Buying a Used Car? Conduct a License Plate/VIN Check

Before purchasing a used vehicle from a private seller, there are a few steps that every buyer should take to protect themselves from fraudulent sellers. Besides having a technician of your choosing perform a complete inspection of the vehicle, it is imperative that the vehicle is screened by vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate, vehicle history and seller verification.

What is the VIN?

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires nearly all vehicles to carry a unique identifier which prevents the vehicle from being confused with any other vehicle. The VIN is stamped in several places on each vehicle, and can provide information even before running the VIN check.

The VIN number is commonly found on the driver’s side of the dashboard, and can be read through the front windshield. There are also stickers which the manufacturer is required to place in several locations on most vehicles, including the driver door jamb, under the hood, in the trunk, or even under the carpet. It is not necessary to check every VIN number location for the year, make and model you are viewing, but if the VIN plate or sticker seems to have been disturbed, checking other locations will indicate whether the vehicle advertised is the vehicle being sold. This is especially useful when a seller has replaced large structural sections of a vehicle, since there may now be multiple VIN numbers on a vehicle. Also, if the engine does not match the VIN number, either the VIN is not native to the vehicle, or the engine has been replaced.

It should be understood that not all states offer free or paid license plate lookup services. In those cases, it's only law enforcement officials who can do such searches. If you live in a state that does not offer license plate lookups, you may call the non-emergency number of the local city, county, or state law enforcement agency and ask them to run a check to be sure that the vehicle is not stolen. That is the most information most law enforcement agencies within these particular states will offer.

Secondly, be sure to investigate any service claiming to provide more than they are legally capable of under the law.

There are quite a number of online license plate and VIN number search sites that offer a wide array of services beyond general vehicle information, such as KeySavvy, to protect drivers from title fraud. KeySavvy will inform you that plate searches are limited to vehicle information, VIN data, vehicle history, recall, safety information, and possibly a little driver information, depending upon the state from which you're inquiring from.

Why would you consider doing a license plate check?

If you are in the market to buy a used vehicle, you may want to know more about the vehicle that you are looking to purchase. You can find important information about its history that can prove whether the vehicle is what the seller says it is.

Usually, searches are done via VIN (vehicle identification number). A license plate check can reveal the vehicle's VIN.

New scams are making media headlines these days that involve scammers targeting potential car buyers on sites such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other seller sites. It is perfectly acceptable to ask for the plate number or VIN of any car you are planning on looking at. Doing a search will let you know a little bit about the individual with whom you will be doing business with.

What can a license plate or VIN check tell me?

One of the most important aspects of purchasing a used vehicle is its history: Has it ever been stolen, wrecked, or had flood damage? If the vehicle was insured, more likely than not, this information will be available. The only time this type of information is not available is if the previous owner did not have insurance and/or opted to pay out-of-pocket for the damages (which can happen in certain instances).

If you are purchasing the vehicle from an auto body and paint repair shop, there is a high chance the vehicle has been in a collision, and, since the repairs were likely made on-site, the damage may have never been reported to insurance. This means the vehicle history report will not show the true history of the vehicle.

If you are planning on purchasing a used vehicle from anyone, it is always a wise choice to use a reputable license plate or VIN check service, or if at all possible, visit your local police or sheriff's office and inquire with them. Most of the time (again, depending upon the state regulations) law enforcement authorities will be more than glad to assist you within their given jurisdiction.

How do I protect myself against fraud when buying a used car from a private seller?

Avoid Title Fraud. Obtaining a vehicle history report and verification of your private seller’s ownership of the vehicle are the first few steps to avoid title fraud. Using the VIN and/or license plate number, companies such as KeySavvy, provide a convenient and secure way to buy a vehicle from a private seller, including buyer identity verification and payment verification. KeySavvy also verifies the seller’s identification documents and searches third-party databases for any past cases of fraud. In addition, the company verifies title and registration documents and, in some cases, checks with the local DMV to ensure the seller is the legal owner.

Full Vehicle Inspection. It is advisable to get a full inspection of the vehicle before purchasing. With RepairPal, the inspection process is as simple as booking online and taking a vehicle in to be sure there are no hidden defects on the vehicle. If the inspection is clean, the title is clean, and the seller's background is reputable, it is safe to say you can buy with confidence. However, if an inspection unearths unexpected issues, you can negotiate lower prices to reflect on the new cost of repairs.

Find a local Certified RepairPal Shop

RepairPal has a network of over 3,000+ Certified shops and dealers nationwide who are trained and qualified to perform a final inspection before purchasing. Book an inspection at repairpal.com/keysavvy.

About KeySavvy

KeySavvy helps consumers buy and sell vehicles online by eliminating fraud in private party transactions. We believe the private market offers the best value to both buyers and sellers, but the risk of fraud and cumbersome sale process prevent consumers from fully realizing that value. KeySavvy protects buyers and sellers, allowing everyone equal access to the private market. Learn more at KeySavvy.com.