Alabama VIN Check
How to Perform a VIN Lookup in Alabama?
VIN Checks are essential when purchasing a used car in Alabama. They help you perform due diligence, making the decision process for which car to purchase easier. VIN checks allow you to review the history of the vehicle. If available, it may include any reported accident, collision, odometer reading, title issues, detailed specifications, recalls, and much more in-depth needed information that can help assist in a decision during the purchasing process. There are a few different options to choose from when looking up the VIN number. Online services are provided, as well as state-authorized inspection stations and third-party platforms like GoodCar, which is an approved NMVTIS data supplier.
How to Find Your Car's VIN Number?
The VIN number, also known as the vehicle identification number, is 17 digits long. Including both letters and numbers, it can easily be found on the driver's side where the dashboard and windshield meet, and within the drivers side door frame. Each car has a unique VIN that is given to it at the time of manufacturing. You can easily see the number by standing outside the car on the driver's side. Placement of VIN numbers can vary dependent upon manufacturer.
Why Should I Run a alabama VIN Check?
Vehicle History
With over 3,380 car dealerships in Alabama, a VIN Check is your best bet for picking the right car. This check gives a detailed list of the vehicle history in terms of previous titles, the history of accidents, and significant repairs.
Title verification
Included in a VIN check, is a list of previous titles on your preferred vehicle. This will help you ascertain that the person selling the car has a legitimate title. It also shows if the vehicle was previously designated as salvage or junk. In Alabama, there are about 5,463,960 registered vehicles.
Accident History
A VIN check will help you uncover hidden accident history about a vehicle. In Alabama, a traffic crash is reported every three and a half minutes, and some 980 fatal car crashes every year. A lookup with a VIN will help you have the details relating to past accidents.
Mileage Verification
Accurate mileage readings are essential to assess a car's value and wear and tear. Odometer fraud is on the rise in Alabama. Over 12,000 such frauds are reported in the state every year and cost victims an average of $4,000 in an inflated car price. VIN checking allows a new buyer to verify if the advertised mileage is accurate before deciding to buy the car. If you are a victim of this fraud in Alabama, report to the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division.
Recalls and Safety Standards
The Alabama Department of Revenue endorses recall checks for registered vehicles in the state. Since 2023, Alabama has had over 150,000 Do-Not-Drive recalls. Some of these cars may not have been sent back to manufacturers for repairs. A VIN check will reveal if the vehicle has been subject to a manufacturer recall.
Theft Check
Buying a stolen car can lead to serious legal trouble and significant financial loss. The police may seize the car, leaving the buyer without a vehicle and the money spent on it. A VIN check will help you determine if the car is legally owned or can be sold. Annually, over 10,600 motor vehicle thefts are reported in the state.
Natural Disaster-Related Reasons
Severe storms, hurricanes, and flooding are frequent occurrences in Alabama. Over 110 natural disasters from these geological conditions have been declared in the state since 1980. So, you should check for water damage before purchasing a car in the state. A VIN check reveals such damage.
Alabama Lemon Laws
and How They Relate to VIN Checks
The Lemon law in Alabama only covers new vehicles, not used ones. Despite this limitation, there are essential steps buyers can take to safeguard their purchase. Firstly, understanding the definition of defects is crucial. Alabama law defines defects as significant impairments that affect the car's use, value, or safety. This condition must arise from ordinary use, not abuse, neglect, modification, or alteration by the consumer or any accident after delivery.
Secondly, the timeframe under the Lemon law should also be considered. It lapses after one year of ownership or after 12,000 miles of running. Suppose the consumer brings the vehicle to the manufacturer or its authorized agent and reports the issue during the Lemon Law coverage period. In that case, the manufacturer must make a reasonable effort to fix the problem. Defects must be addressed within the warranty period, typically through repairs. If unsuccessful, the manufacturer should offer a replacement or refund.
Title Transfer in Alabama
When transferring a vehicle title in Alabama, the current owner must sign over the Alabama title to the buyer. For out-of-state purchases, the new owner must submit the manufacturer's certificate of origin for new vehicles or the out-of-state title for used cars to a designated agent (such as county licensing officials, financial institutions, or licensed auto dealers). These agents will then forward the application and documents to the Alabama Department of Revenue.
Insurance and Registration Requirements
ll motor vehicles operated, registered, or maintained in Alabama must be covered by a liability insurance policy, motor vehicle liability bond, or commercial automobile liability insurance policy. Alternatively, they can be covered by a cash deposit. The liability insurance or commercial automobile liability insurance policy must meet the minimum coverage of $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage per accident. Registration of a motor vehicle in Alabama requires the car to have a valid certificate of title or ownership documentation. The vehicle owner has 20 calendar days from the date of purchase or acquisition to register the vehicle without penalty. New vehicle owners must also pay the required registration fees and ad valorem taxes to the licensing official during registration.
Alabama Titling Requirements and Sales Tax
Alabama stores titling information in its ALVIN system, which features a VIN decoder that populates vehicle information. This information populates fields such as the vehicle's unladen weight or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Individuals should apply for a title for a car if it's new or 35 years old and below. Additionally, Alabama residents must title and register their vehicles within thirty days of moving into the state with a valid out-of-state registration. The sales tax rates for cars in Alabama vary based on the location of the sale. The state sales tax rate is 2% of the net purchase price, and additional county and municipal taxes may apply.
Alabama-Assigned VINs
The Alabama Assigned VIN is used if the motor vehicle is homemade, such as a utility trailer. It also certifies that a motor vehicle has not been altered, reconstructed, or rebuilt. To obtain an Alabama Assigned Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), you need to apply online through MyDMV.
Why Choose GoodCar for Alabama VIN Lookup?
GoodCar is the one-stop shop for comprehensive vehicle history reports and contains everything from ownership data, vehicle specifications, fire damage, and accident history to the title history of the vehicle. The data provided is of the highest industry standards, placing customers in the best position to make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
about VIN Checks
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Who Issues a Vehicle's VIN Number in Alabama?
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is issued by the vehicle manufacturer. The DMV may also issue a VIN for homemade vehicles.
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How do I verify a VIN number in Alabama?
In Alabama, a VIN is verified by a government official or a law enforcement officer. These officials must physically inspect the vehicle and verify the VIN, model, make, year, and color by signing the MVT 5-9 Vehicle Inspection Form.
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Is it safe to check an Alabama VIN online?
Yes, it is safe to check an Alabama VIN online. Buyers are also advised to conduct these checks as part of their due diligence process.
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Do I need a VIN inspection in Alabama?
In Alabama, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection is only required when registering an out-of-state vehicle. After undergoing a VIN inspection, you can register your vehicle. The state will give you twenty days to finalize the registration process.
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Are Alabama VIN checks necessary for out-of-state vehicles brought into Alabama?
Alabama VIN checks are necessary for out-of-state vehicles brought into Alabama. These checks ensure the vehicle has a clean title, no accidents or damage, and no outstanding liens.
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What does an Alabama VIN check reveal?
An Alabama VIN check discloses detailed information about a vehicle's history, including its features, mileage record, damage history, and title issues.
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Can you ask for the VIN from an Alabama seller?
Yes, requesting the Vehicle Identification Number from a seller in Alabama is proper and acceptable when purchasing a car. Buyers are expected to obtain the VIN, especially if the vehicle is used. The VIN is essential for carrying out necessary checks for transparency in the transaction.