Nevada VIN Check
How to Perform a VIN Lookup in Nevada?
VIN lookups are extremely helpful for gathering information on used cars and making an informed decision when purchasing these kinds of vehicles. These VIN checks allow you to learn more about the vehicle’s history and get details on title issues, past accidents, structural and mechanical damage, recalls, and other related information. You can perform a VIN lookup in Nevada using platforms like GoodCar, an approved NMVTIS data provider that allows you to generate comprehensive and reliable vehicle history reports.
How to Find Your Car's VIN Number?
During the manufacturing process, vehicles are assigned a 17-digit code (less than 17 for pre-1981 vehicles) called a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). These VINs are unique to each vehicle and contain specific information on their make, model, features, and other relevant details. The actual location of the VIN on a car may differ depending on its make and model. Nonetheless, you will typically find your car’s VIN on the driver's side of the dashboard, near the windshield (it can usually be seen from the outside through the window). The VIN is also usually shown on a sticker or metal plate on the driver's side door jamb and beneath the hood (near its engine).
Why Should I Run a nv VIN Check?
Running a VIN check in Nevada is a smart move for any potential car buyer. These checks provide valuable insights into a vehicle's status and provide access to a trove of information (on the vehicle), such as:
Vehicle History
There are estimated to be over 130 used car dealers statewide (approximately 4.38 used car dealers for every 100,000 Nevadans). VIN checks are an excellent way to get comprehensive reports on vehicles sold by these dealers and confirm that they match both your requirements and the dealer’s advertisement.
Title Verification
Titles are legal documents that establish proof of vehicle ownership. Nevada has a car ownership rate of 93%, with about 2,631,500 registered light-duty vehicles across the state. When looking to buy any of these vehicles, it is critical to verify their title; doing this assures you that the seller has the legal right to perform this transaction.
Accident History
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that over 5.93 million traffic crashes were reported across the US in 2022, with a fair number occurring in Nevada. A VIN check helps you determine if a vehicle has been involved in accidents and uncover any hidden damages or structural issues that may have resulted from these accidents, helping you avoid cars with hidden problems that could lead to costly repairs or safety concerns.
Mileage Verification
Over 450,000 vehicles are sold each year with false odometer readings, costing car buyers approximately $1 billion annually. Despite it being illegal to alter a vehicle’s odometer readings or knowingly sell vehicles with these altered readings in Nevada, shady car sellers still engage in this practice to boost sales. To avoid falling victim to this, it is vital to verify a vehicle’s mileage before purchasing. In situations where you discover that the odometer has been tampered with, report the matter to the DMV’s Compliance Enforcement Division at (702) 486-3132.
Recalls and Safety Standards
Unresolved recalls and safety-related defects can pose safety risks, potentially leading to accidents and injuries. With over 4.2 million vehicles needing recall repairs nationwide, the importance of running a VIN check cannot be overstated. These checks provide details of NHTSA recalls and crash test ratings, as well as safety, security, and performance issues associated with the vehicle, allowing buyers to address these issues before purchasing the vehicle.
Theft Check
Over a million vehicles were reported stolen across the US in 2023; in Nevada alone, the percentage of reported vehicle thefts rose by 18% between 2022 and 2023. You can use a VIN check to verify whether a vehicle has been reported stolen. Running this check ensures that you do not buy a stolen vehicle and avoid the associated legal and financial repercussions (of purchasing stolen property).
Disaster-related Damages
While Nevada is known for its diverse landscapes and natural beauty, it also faces several natural hazards. These include wildfires, earthquakes, and flash floods; there were at least 17 FEMA disaster declarations across the state in the past five years alone. Running a VIN check can help you verify if these disaster-related events have previously damaged a vehicle and reveal flood damage, hidden structural issues caused by seismic activity during earthquakes, and other similar issues.
Nevada Lemon Laws
and How They Relate to VIN Checks
Nevada’s Lemon Law, as outlined in the Nevada Revised Statutes 597.600 - 597.688, is implemented to protect individuals who buy or lease vehicles in the state. The law primarily applies to new vehicles, demonstrator vehicles (driven by dealership employees but unsold), and used cars still covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty. However, motorhomes, living portions of RVs, off-road vehicles, and vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds are not covered by this law.
The Nevada Lemon Law protects eligible vehicles for one year or the duration of the manufacturer’s warranty, whichever is shorter. It stipulates that a manufacturer must replace or refund the price of defective vehicles (known as “lemons”) under the following certain conditions:
- It has a substantial defect covered by the warranty within the first year or warranty period. This defect must not have been caused by abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications and must significantly impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
- The manufacturer, its agents, or authorized dealers fail to repair the defect after four attempts.
- It is out of service for 30 cumulative days due to the defect.
You must first report the defect to the auto manufacturer or an authorized dealer and allow them a reasonable number of attempts to fix it before requesting a refund or replacement. Be aware that claims under the Nevada Lemon Law must be filed within 18 months of the vehicle’s delivery.
