Texas VIN Check
How to Perform a VIN Lookup in Texas?
Whether you're purchasing a used vehicle, or you want to know more about a car you already own, a VIN check is a useful way to access helpful information. By knowing more about a vehicle you're considering purchasing you can negotiate a better purchasing price, or you can identify potential problems that prevent you from purchasing at all. With access to a vehicle's VIN, you can see the vehicle's history and common problem areas by performing a VIN check using a service like GoodCar. To complete a VIN check, you input the VIN into the search bar on GoodCar.com, and moments later youâ're presented with useful results. The GoodCar VIN reports include Mileage, Accidents, Ownership History, Title Records, Junk or Salvage Records, Problem Checks or Title Brands, NHTSA Recalls, Total Loss Records, and Automotive Specifications. These records show everything about a vehicle's past, from the time of manufacture to ownership history, title records, recalls, and accidents. From an informational perspective, a VIN check educates vehicle owners and prospective buyers about the vehicle's feature set, including safety features, warranties, comfort features, and more.
How to Find Your Car's VIN Number?
Vehicle Identification Numbers are 17 characters long and unique to every vehicle as provided by the manufacturer. These codes are located in specific areas within the vehicle, such as the driver's side dashboard where it meets the windshield. The VIN may also be found on the driver-side door jamb or under the hood near the engine. This is relatively public information, so it is open to any party and is encouraged when a buyer wants to purchase a vehicle.
Why Should I Run a TX VIN Check?
Vehicle History
Texas VIN checks are encouraged for buyers and other interested parties, especially if they want a comprehensive report on the car. The vehicle history report is extensive, detailing features and major problems. This considers the vehicle's damage incurred, recalls, or refurbishing. It is possible to tell from these records if the vehicle has been involved in a collision and if any defects are present. Vehicle history is also about sales history, mileage information, and odometer records. Due to the vast highway networks in Texas, many car buyers fall victim to odometer fraud, so this is something to watch out for.
Title Verification
The Title Records segment on Texas VIN checks shows when vehicle titles were issued, in which state, and how many miles the vehicle had at the time of each title issuance. Each GoodCar Texas VIN check includes a Problem Checks section that includes 40 different Title Brand issues as well. Things like natural disasters, reconstructions or salvaged vehicles, odometer issues, undisclosed liens, and more are examined in the Problem Checks section. These two sections related to vehicle titles may assist vehicle owners in avoiding financial liability upon purchase should they be present. Ownership History is also available, showing the number of times and locations the vehicle changed hands.
Accident History
The problem checks section of GoodCar allows vehicle buyers to assess faults and incidents, including if the vehicle had been previously involved in an accident. Supporting documentation must also be provided if it had been in an accident. It would give an idea of potential future issues depending on the collision's severity. It would also give the buyers negotiating leverage regarding pricing. This is particularly relevant to Texas as the state ranks among the highest in vehicular accidents. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, one reportable crash occurs every 57 seconds. With that in mind, buyers of used vehicles are likely to purchase one in a minor accident, so it would be advisable to see if it bears any record. The most common types of accidents in Texas are rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and left-turn crashes. Parties may also examine the vehicle to see if it has any evidence of an accident before proceeding with any transaction.
Mileage Verification
Mileage records can be accessed under the Mileage section of the GoodCar report. Within Mileage, you'll see the last reported mileage as well as an estimated mileage. You can also view the mileage the vehicle had each time a new title was issued for it within the Title Records section of the report.
Vehicle Specifications
Ensure the vehicle specifications you receive from a dealership or a third-party seller are accurate by verifying this information with a TX VIN check. Quickly see all the relevant vehicle specifications, including standard safety and comfort equipment, vehicle measurements, original pricing, warranties, and more before making your purchase. You can see all this information and more within the GoodCar Auto Specs section of a VIN report.
Texas Emissions Standards Compliance
According to Texas laws, all registered vehicles are mandated to get an annual inspection. These inspections would include a safety assessment and an emissions test. Diesel-powered cars and motorcycles, though, are exempt from emissions testing, but they are still required to go through the annual safety inspection. Gasoline-powered vehicles that are two to twenty-four years old are inspected annually, starting with the second anniversary of the vehicle. Vehicle owners who get the annual vehicle registration renewal notice indicating TCEQ, which is Emissions PRGM Non-Compliance will not be able to renew their registration until this has been resolved. One can remove an emission system or device from the vehicle provided; they are replacing it with one that is tailor-made for the vehicle and is similarly effective toward reducing emissions. In this case, the individual may replace an engine if the replacement is certified by the EPA. It should also be compatible with the vehicle chassis and applicable emission controls. The resulting model has to be consistent regarding emission-related parts and design parameters.
Recalls and Safety Standards
Under the NHTSA Recalls section, owners can identify specific recalls and get details about the defect, the risks it causes, and what corrective action is necessary. Some of the defects that result in vehicle recalls can be potentially dangerous or make a vehicle more difficult to resell. Fortunately, lemon laws in the state also facilitate a return to the manufacturer for repair or replacement.
