California VIN Lookup

With factors like high living costs, a strong demand, and a preference for newer, fuel-efficient, or electric vehicles, it's no surprise that California’s used car market is vast and competitive. There are roughly 2,880 used-car dealers throughout the state, and the average cost of a used car is around $33,000, making it a significant investment for car buyers. However, buying a used car comes with considerable risk.

Although California, like many states, has a lemon law protecting used car buyers, it only applies to certain vehicles, like those bought from a dealer or retailer under warranty. That’s why all used car buyers are encouraged to protect themselves against buying a “lemon” by conducting a thorough vehicle history check on any used car they consider purchasing, starting with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) lookup, even when buying from a dealer.

A VIN is a unique 17-character identifier assigned to every vehicle. VIN lookups can reveal important information regarding a vehicle’s history, from accident reports and inspection records to recalls and liens. Access to this critical information gives buyers the confidence that they are making safe and informed decisions when purchasing a used car in California.

Why Performing a California VIN Check Is Important

A VIN check is an essential step in buying a used car. By performing a VIN lookup ahead of time, you can protect yourself from potential issues. Some of the vital information you can obtain through a California VIN check includes:

• Registration and Title Verification: Under California law, vehicles must be registered and have their title verified through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if they are driven, parked, towed, or stored on public roads within the state. Penalties for failure to follow the state’s vehicle registration and title transfer requirements can range from $15 to $100. Vehicle registration fraud may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, with more significant fines and potential incarceration. A California VIN check is a good way to confirm a car’s registration status and title. This can help you confirm that the individual selling the used car can do so.
• Mileage Verification: It is estimated that 450,000 vehicles with falsified odometer readings are sold annually in the United States. A VIN lookup is essential because it can confirm a car’s odometer reading, helping used car buyers avoid scams and ensure they pay a fair market price for their used car.
• Title Brandings: In California, a “branded” title indicates that a car has high mileage, has been in an accident, suffered significant damage, or has chronic problems. VIN checks are critical in determining if a car’s title has been branded.
• Theft Checks: Car theft occurs 500 times per 100,000 residents in California, with higher theft rates in some of the state’s major cities. VIN checks can help you to determine if a car has ever been reported stolen, helping to ensure that you are not subjecting yourself to the legal and financial risks associated with buying a stolen vehicle.
• Auto Fraud Prevention: Auto-related fraud makes up three percent of all fraud cases in California, which means that used car buyers face a significant risk of being scammed. VIN checks can help used car buyers spot odometer tampering or title washing.

How To Perform a California VIN Check

Although you can contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a local California Highway Patrol Office to verify a vehicle’s VIN, there is no state-sponsored way to perform a comprehensive California VIN check. However, there are other reliable VIN check resources, including:

The NHTSA VIN Decoder:

The VIN Decoder from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides information such as the vehicle’s manufacturer, model year, production plant, engine and transmission specs, safety features, ratings, and recalls. It works with full or partial VINs.

NICB VINCheck:

Use the VINCheck tool from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) to determine if a vehicle has been reported as stolen or salvaged. A full VIN is required, and users are limited to five searches daily.

Free vs. Paid VIN Check Services in California

Although VIN checks through government agencies and nonprofits are generally free, you may need a paid third-party service provider to get the comprehensive vehicle information needed to make an informed buying decision. Popular third-party platforms like AutoCheck, GoodCar, and CarFax are popular choices for VIN lookups in California. For a nominal fee, these websites give you access to detailed vehicle history reports that include:

• Title details, including title brands
• Ownership and sales history
• Vehicle specifications
• Odometer and mileage verification
• Accident history
• Rebuild records
• Inspection records
• Service and maintenance records
• Safety defects and recalls
• NHTSA crash test ratings

What Used Car Scams Are Common in California?

Recently, the police in Placer County arrested at least one individual, who they allege was part of a multi-county used car buying scam in the state. This highlights that, although reports about VIN scams in California are relatively infrequent, they still occur.

Some of the most common scams faced by used car buyers in California include:

Curbstoning:

When an individual illegally sells used cars without a dealer’s license, usually while posing as a private seller, to avoid California regulations, fees, and licensing requirements.

Title Washing:

Illegally removing a vehicle’s negative history, such as flood damage or salvage status, from its title.

Odometer Rollbacks:

Scammers tamper with a car’s odometer to make it appear “less used,” increasing its market value.

