VIN · Recalls · Title
DMV car VIN check
Paste the VIN and get the factory specs and open recalls from NHTSA in seconds. Then use the DMV and NMVTIS records below to confirm the title before you pay.
VIN decoder
- Paste the 17-character VIN
- Press Decode
- Read specs & recalls
Decoded vehicle
Open safety recalls
What is in a vehicle history report? →
EpicVIN price: $1 for a 3-day unlimited trial, then $49.99/month until you cancel in your EpicVIN account.
Affiliate link: EpicVIN pays us a commission if you buy; specs and recalls above come from NHTSA.
What the DMV holds on a VIN
| Record | Who holds it | How you get it |
|---|---|---|
| Factory specs and recalls | NHTSA | The VIN check above |
| Title, brands and odometer at transfer | The titling state's DMV, reported to NMVTIS | An NMVTIS report from a DOJ-approved provider, or a history report |
| Registration and owner | The state DMV | Only for DPPA permissible purposes (police, insurers, courts, licensed investigators) |
| Accidents and damage claims | Insurers, police and repair sources | A vehicle history report |
How to run a complete VIN check
- Match the VIN on the dashboard, the driver's door jamb and the title. A mismatch ends the deal.
- Decode it here and compare year, model, engine and trim with the listing.
- Clear the recalls. Any open recall is repaired at a franchised dealer at no cost to you.
- Check the title history for salvage, flood, rebuilt or lemon brands and odometer readings: run the history report (paid partner).
The history report is sold by EpicVIN, and we may earn a commission. Specs and recalls on this page come straight from NHTSA. State and vehicle guides: Florida VIN check · RV VIN lookup · recall check by VIN · find a VIN from a plate. Need the plate instead? DMV plate records · What a history report covers · Your DMV driving record.
Questions people ask
Does the DMV offer a VIN check?
State DMVs record title and registration for vehicles titled in that state, and most release owner details only for DPPA permissible purposes. For a buyer, the national title check is NMVTIS, sold through providers approved by the U.S. Department of Justice and listed on vehiclehistory.gov.
What does this VIN check show?
Year, make, model, trim, engine, body and plant from NHTSA vPIC, plus open safety recalls from NHTSA, right on this page.
Will a VIN check show the owner?
No. Owner names and addresses are protected by the Driver's Privacy Protection Act. A VIN check covers the vehicle, never the person.