If you’re buying a used car, you should know how to carry out a VIN number lookup for the owner. This skill can help you avoid scams, overpriced vehicles, or even stolen cars.
So, when you want the best deals while avoiding all sorts of unwanted surprises, this article is for you. Here, you will learn everything you need to know on how to check a VIN to unravel valuable insights to make informed decisions.
What Is a VIN Number?
A VIN is a unique 17-character code that also acts as that car’s fingerprint. Specifically, it provides a wealth of information about that vehicle. The VIN can reveal where the car was made, the specific model, the year the car was produced, and more. It’s usually assigned when a vehicle has been assembled in the manufacturer’s factory. Usually, countries have records of VINs and vehicle histories in their databases.
Specifically, it’s designed for vehicle identification and history. Also, you cannot directly find a car owner using a VIN number. But it provides access to records that might contain that information.
Where to Find VIN Number on Car?
Before you can perform a vehicle VIN lookup for owner details, you need the VIN itself. That said, there are several places you can find it on the car:
- Dashboard: Start by looking at the driver’s side of the vehicle. Consider standing outside the vehicle from the driver’s side when doing so. You’ll find it in the corner of the dashboard near the windshield.
- Driver’s door jamb: Open the driver’s door and look at the doorpost. You may find it where the door latches when it closes up.
- Engine compartment: Sometimes, the VIN can be stamped on the metal plate of the vehicle’s engine compartment.
How to Find a Car Owner with VIN Number Online
Once you have the VIN, the next step is to carry out a VIN owner lookup. The following services are all reliable ways to do so. However, each path demands a separate number of instructions, and the results you might get will differ. Let’s talk about each one.
Use a VIN Lookup Service
FaxVIN
FaxVIN is an amazing VIN service that allows you to uncover tons of information about the owner of that VIN. With this service, you can access records compiled from both private and public records. FaxVIN helps you access reports on the origin of the car, odometer readings, accident history, mileage, type of car, and total loss records. Here’s how it works:
- Go to FaxVIN
- Enter the VIN in the designated box.
- Tap “Check VIN” to begin the VIN number lookup for the owner.
- Wait for the results.
NICB
NICB also has a dedicated VINCheck page to help you check your VIN number for free. This tool won’t, however, uncover individual details connecting that VIN number to its owner. What it does is check if that VIN has a record of an insurance theft claim or other reports attached to it. So, with this VIN number lookup for free, you’ll find whether the vehicle has been recovered before or reported as a salvage vehicle by participating NICB member insurance companies. To use this tool:
- Go to the NICB VINcheck website.
- Input the VIN. Tap “Find VIN.”
- Next, view the results.
EPICVIN
EpicVIN is also a great way to carry out a VIN number owner lookup. This tool, however, works as a decoder, unraveling the number to give you all the basic information that the VIN contains. Sometimes, it may also be able to match the correct records, providing you with a detailed history of the car, including government and insurance transactions connected with it. Here’s how to use the EPIC VIN to check the VIN number for free.
- Go to EpicVIN and input the VIN. Tap “Check Now.”
- Specifically, you should see the vehicle’s basic description right away.
- To access the detailed report, you need to pay the search fee.
Mopar
Mopar is also a fantastic tool for decoding your vehicle’s VIN and each identifying feature about it. With this tool, you can quickly glimpse the full snapshot of your Vehicle’s features. That said, Mopar won’t help you find the car owner using a VIN number. However, it’s great for determining if that VIN is assigned to the car you wish to purchase.
- Go to Mopar and enter the VIN number. Next, tap “Find Your Vehicle.”
- Wait for the results.
VINDecoder
VINdecoder helps you access a wide range of details connected to any vehicle VIN number owner lookup. Specifically, it’s meant for decoding the characters in your VIN. That said, it’s a great way to check a VIN number for free with access to external comprehensive reports on the VIN history.
- Visit VindDecoder.
- Enter the VIN. Next, tap “Decode.”
- To access the full report, tap on “Grab Report Now” and pay the search fee.
Alternative Ways to Find a Car Owner with VIN Number
Besides using an online VIN number lookup service, there are other potential avenues you can try. Let’s talk about each one.
Contact the DMV or National Vehicle Registry
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in some jurisdictions or the national vehicle registry may help you find a car owner using a VIN number. However, accessing this record might require you to have a court order. Usually, access to such is limited to legal proceedings or law enforcement.
