4 Best Ways to Search Vehicle by VIN

A VIN is a unique code made of 17 characters and assigned to every new vehicle in the United States. Much like a Social Security number, a VIN can be decoded to reveal a motor vehicle’s important information and history, including where and when the vehicle was built, details on car specs, whether it has ever been stolen, safety equipment, engine displacement, accident history, etc. This article provides 4 ways to look up a vehicle by VIN.

Option 1: VIN Number Lookup with BeenVerified

BeenVerified is a powerful vehicle lookup engine that collects public data on motor vehicles from government agencies and top-level car industry partners. With BeenVerified, you can enter a VIN to get a detailed car report, includingownership cost, sales listings, accident and stolen history, estimated market value, vehicle specs and vehicle safety complaints.
BeenVerified is the most affordable vehicle search tool in the long run. Moreover, it keeps track of the status of a vehicle report and gives instant notifications whenever a detail about the subject is changed.

Follow the steps below to search a vehicle by VIN with BeenVerified:

1. Go to BeenVerified’s official website.
2. Enter a VIN number and click SEARCH.
3. Wait a few seconds for BeenVerified to scan its database. Once it locates a match, it’ll generate an in-depth motor vehicle report.

Option 2: VIN Check with Bumper

Bumper is another popular destination for mostly accurate and up-to-date vehicle information. Its database is composed of information from government agencies and various businesses, such as insurance providers, towing services, scrap metal yards, and salvage auctions. It allows you to find an in-depth report about a car with just a VIN, including accident and recall history, salvage and theft records, sales listings and more.

Here’s how to check a VIN with Bumper:

1. Go to the search page of Bumper.
2. Enter a VIN and click SEARCH.
3. It may take up to a few minutes for Bumper to scan its database and scour all vehicle information that you need, when available.

Option 3: Identify a Vehicle by VIN with EpicVIN

As one of the most popular vehicle search tools powered by an NMVTIS provider,EpicVIN is able to compile accurate and complete information on a motor vehicle, including odometer issues, accident and recall history, miles driven, ownership history, and more, from just a VIN.

Follow these steps to search for a VIN and get a detailed car report with EpicVIN:

1. Go to the official website of EpicVIN.
2. Enter a VIN and click Check VIN.
3. EpicVIN will show you a free report with an overview of some basic but essential car information. However, to access a full report for details of odometer manipulation, theft records, safety recalls, and undisclosed accidents or damages, a premium membership is required.

Option 4: Search Vehicle by VIN at NHTSA.gov

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) aims to reduce deaths and injuries and keep people safe on America’s roadways. It gathers motor vehicle information, such as possible values, safety systems and engines, from the original vehicle manufacturers.

Here’s how to decode a VIN at NHTSA.gov:

1. Go to NHTSA.gov.
2. Enter a VIN and click Decode VIN.
3. The NHTSA VIN decoder will return you an easy-to-understand report revealing all vehicle details in just a second. You can choose to either view the full report on that result page or in PDF format.

Bonus Tip: How to Find Your Vehicle’s VIN

Places where you may find your car’s VIN:

1. The front of the engine block (under hood);

2. The driver’s side interior dashboard;

3. Inside the driver’s side door jamb;

4. In the rear wheel well;

5. Underneath the spare tire in the trunk;

6. Check your vehicle’s title records or insurance card.

That’s all for searching a vehicle by VIN number. If you have any questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to leave us a comment below, thanks!

Credit: Feature Image by azerbaijan_stockers on Freepik

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 Ava Xie

Ava is a dedicated content writer and researcher at Super Easy, thrives on the thrill of life hacks and loves sharing them through the art of writing. Her approach to writing is deeply rooted in her desire to provide reliable and invaluable information to those in need. Her articles are a testament to her commitment to breaking down complex concepts into practical, understandable tips that empower her readers to navigate technology difficulties with ease.

When she's not immersed in the world of writing and research, Ava finds joy in her adventures exploring the world, savoring the insights found in books, and enjoying the laughter brought by stand-up comedians. While she may have a tendency to take her time getting to know new friends, she remains deeply passionate about connecting with people and rejuvenates herself by spending time with her vibrant circle of friends.

With a passion for connecting with others, Ava's writing journey is all about making the complexities of life simpler for her readers.

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