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Databases Updated on Nov 16, 2025

What Information is Available in VIN Reports?

A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) report typically provides information about a vehicle's history and specifications. The content of VIN records can vary depending on the provider, but can include the following:

Title Records

Title Records

Check the title historyof any given vehicle you want to purchase. Find out in due time aboutany issues, who owned it, basic title information, what happened to it in the past and more by just conducting an online search on our website.

Odometer Records

Odometer Records

Avoid being a victim of odometer tampering on your next car purchase! Get crucial information about any car through our lookup tool. A vehicle's Mileage Readings and Statements can be disclosed at a click of the mouse.

Lien Records

Lien Records

Is your next car attached to a complicated lien? Get to know in a few seconds! By hitting “Search Now” you'll learn about the Outstanding Liens, Amounts, parties involved and check the Status of the Lien.

Previous Damages

Previous Damages

Know exactly what you purchase! Sellers might not disclose previous car damages or accidents, but you can tap thousands of records with our lookup tool. Get all theRepair and Rebuilddetails in a quick online report before you go any further.

Recalls & Defects

Recalls & Defects

Make sure the vehicle you are about to buyhas not had any recalls or defects. Hasit been repaired properly? With an instant search, you can know enough tomake the right decision, without venturing into a costly mistake that you will regret later.

Sale History

Sale History

If you want to check a car's first registration date, mileage readings from each transfer, or any lien holders, we can help. Click “Search now” to get all the information you need in seconds.

What Is a VIN Number Check?

What Is a VIN Number Check?

A VIN is a 17-digit unique code that consists of numbers and letters assigned to each vehicle after it is manufactured. Depending on the state, a VIN may be affixed to the vehicle's dashboard, driver's side door jamb, frame or chassis, and engine block.

This unique code typically serves as the vehicle's identifier and can be used to access the vehicle's history and specifications. As such, they can be used to generate essential information about the vehicle's history and condition.

Before buying a car, it is essential to research its history and current condition. This is particularly essential given that scammers sell used cars with falsified or manipulated histories. This deceptive practice aims to hide the vehicle's true history from potential buyers.

Performing a vehicle VIN lookup helps you avoid costly mistakes and potential safety issues. A VIN check can help uncover hidden problems while providing a detailed VIN history report of the vehicle. A VIN history may contain the vehicle's make, model, and origin. It can also include essential information such as title registration, brand and status, accident history, liens, recalls, theft history, sales history, and odometer reading.

How to Decode a VIN

The numbers and letters that make up the Vehicle Identification Numbers are not random. Much like your driver's license number, they tell a story. The story is who made the car, the make model and engine type and where the car was built. Here is a breakdown of the entire 17 characters and what they mean.

How to Decode a VIN
  • 1 This first character tells us the country in which the vehicle was built.
  • 2, 3 The second and third characters are a code for the manufacturer.
  • 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 These characters use a code to tell us the brand of the vehicle, the engine size, and type.
  • 9 This character is a unique security code authorizing that it is indeed a legitimate VIN from the manufacturer.
  • 10 This shows us the model year of the car. There is a code list for each year.
  • 11 The eleventh character stands for which plant manufactured the vehicle.
  • 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 These characters comprise the serial number for the car.

How To Run a Free VIN Number Lookup Online

While many government VIN lookup tools provide satisfactory results for free, they often focus solely on safety features or theft reports rather than offering comprehensive information. In contrast, RecordsFinder delivers a much more comprehensive vehicle history.

If you are wondering how to get a free VIN report or how to find a VIN for free, worry no more! RecordsFinder offers free VIN check services to interested parties. To perform a VIN check using RecordsFinder VIN number lookup, provide the relevant 17-digit unique VIN code. A typical search result is an easy-to-read report showing key information that may include:

  • Title details and brands
  • Odometer verification
  • Inspection and repair record
  • History of sales
  • Accident history
  • Vehicle maintenance and safety records

Note that RecordsFinder gathers information from state and federal databases, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMVs), insurance companies, and other reputable public and private sources. Also, note that a VIN lookup report via RecordsFinder is subject to the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). As such, any information obtained from the website may only be used for legitimate and authorized purposes, such as verifying a vehicle's history before making a purchase.

Why Run a VIN Check for Vehicle History Before Buying a Used Car

Running a VIN history report is a critical step in making smart car-buying decisions, especially for used vehicles. A thorough vehicle VIN check can reveal hidden problems such as odometer tampering, title fraud, undisclosed liens, and rebuilt wrecks, all of which can cost buyers thousands or lead to legal trouble. For example, a car VIN lookup can expose falsified mileage, salvage titles masked as clean, or open recalls that pose safety risks.

Checking a vehicle's history helps prevent scams and ensures the car is legally owned, properly maintained, and free of unresolved issues. Use trusted platforms to perform a vehicle search by VIN and avoid deals that seem suspicious. Understanding how to get a VIN check and reviewing all records before purchase protects you from fraudulent sellers and costly mistakes.

FAQs About VIN Reports

Can I check a VIN for free?

Yes, you can check a VIN for free on the relevant government website and RecordsFinder.

What is a VIN decoder, and how does it work?

A VIN decoder is any tool that can translate the 17-digit unique code into readable information about the vehicle, such as its manufacturer, model, engine type, production details, and usage history.

Where is the VIN on a Car?

Common locations for a car's VIN may include the dashboard, driver's side door jamb, engine block, vehicle frame or chassis, under the hood, and trunk area.

What are the limitations of VIN free lookup services?

Free VIN lookup services offer basic details like title status and recalls, but often lack the comprehensive, up-to-date information, such as accident history, found in paid reports.

Why does the VIN checker say 'Invalid VIN'?

If a VIN checker displays an 'invalid VIN' error, it means the 17-digit unique code you entered is incorrect or does not match the correct format.

Can I perform a VIN search legally for any vehicle?

Yes, you can legally perform a VIN search for any vehicle, provided you are doing so for reasons that are permissible under applicable laws, such as verifying a vehicle's history before purchase.

Why Choose RecordsFinder.com?

Fast

Fast

Search over 2 billion records instantly. Easily find the information you are looking for with three easy steps- search, sign up, and view report.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive

We have one of the most comprehensive data coverages in the industry including state, federal, county, municipal, and private data sources when available.

Affordable

Affordable

With our unlimited search access, you can look up as many reports as you want! Others charge for every single search.

Reliable

Reliable

Millions of users rely on us to deliver accurate and current data for their information needs.