VIN Cloning:

One vehicle’s VIN is copied and used on another car to mask its true identity, often to hide the fact that it has been stolen or salvaged.

Falsifying Vehicle Histories:

Some scammers create fake accident reports or false maintenance records to make a car appear more well-maintained and valuable than it is.

Sadly, these scams remain prevalent in California’s used car market, resulting in significant losses for unsuspecting buyers. That’s why it is critical for used car buyers to remain vigilant when purchasing a vehicle. Here are some of the steps you can take to avoid being taken advantage of:

1. Make a clear decision about what type of vehicle you want to purchase, factoring in estimated costs and desirable features.
2. Be wary of used car deals that seem almost too good to be real.
3. Request and review all the relevant documentation for the car.
4. Insist on a written warranty.
5. Use reliable websites like GoodCar to conduct a thorough VIN check before finalizing your vehicle purchase.

How Do I Check the Status of My Vehicle's Title in California?

The California DMV provides a vehicle record request portal where you can access vehicle records online, including title and registration information. This is helpful if you want to verify your vehicle’s status or confirm lienholder details.

To access this information, you’ll need an account with the California DMV. You can create one here. The service costs $2, and users are encouraged to have a printer ready, as the document can only be printed once per transaction. If you pay directly from a bank account, there are no additional fees, but credit or debit card payments include a 1.95% surcharge.

How To Register a Brand New Car in California

In California, like in other states, purchasing your vehicle from a licensed dealer often means you won’t have to worry about at least some aspects of the registration process, which they handle, including title transfer and the issuance of temporary registrations. However, not all dealers provide registration services. In that situation, and when buying from a private individual, you can register the vehicle by visiting a DMV field office in person.

The fees associated with registering a brand-new car in California can range from around $36 to as much as $500. All payments must be made within 30 days of the vehicle purchase. New car owners are also subject to a sales tax equal to 7.5% of the vehicle's purchase price, plus additional local taxes of up to 2.5%. A $27 State Highway Patrol (CHP) fee is also assessed, and a Transportation Improvement Fee (TIF) of up to $188 is based on the car’s value.

What Are the Requirements for Registering a New Car in California?

More than 36 million vehicles are registered in California and generally undergo a similar registration process through the DMV. Here are the documents that are usually needed to register a new car in California:

• The vehicle's title, which serves as proof of ownership. A completed title/registration application form (REG 343) is required for new cars. If the car’s title has been damaged or lost, you must complete a title transfer/replacement application form (REG 227).
• Proof of insurance.
• A state-issued smog certificate if the car is more than four years old.
• Proof that the vehicle has passed a safety inspection.
• A sales tax payment.
• A completed bill of sale.

In certain instances, you might also need the following:

• A completed Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment (REG 262) form, which can only be obtained in person at a California DMV field office.
• A Statement of Facts (REG 256) form.
• A gross vehicle weight form (REG 4008) (for commercial vehicles only).

Please note that every California vehicle registration must be renewed annually. This involves paying a registration renewal fee ($60), a $27 CHP fee, and a TIF fee of up to $188.

Does California Mandate Vehicle Inspection?

California law (Cal. Veh. Code § 2814) requires most registered vehicles to pass a safety inspection every two years. These inspections, performed only at state-licensed inspection centers, assess fluid levels, leaks, mechanical integrity, and carbon and smog emissions. Costs typically range from $30 to $70.

California also mandates a VIN inspection in certain cases—such as when registering a vehicle for the first time in the state or when discrepancies exist in the documentation. This VIN check confirms the vehicle’s identity by verifying that the VIN matches the registration records.

As with other states, VIN and odometer verifications are essential to prevent fraud and ensure accurate documentation during mandated inspections.

How Do I Get a Replacement VIN in California?

Although you cannot get a replacement VIN in California, you can correct the VIN or engine number on a vehicle's title by submitting a California Certificate of Title and a Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) form.

The California DMV will assign VIN plates when required for the initial registration of the following vehicles:

• Certain trailers and trailer coaches
• Special mobile equipment
• Most agricultural vehicles
• New motorcycles
• Snowmobiles

All other VIN requests, including assignments for specially constructed vehicles (SPCNS), are forwarded to the California Highway Patrol.

Does California Require a VIN Inspection for an Out-of-State Vehicle?

The California DMV requires a VIN inspection whenever a vehicle is registered for the first time in the state. This includes out-of-state cars. VIN inspections verify the car's identity and ensure all the car’s documentation is correct and in order.