How to Check VIN Numbers on A Car

The VIN, which stands for Vehicle Identification Number, is used to identify a car and track a car’s history. According to checkmycar.com, every car built after 1981 has a 17-digit sequence etched into the windshield. If you are planning to purchase a used car, checking the VIN number might be a good approach. Checking the VIN number will allow you to learn about the car’s history and see if there has been any past damage done to the vehicle. Checking the VIN number before buying a used car saves you from buying a lemon.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• VIN number
• Computer

1. Get access to the VIN number of the vehicle you are interested in. If you are looking at car postings on the internet, the VIN number will be displayed on the listing. If you are looking to purchase a car by the owner and you have the opportunity to see the actual car, you can get the VIN number by looking on the bottom left hand corner of the windshield.

2. Go to a website that allows you to run car VIN numbers. There are websites such as Edmunds.com and carfax.com that allows you to input the VIN number of a car and check its history. There will be a fee for this service.

3. Run the VIN number of the car. Put the VIN number into the designated box on the website and click ‘Start VIN Check or “Start your Search”. The history of the vehicle will be displayed on the screen after the search. These sites will most likely give you a sample of the report then prompt you to pay a fee for the complete history report of the vehicle.

Resources

• Checking VIN number
• VIN Numbers (Edmunds.com)
• VIN Numbers (Carfax.com)