Theft Check
Buyers may visit the Problem Checks section of GoodCar to ensure their vehicle has not been previously involved in criminal activities or theft. Requesters may view title issues or the sales history of the vehicle to confirm that the vehicle was sold the right way previously and can be legally bought. This due diligence is necessary, considering the National Crime Information Center data shows that Texas had 105,015 motor vehicle thefts in 2022. It is also a crime to possess stolen property in Texas. If a person is convicted of a state jail felony, the penalty is six months to a two-year sentence in jail. The fine is up to $10,000.
Texas Commercial Vehicle Compliance
Texas law maintains that commercial motor vehicles are any self-propelled or towed vehicle used on the highway to transport freight or passengers. State regulations mandate that the vehicle's dimensions cannot exceed 13.5 tall or 45 feet long. The maximum width for a commercial vehicle should be eight feet, six inches. Gross weight should be 80,000 pounds or under and 20,000 on a single axle. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles has an oversized or overweight enforcement program created to meet statutory requirements. Carriers and shippers found violating these requirements may be subjected to administrative penalties, revocation of their certificate of registration, and relevant permits.
Natural Disaster-Related Reasons
GoodCar also provides access to problem checks such as flood or fire damage. The goal is to determine if the vehicle has been exposed to adverse weather, causing long-term defects. Texas experiences weather events such as flooding, tornadoes, and wildfires, which may cause sudden or sustained damage to a vehicle. Vehicle records will keep a record of these effects, and these are open to review by potential buyers. It provides leverage for buyers when negotiating the given price on a used vehicle. The information also informs purchasers of the possible repairs that may be made soon if they decide to proceed with the transaction.
Texas Lemon Laws
and How They Relate to VIN Checks
The Texas Lemon laws are administered by the state Department of Motor Vehicles, assisting customers to purchase or lease vehicles. It can help consumers to have their vehicles repaired or replaced. These laws cover new trucks, cars, motorcycles, motor homes, and all-terrain models. It does not cover any repossessed vehicles. These regulations cover the vehicle if it has a manufacturing defect, is covered by a warranty, or the owner reports the defect to the dealer. The defect, in this case, has to persist and impair the vehicle's use or value for resale. Vehicles must also be a maximum of 2 years old or have a mileage of 24,000 miles and below to be considered.
The Title Transfer Process
According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, title transfers for motor vehicles in Texas must be done within 30 days to avoid penalties. The buyer must provide documentation, including the title assigned from the seller, an application of Texas title, government-issued photo identification, proof of liability insurance, a vehicle inspection report, and a release of lien as supporting documentation. The fees for title transfer are different depending on the transaction type. Usually, the fee is $28, but there are penalties, a registration fee, and sales tax. If the transfer does not take place within 30 calendar days of the date of the sale, then penalties will accrue.
Texas Insurance and Registration Requirements
Texas requires vehicle owners to do minimum insurance amounts to protect themselves and other road users. The vehicle insurance is $30,000 for each person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for body injury, and a $25,000 property damage liability.
Texas Titling Requirements and Sales Tax
An interested party should visit their local county tax collector's office to get a Texas plate and a registration sticker. Parties will have to issue their vehicle inspection report, insurance cards, and proof that they own a vehicle, including registration from a previous state of residence. Texas also imposes a 6.25 percent state sales and use tax on all retail sales.
Texas-Assigned VINs
Typically, if an identification number is not assigned to a vehicle or it cannot be evaluated by law enforcement, the DMV can assign a number. If the identification number is determined by law enforcement but has been removed or altered, the department may reassign an original manufacturer's identification. The law enforcement inspection and acceptable evidence of ownership is required to get a number assignment.
Why Choose GoodCar for Texas VIN Lookup?
GoodCar offers vehicle buyers and owners significant convenience by providing a one-stop shop for vehicle history assessment. Consumers can assess elements such as vehicle specifications, ownership history, and past recalls to determine if it is a good investment. GoodCar also allows individuals to look into accident histories or defects to see if there are relevant problems. This information is guaranteed as it is an approved NMVTIS data provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
about Texas VIN Checks
-
Who Issues a Vehicle's VIN Number in Texas?
The VIN number is issued by the vehicle's manufacturer, though it may also be assigned by the DMV if it is not available or in the event of state assignment.
-
How do I verify a VIN number in Texas?
The process of VIN checking is done by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles or any licensed vehicle dealer or law enforcement officer.
-
Is it safe to check a Texas VIN online?
Yes, it is safe to check a Texas VIN online considering they are publicly displayed in vehicles. Buyers are also encouraged to perform these checks with regard to due diligence.
-
Do I need a VIN inspection in Texas?
Currently, VIN inspections are required in Texas as per registration or titling requirements. This is part of the current annual vehicle safety inspections.
-
Are Texas VIN checks necessary for out-of-state vehicles brought into Texas?
A Texas VIN verification is mandated for vehicle owners who have been titled or registered out of state.
-
What does a Texas VIN check reveal?
A Texas VIN check shows vehicle history aspects like recalls if occurred or accidents, sales history, and much more.
-
Is it safe to give out a VIN in Texas?
It should be safe to give out a VIN number in Texas. Vehicle owners and interested parties can search VINs on GoodCar to determine the vehicle's history
-
Can you ask for the VIN from a Texas seller?
Interested parties may ask sellers for VIN numbers if they would like to view the records of a vehicle. These records give a comprehensive report of the vehicle, allowing parties to make informed decisions.