How to Look Up a VIN for Car Information for Free

Get important car information with a VIN.

A car's Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, has been equated as the car's DNA. The VIN gives history of the car's factory of origin, model, year made and other important information. Police run VIN checks to see if a vehicle has been stolen or used in a crime. Check your car's VIN, or other vehicles in question, with VIN online search engines or your local sheriff's department.

Things You'll Need

• Printer
• Credit or debit card

Instructions

Online

1. Log onto any major internet search engine and enter "VIN search engine." Click on one of the results and enter in the VIN.

2. Use government websites such as the Vehicle Identification Number Automobile History report offered through the National Highways Safety Administration as this is a free service.

3. Bring the VIN to your local sheriff's office and ask for a VIN history on the vehicle. Most departments provide this service for free, but services may vary depending on jurisdiction. Call the department prior to making the trip to verify this is a free service.

Tips & Warnings

• VINs are typically located on the inside edge of the driver's side door or under the trunk near the battery on automobiles.

References

• Vehicle Identification Number - VIN Checks
• Carfax

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Free VIN Automobile History Lookup: NHSTA