How to Check the VIN Number of a Trailer?

A VIN number is a unique 17-digit number assigned to every street legal car, truck, motorcycle, scooter and even trailer. This unique number can be used to search all ownership, accident and criminal records related to a given vehicle or trailer. Checking the VIN on a car is relatively easy because the location of the VIN plate has been fairly well standardized. Checking the VIN on a trailer may be a little more difficult because the VIN plate could be anywhere, but if you know what you're looking for, it should only take a few minutes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flashlight

1. Start the search on a sunny day when you have plenty of light. If it's not so easy to see, be sure to take a flashlight with you.

2. 
   Sample VIN plate

   Check the trailer tongue, which is the assembly of bars in the front that attach to the trailer hitch of a vehicle. On most trailers, the VIN plate is bolted somewhere on the tongue. It may even be on the underside of the tongue, in which case you would have to get down very low to see it. It should look similar to the one pictured.

3. Look over the other parts of the trailer frame if you cannot locate the VIN plate on the tongue. If you still do not see the plate, check the entire trailer surface, inside and out. Since the VIN plate location of trailers has never been standardized, this is usually the easiest way to go about finding it. If you prefer, you could try calling a dealership owned by the manufacturer of your trailer. Someone in their service department may be able to tell you where to look.

4. Write down the entire VIN number of the trailer.

5. Call or visit your nearest DMV office to have the VIN checked for ownership, accident and criminal records. You may be charged a small fee for this service, depending on the state in which you live.

6. Call or visit the nearest dealership operated by the manufacturer of your trailer if you want specific details on the original factory specs of the trailer. Since this will be a private company and not a government entity, there is no guarantee that they will have this information handy and they are not required to give it to you. However, most auto and trailer manufacturers do keep these records.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are not near your trailer but have the title handy, you should be able to find the VIN printed on the title. This is also a good strategy if you discover that the VIN plate has been damaged or removed.