VIN lookups relate to Nevada’s Lemon Law in that they can be used to check a vehicle's recorded defects and repairs. You can generate a comprehensive vehicle history report through a VIN check that can subsequently be used to determine if it meets the lemon law criteria or has been previously classified as a “lemon.” This information is crucial in helping buyers avoid potential headaches and costly repairs.
The Title Transfer Process
To transfer a title in Nevada, both the buyer and seller must sign and date the title. If the title lists the vehicle's owners as "person 1" AND "person 2", then all listed owners must sign it, but if they are listed as "person 1" OR "person 2", then only one owner may sign. The seller must also complete the odometer disclosure section for vehicle models under 20 years old and provide a lien release, if applicable.
Once this is done, the buyer must take the title, proof of Nevada auto insurance, a VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles, and an Application for Vehicle Registration (Form VP 222) to a Nevada DMV Office to title and register the vehicle in their name. Title transfer/change of vehicle ownership fees cost $28.25. Note that this does not include associated registration costs and applicable taxes.
Nevada Insurance and Registration Requirements
Per state law, you must have insurance coverage of $25,000 for bodily injuries or death to one person or $50,000 for two or more people, and $20,000 for property damage in any single crash before registering your vehicle. A state-approved insurance company must provide this insurance.
Other requirements for registering your vehicle in Nevada include:
- The vehicle’s title. For vehicles purchased from an out-of-state dealer, you must also provide an invoice or Bill of Sale and either a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin, security, or lease agreement in place of the title
- Current odometer reading
- VIN inspection (for out-of-state vehicles)
- Application for Vehicle Registration (Form VP 222)
- License plates and current registration certificate (for new residents)
Be aware that you must register your vehicle with the Nevada DMV within 30 days of moving to the state, purchasing it from a private party, or receiving it as a gift. On the other hand, vehicles purchased from Nevada dealers must be registered before the expiration date on the placard issued by the dealer. Registration fees vary by vehicle type, model, and Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP); however, the DMV offers an online platform that you can use to get a registration fee estimate.
Nevada Titling Requirements and Sales Tax
Titles indicate vehicle ownership. To legally complete a change of ownership on any vehicle in Nevada, the seller must properly assign the title to the buyer by correctly signing and dating it and completing the odometer disclosure section. The buyer must also sign and date the title and take it, along with evidence of insurance and other applicable documents, to a Nevada DMV office to register the vehicle in their name. Active-duty military members and their spouses who choose Nevada registration are typically eligible for exemptions from Governmental Services Taxes on their vehicles. However, NATO and foreign forces members do not qualify for this exemption. Vehicles purchased from out-of-state dealers may also qualify for a sales tax exemption.
Nevada VIN checks are crucial in confirming that a person looking to sell a vehicle has the legal authority to do so, and they spare you the hassle of dealing with a private party vehicle sale scam. Whether you're a military member or a civilian, verifying a vehicle's ownership through a VIN check is a prudent step when navigating Nevada's vehicle ownership, titling, and registration process.
Nevada-Assigned VINs
VINs are unique codes used to identify individual vehicles. They are typically issued by vehicle manufacturers during production and permanently assigned to each vehicle. However, the Nevada DMV may assign a state-issued VIN for off-road vehicles, specially constructed trailers, and similar vehicles, which, for all intents and purposes, becomes the vehicle’s VIN.
Why Choose GoodCar for Nevada 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.
Nevada Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
about Nevada VIN Checks
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Who Issues a Vehicle's VIN Number in Nevada?
Vehicle manufacturers assign Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) during production. However, state-assigned VINs may be issued for off-road vehicles and specially constructed trailers.
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How Do I Verify a VIN Number in Nevada?
You can verify VINs in Nevada in person at a DMV inspection station, through law enforcement agencies, or online using approved third-party data providers like GoodCar.
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Is It Safe to Check a Nevada VIN Online?
Yes, it’s safe to check a Nevada VIN online. However, it is advisable to use reputable data providers like GoodCar to perform these VIN checks.
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Do I Need a VIN Inspection in Nevada?
Yes, a VIN inspection is required for any vehicle that has never been titled or registered in Nevada.
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Are Nevada VIN Checks Necessary for Out-of-State Vehicles Brought into Nevada?
If you are a new resident or purchased an out-of-state vehicle, a VIN verification must be done before your vehicle can be registered in Nevada.
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What Does a Nevada VIN Check Reveal?
Nevada VIN checks provide information on a vehicle’s history, title status, sales history, accident records, theft checks, recalls, and other related details crucial for performing due diligence on vehicles before purchasing.
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Can You Ask for the VIN from a Nevada Seller?
Yes, you can ask a Nevada seller for the VIN when buying a vehicle. It’s essential for verifying the vehicle’s history and legal status. You should consider it a red flag if the seller hesitates to provide the VIN or discourages you from checking it.