Search on Online Forums & Social Media Groups
If you already suspect that you’re dealing with a stolen or salvaged car, forums and social media groups can help. You can either search these online forums or social media groups for any information on the make and model of the car. Or you can make a post using pictures of that vehicle. That way, someone who recognizes the vehicle may help you with information about its previous owner. Still, you should avoid sharing or making a post with the VIN directly on these platforms. The best forums and social media platforms for this include Reddit, Twitter, and Facebook groups.
Check Vehicle History Reports
Services like Carfax compile vehicle history reports using the VIN. You can use this service to access in-depth reports on past ownership. You should note that details on the current owner won’t be available in the report. Still, it’s a fantastic way to find a car owner using a VIN number.
Dealerships or Car Sellers
If you think a specific car seller or dealership was involved in that vehicle’s history, contacting them is the next best thing. When you do, they might provide you with records of the previous owners. That said, don’t forget they aren’t obligated to share this information with you. But depending on what you need it for, you might get lucky.
What Else Can I Check from the VIN Number
Earlier, we talked about the features you can get from a VIN Number. But there’s more. Here’s the breakdown of what the 17 digits in the VIN mean:
- 1st Character: This tells where the vehicle was built, such as the manufacturer’s actual division.
- 2nd and 3rd characters: Manufacturer.
- 4th and 8th characters: This represents the portrait of the vehicle, including the brand, engine size, engine type, body style, transmission, and type. Every manufacturer has a system for assigning these digits.
- 2nd, 3rd, and 8th digits: This identifies if the vehicle is a flexible fuel model.
- 9th character: This is the security code identifying that the manufacturer authorized the vehicle. It’s usually designated the letter “X” or a number from 0 to 9. Its primary purpose is to prevent fraud and VIN tampering.
- 10th character: Model year
- 11th character: Plant where the vehicle was assembled.
- Last six characters: This is the serial number.
Top Advantages of VIN Number Lookup
Carrying out a VIN number lookup for the owner might seem like a hassle, but it’s worth it. Here are reasons why you should:
- Uncover the car’s history: A VIN lookup will help you find a wealth of information about the vehicle’s past. That said, you won’t be able to find plate numbers with VIN.
- Verify seller’s information: A VIN number lookup helps confirm the accuracy of the information provided by the seller.
- Negotiate a fair price: When a VIN lookup reveals issues, you can use that information to negotiate a lower price. That way, you are making efficient decisions, which can significantly yield savings when purchasing a used car.
- Identify potential problems: if the car has hidden damage or mechanical issues, the car ownership history will help. It’s handy when the problems don’t seem immediately apparent but can help you avoid nasty surprises.
- Find mileage fraud: Higher mileage means risks of unexpected damages, which decrease the car’s value. This is why fake mileage reading fraud is rampant, usually done by dishonest sellers to artificially increase a car’s value. VIN lookup accesses the correct information.
- Avoid scams and stolen cars: A VIN number lookup using tools like NICB VINcheck will help avoid purchasing stolen cars or falling victim to scams.
FAQ
Do VIN numbers show previous owners?
VIN numbers don’t show the previous owner or any owner information directly. That said, you can still run a VIN number lookup owner to access the ownership report. The details you will get will include how long the previous owners held the vehicle and where they drove it, among others.
Can you find someone by their VIN number?
It’s possible to gain valuable insights on how to find someone using their VIN number. But a better way to locate them is using a reverse phone lookup service like MLocator. All you need to do is input their phone number and access the name, address, profile, and other important insights about the owner of that vehicle.
Can I find out someone’s name from a VIN number?
No, you won’t be able to find someone’s name directly using a VIN number lookup for free or paid versions. This is because of the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). That said, you can still check the VIN number for free to access records and other forms of reports that can aid your search for the valid owner of that vehicle.
Is it safe to give a Vin number?
It’s relatively safe to give out your VIN since it’s not personally identifiable information. That said, it’s still possible for someone to try and use it to impersonate you or even create a fake listing for your car. That’s why it’s much better to keep your VINs private and be mindful of who you share your VIN with and why.
Wrap Up
A VIN lookup to find the owner can be the secret hack to uncover valuable insights into a used car’s past. With this, you can make confident and informed decisions on the go. This fantastic hack may sometimes require a small investment and minimal effort. But they can help you avoid costly mistakes or headaches down the road.
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