The Ultimate Guide to VIN Verifications

Basic VIN Verification Questions: Understanding the Essentials

What is a VIN Verification

A VIN Verification is a physical inspection of your vehicle (the vehicle must be present) that is required by California’s DMV for vehicles coming from out of state, or vehicles who are no longer in the DMV’s database. In addition to the VIN, we document things like, number of wheels, fuel type, vehicle configuration (BTM). Here’s the full list of things that are documented on a VIN verification form:

Why do I need to have a VIN verification done?

• Vehicles coming in from other states or countries – example, you’re moving from Vermont to California. This includes brand new vehicles that were purchased from a dealer or from a manufacturer.
• Body type model changes – example, your dump truck is now a flat bed vehicle, this change in configuration will require you report the change to the California DMV and will require you to do a VIN verification. Some insurance carriers will force you to change the BTM to reflect the actual vehicle type, example: 2020 Lincoln Navigator is listed as a “UT” (utility vehicle) but your insurance carrier is covering you as a limousine company, you will change the BTM to “LM” to become insurable for your carrier.
• Vehicles that have a VLT stop from the California DMV lien sale unit – the VIN verification process is used confirm that someone has physical possession of the vehicle.
• Vehicles that are on the IRP program uses the VIN verification process to verify the mileage.
• Old vehicles that have fallen off of the DMV system need to be inspected and reintroduced into the DMV system.
• Corrections of a VIN – if the VIN on your title and the VIN on your car do NOT match the VIN verification process is the way to fix this problem.
• Corrections of odometers – if your odometer was incorrectly reported, a VIN verifier is going to be someone you will need to visit to start the process to getting this fixed.
• Correction of the year – if the year on your title is NOT the correct one, guess what, a VIN verification is how you fix that.
• Corrections in general – at times, someone who originally keyed in the vehicle information may have keyed in the wrong information, such as incorrect number of axles, or incorrect fuel type, or other minor things
• Converting a vehicle from automobile to commercial, or vice versa, or in other cases, making a vehicle an off highway vehicle to on-highway.

Who can perform a VIN Verification?

There are 5 types of people that can perform a VIN Verification:
• DMV employees
• AAA employees
• Law Enforcement (from any state)
• CHP officers
• Private VIN Verifiers

How much does a VIN verification cost?

VIN Verifications done by the DMV, CHP or general law enforcement are free. However, AAA vin verifications require you to be a paying member. Private VIN verifiers charge a fee for the inspection and travel cost.

Intermediate VIN Verification Insights: Processes and Requirements

The VIN number on my car does not match my title:

If there is a mismatch between your car’s VIN and the VIN on your title the California DMV has a solution for that. The process is very simple: Have a VIN verification done by a licensed VIN verifier, CHP officer, DMV employee or AAA. Sign the bottom of the form [read the fine print – the very bottom signature is for this specific scenario] Bring the erroneous title along with the VIN verification into the DMV, and the DMV will correct the VIN, and a new title will be issued. It is very important to be mindful that in the case where the VIN number that is on your car already has a record, this will obviously open up a can of worms into another problem you may have. This is possible scenario, but not likely.

The year or make, or something else, is wrong with my title

When it comes to title corrections the way it’s done is simple: get a VIN verification. However, there are some situations in which a correction has to be substantiated. If your vehicle has a 17 digit VIN and can easily be decoded you will not have any issues with this. However, there are some late model vehicles that require supporting documentation to substantiate the correction.

I changed my vehicle’s configuration [BTM change]

There are situations in which a vehicle’s configuration is a certain way, and then later on, something is added or removed that changes its configuration. In those cases, what needs to happen is that a VIN verification needs to be done to change the BTM. An example of this would be buying a flatbed truck that is turned into a utility truck; or, a coach trailer has been gutted and had the dwelling portion removed, and it is now a flatbed trailer. You will need the following to make this correction: The VIN verification form [REG31] The title The statement of facts for [REG256] specifying the change of BTM [from old BTM to new BTM] and section G stating whether or not the weight has changed.

I’m out of state, far away, but I need a VIN verification, how do I get it done?

There is nothing in the VIN verification handbook that states that we cannot travel far distances, even in other states, to conduct the VIN verification. We have driven as far as Nevada and Arizona to meet clients to get their VIN verifications done. I will tell you, the customer paid a lot of money for the inspection, but it got done. If you do not want to pay these fees, you can have member of law enforcement do the VIN verification. I do want to note, there are certain VIN verifications that can ONLY be conducted by the CHP and that cannot be done by anyone else. So, if you find a cooperative member of law enforcement, they will be able to fill out the form for you.

Advanced VIN Verification Topics: Complex Scenarios and Special Cases

I was referred to the CHP for my VIN verification

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Mobile Crane - Registering it Correctly

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My car had a lien done on it, now I need a VIN verification, why?

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Street Sweepers

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Pickups with a Camper Shell are Automobiles

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Prohibited VIN Verifications

Private VIN Verifiers Cannot Perform VIN Verifications on Armored Cars

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VIN verifications for armored cars are strictly regulated. In California, only the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is authorized to perform VIN verifications on armored vehicles. Private VIN verifiers, AAA, and even employees at the DMV are prohibited from handling these inspections. This rule ensures that the specialized nature of armored vehicles is properly handled by law enforcement, who are trained to inspect these high-security vehicles. If you’re dealing with an armored car, you will need to contact the CHP to schedule an official inspection.

Salvaged or Junked Vehicles Can Only Be Done By DMV or CHP

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Salvaged or junked vehicles must undergo VIN inspections either at the DMV or with the California Highway Patrol (CHP). AAA and private VIN verifiers are not authorized to conduct these inspections due to the specialized nature of the process. For salvaged vehicles, it’s essential to schedule your verification with the appropriate agency to ensure compliance with state regulations.

Motorcycles with NO Titling or Supporting Docs, or Doing Engine Changes

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Motorcycles undergoing engine swaps or lacking titling documents must have their VIN verifications conducted exclusively by California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers. This is due to the high risk of motorcycle theft, requiring specialized scrutiny. Neither AAA, DMV employees, nor private VIN verifiers are permitted to handle these verifications. If your motorcycle falls into these categories, it’s essential to schedule an inspection with the CHP to ensure proper documentation and compliance with state regulations. Click here for more information on CHP VIN verifications.

Vehicles Being Imported from other Countries

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Only California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers are authorized to perform VIN verifications on imported vehicles or vehicles with importation documents. Due to the specialized nature of these inspections, AAA, DMV employees, and private VIN verifiers are not permitted to conduct them. If you’re importing a vehicle or need importation documentation verified, it is essential to contact the CHP to ensure the proper procedures are followed and the vehicle complies with state regulations.

VIN Verifications from Other States

Most states in the U.S. require a VIN verification, although there are a few exceptions. In some states, we can complete their form, but those instances are quite limited.

Montana VIN Verification

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