the previous insurance company’s name and probable policy number associated with that vehicle. Now, you’re all set to reach out to the insurance company yourself. Call the company and explain the situation. All companies keep very detailed records of all claims and reported damage. They should be able to corroborate a report provided by a third party, they may even provide copies of all prior vehicle records to you, the new legal owner.

Final words

Shopping for a used vehicle means you have to find a car that has low enough mileage, is in good shape, hasn’t crashed, and has been serviced properly. Then, you have to evaluate the seller, ensuring that they’re not someone who’s going to rip you off. You have to do a lot of research to prevent future problems.

The time and energy you put into the process will help you save a tremendous amount of money. So don’t be afraid, just do it!

The methods in this article provide you with easy access to public record information, but without a guarantee for accuracy and may include links to websites not listed as a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA). Information acquired from these bodies is illegal to be used for employment, housing, credit, and other purposes alike, according to laws such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). If you’re not sure whether your use of our methods is appropriate, click here for details.

By Iris Zheng

I have worked as a content writer for years and have found great joy and meaning in this profession. As a member of a company's writing team, I have benefited from continuous training and learning opportunities. These experiences have not only improved my research skills and learning abilities but have also enabled me to quickly find valuable and accurate information in the vast sea of data.

My previous work in banking instilled meticulous work habits in me. I carefully inspect and verify information I collect with the aim of providing readers with authentic and reliable content. My skills and cautious nature not only allow me to offer robust support to readers in my professional life but also position me as a source of information and advice for my family and friends in my personal life.

I derive immense enjoyment and a profound sense of accomplishment from assisting others. If my articles are able to assist you in any way, it would be both an honor and a personal achievement. This motivation will continue to inspire me to pursue constant improvement and produce more valuable content.

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