North Carolina VIN Check
How to Perform a VIN Lookup in North carolina?
One of the ways people can look up a vehicle’s VIN in NC is through the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV offers resources to help in vehicle identification and history verification. A person can request these details through the mail by filling out the Request for Motor Vehicle Information (MVR-605A) form and sending it to the state DMV. Additionally, individuals can fill out the form and submit it in person to their nearest DMV office. Interested individuals will have to pay a fee depending on the type of vehicle information they require.
People can also use the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) database to check North Carolina VIN. NMVTIS database provides information about a vehicle’s title, most recent odometer reading, and condition. The database offers vehicle history information directly from the state’s motor vehicle database.
Lastly, people can use verified online VIN check services like GoodCar to get vehicle details. The website provides detailed information about the car's history, including accidents, title records, odometer readings, and other crucial information. GoodCar also provides a license plate lookup service if individuals cannot access the North Carolina vehicle’s VIN.
How to Find Your Car's VIN Number?
A VIN number is a unique identifier that serves as a vehicle’s fingerprint. Individuals can use the GoodCar VIN Decoder to input the 17-character unique code to find the vehicle’s history. However, the code can be located on multiple parts of the car. Here’s a detailed guide on where to locate the VIN on a vehicle:
- On the Dashboard: The most common place to find the VIN is on the dashboard, near the windshield. Individuals can find a small metal plate or a sticker with the VIN printed on it.
- Driver’s Side Door Jamb: Individuals can locate the VIN inside the driver’s side door jamb. Once a person opens the driver’s door, they can find a VIN plate where the door latches to the car. In some cases, the VIN plate might also be located on the door itself or on the frame that the door locks to.
- Under the Hood: Likewise, some vehicles have the VIN located under the hood. Manufacturers might also engrave the VIN on a metal plate attached to the engine block. Lastly, individuals can also check the front of the car’s frame, near the radiator, or on the firewall separating the engine from the car’s cabin.
- At the rear wheel well: People can also find the VIN on the vehicle's rear wheel well. They should look up into the well, just above the tire, to find the VIN plate.
- Vehicle Registration and Insurance Documents: A person can also check the vehicle registration and insurance documents to find its VIN. The VIN is often printed on the first page of the registration document and the insurance card.
- Owner’s Manual: Lastly, some vehicles also list the VIN in their owner manual. However, this mostly applies to new cars, as old cars might not have their original user manual.
Why Should I Run a nc VIN Check?
Whether a person wants to buy a used car or is just curious about the vehicle’s current condition, running a VIN check is a crucial step that an individual should not overlook. Especially in North Carolina, where the used car market is bustling and diverse. A VIN check can provide peace of mind, protect people from potential safety issues, and ensure the vehicle meets the state’s regulations. Some of the common reasons why people should perform a North Carolina VIN check include:
Vehicle History
A VIN check offers a detailed vehicle history report, which is invaluable when assessing a used car. It is helpful, especially if you aim to make a good purchase from one of North Carolina’s 1,228 used car dealers.
Title Verification
VIN checks can also help potential car owners verify title records. An identification lookup can confirm that the vehicle's title matches the VIN, location, etc. North Carolina, there are 8,970,300 currently registered vehicles.
Accident History
Over 250,000 traffic crashes are reported in North Carolina every year. To avoid any vehicle with a previous accident history, a quick VIN check will save you thousands.
Mileage Verification
Mileage confirmation is one of the most important checks one would like to perform regarding a car. A VIN check can also help provide information about a vehicle’s mileage history and prevent odometer fraud. It can compare the odometer reading with historical mileage records to detect discrepancies. North Carolina has an estimated 49,000 cases of odometer rollback. Parties may report discrepancies to the Department of Transportation.
Recalls and Safety Standards
Likewise, a VIN check can help individuals determine if the vehicle was recalled or has any safety issues. The North Carolina Department of Justice encourages vehicle owners to check if their vehicles are on the recall list as well. This is probably due to the fact that North Carolina has a high prevalence of recalls, at an estimated 152,000.
Theft Check
Conducting a VIN check can also help prevent involvement in criminal activity. Unfortunately, stolen vehicles are often resold to unsuspecting individuals. This is a potential issue, considering 23,570 vehicle thefts happen every year. Possession of a stolen vehicle counts as a Class H Felony.
Natural Disaster-Related Reasons
Additionally, VIN lookup services are essential to determine if a vehicle underwent any natural disaster-related damage. North Carolina is susceptible to various natural disasters, including hurricanes, floods, and severe storms. These events can cause significant damage to vehicles, often leading to hidden issues that might not be immediately apparent during a casual inspection.
North carolina Lemon Laws
and How They Relate to VIN Checks
North Carolina's Lemon Laws allow individuals who purchase new vehicles to return them if they fail to meet quality and performance standards. If a new car has a substantial defect even after repair attempts, the manufacturer must replace the vehicle or refund the purchase price. However, it is essential to note that the NC Lemon Law only applies to new cars less than 24 months old or less than 24,000 miles. A VIN lookup can reveal if a car has been previously classified as a lemon.
The Title Transfer Process
In North Carolina, title transfers are mandated to ensure that the car’s ownership is properly documented and managed. The state’s DMV manages title transfers in North Carolina. NC requires individuals to start the title transfer process within 28 days of purchasing a vehicle. Individuals looking to start the tile transfer process can either send their information through the mail to the North Carolina DMV or go to the nearest DMV license plate agency in person.
North Carolina Insurance and Registration Requirements
North Carolina requires all drivers to have minimum liability insurance coverage before registering their vehicle. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date registration involves annual renewals and paying the necessary fees.
Individuals can register vehicles in North Carolina through the state’s DMV. When registering a car, people should provide:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of vehicle ownership like the original title
- A completed MVR-1 Form
- Proof of insurance liability
- A damage disclosure statement MVR-181 Form
- A lien release form, if applicable
- Vehicle inspection test
- A bill of sale
- Payment of registration fee
North Carolina Titling Requirements and Sales Tax
For individuals buying a car in North Carolina or bringing one in from out of state, it's essential to understand the state's titling and registration requirements and the associated sales tax. Before applying for a title transfer, individuals must provide the following information:
- Proof of identity
- The original vehicle title signed by both the buyer and the seller
- A completed MVR-1 Form
- A bill of sale
- An odometer disclosure statement MVR-180
- Proof of insurance
- A lien release form, if applicable
- A damage disclosure statement MVR-181 Form
- The state requires all individuals to pay a 3% vehicle sales tax
For out-of-state vehicle title transfers, interested parties should also provide:
- The buyer and recipient's name and address
- The seller's hand-printed name and signature
- Odometer readings
- A damage disclosure statement
North Carolina-Assigned VINs
All vehicles in the state must have an assigned VIN number. North Carolina issues state VIN numbers to vehicles classified as modified utility vehicles (MVU). Some of the standard vehicles that fall into the category include:
- Custom-built vehicles
- Rebuilt vehicles
- Trailer and homemade vehicles
However, if a vehicle’s VIN is damaged, an individual should visit their nearest state DMV office to find more information about how to get a replacement.
Why Choose GoodCar for North carolina 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 North carolina VIN Checks
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Who Issues A Vehicle's Vin Number In North Carolina?
Vehicle manufacturers issue VINs when the vehicles are in production. However, North Carolina provides state-issued VIN numbers to custom-built, rebuilt, or homemade vehicles.
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How do I verify a VIN in North Carolina?
Individuals looking to verify a North Carolina VIN can request the information from the state’s DMV or use the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). Individuals can also use third-party online VIN decoders like GoodCar to verify a car’s identification number.
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Is it safe to check a North Carolina VIN online?
Yes, interested parties can safely look up VINs online using verified, NMVTIS-approved websites like GoodCar.
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Do I need a VIN inspection in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, performing a VIN inspection is necessary for various scenarios, including registering out-of-state vehicles, custom-built cars, rebuilt or salvage vehicles, imported vehicles, and correcting title discrepancies.
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Are North Carolina VIN checks necessary for out-of-state vehicles brought into North Carolina?
Though not mandatory, a VIN check is essential before purchasing a vehicle outside North Carolina. It can provide valuable insight into the vehicle’s history and whether it meets the state’s standards. However, the state does require out-of-state cars to undergo a VIN inspection.
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What does a North Carolina VIN check reveal?
A VIN check provides comprehensive information about a vehicle’s history. This information includes a vehicle’s specs, title information, accident and damage history, odometer readings, ownership history, recall information, and theft records.
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Can you ask for the VIN from a North Carolina seller?
Yes, interested parties looking to buy vehicles in North Carolina can ask sellers and dealers for the VIN to perform a history check.