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Arizona VIN Lookup

Arizona VIN Lookup

The unique climate and terrain of Arizona, featuring vast deserts and landmarks like the Grand Canyon, foster a high demand for vehicles adept in navigating its diverse landscapes, such as off-road vehicles and RVs, suitable for adventurers and those wishing to explore its natural beauty. Additionally, the state's conditions necessitate cars that can withstand extreme temperatures, creating a varied vehicle market. This variety underscores the importance of making an informed vehicle purchase.

The first step for anyone looking to buy a car in Arizona should be conducting a VIN lookup, especially if it is a used car. Doing so protects against potential problems such as hidden accident history, theft, or liens, ensuring a secure transaction. For a VIN lookup in Arizona, one can visit the Arizona Department of Transportation's website at azmvdnow.gov. This website offers comprehensive details about a vehicle's financial and lien history.

VIN Verification

VIN Verification

VIN Verification in Arizona is a critical step in vehicle ownership and registration. Usually, an authorized official physically examines a vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to ensure it accurately matches the vehicle's various components and is authentic. This verification is crucial for confirming a vehicle's eligibility for titling, and it helps in preventing vehicle theft and fraud.

Unlike a VIN lookup, which involves checking the vehicle identification number within databases like the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), VIN verification is a more formal and thorough procedure. It's mandatory in several situations, including:

  • For vehicles that originate from other states or countries.
  • When a car no longer appears in the DMV's records.
  • If a vehicle undergoes significant body modifications and needs a new body type model (BTM).

The VIN, a unique 17-character identifier assigned by the manufacturer, holds critical information about the vehicle. It reveals essential information about the car, such as its model year, country of manufacture, and serial number. VIN verification validates vehicles' identities by cross-referencing VINs with titles and other ownership documents.

You can find this number in multiple places on the car, like the dashboard on the driver's side and the driver's side door jamb. It's also available on important documents such as the vehicle's title, registration card, insurance policy, and service records.

Arizona Car Ownership and Driving Information

Car Ownership Rate
Ownership Rate
94.2%
Registered Vehicles
6,053,781

Car Ownership Rate

Around 94.2% of households in Arizona possess at least one car. As of 2020, the total number of registered vehicles in the state stood at 6,053,781, including 28,770 electric cars.

Average Annual Mileage
Miles Per Year
13,090

Average Annual Mileage

Arizona drivers typically cover an average of 13,090 miles per year.

Popular Car Makes in Arizona
Popular Car
Ford F-150

Popular Car Makes in Arizona

The Ford F-150 ranks as a top choice among Arizona drivers, closely followed by the Subaru Forester.

Car Accidents
Fatalities
3.55 per day

Car Accidents

In 2022, Arizona saw an average of about 3.55 fatalities per day due to car accidents. Crashes caused by overturning represented 2.09% of all crashes and 10.19% of fatal crashes. Single-vehicle incidents made up 16.25% of all crashes and 29.37% of fatal crashes. In pedestrian-related crashes, 16.05% were fatal, while bicycle-related crashes had a 4.06% fatality rate.

Impaired Driving Fatalities
Alcohol-related
4.57%

Impaired Driving Fatalities

Alcohol-related crashes constituted 4.57% of all accidents and 17.15% of all fatal crashes in Arizona.

Economic Losses
Financial Impact
$21.294 billion

Economic Losses

The financial impact of motor vehicle crashes in Arizona amounted to $21.294 billion.

Arizona MVD

The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) provides various essential vehicle management services and driver licensing services.

Resources for Car Drivers/Owners in Arizona

Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

Arizona offers a wealth of resources to car drivers and owners, ensuring they have access to essential services and information. Here's an overview of some key resources:

  • Arizona MVD Services: The Motor Vehicle Division in Arizona offers comprehensive services such as driver license issuance, vehicle title and registration renewal, various permits, and testing. These services are available both in person at MVD offices and online.
  • Cantor's Driving School: This school provides valuable information and online resources regarding Arizona driver's licenses, learner's permits, driver's test centers, and driver safety education.
  • Arizona Department of Transportation - Driver Services: ADOT delivers details on commercial driver's license (CDL) activities, including testing times, locations, and Arizona Travel ID information.
  • ADOT - Screening and Counseling Resources: For drivers involved in certain offenses, ADOT provides information on behavioral screening, treatment, and substance abuse counseling, which are crucial for MVD-ordered screenings and subsequent treatments.
  • Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety: GOHS offers a variety of helpful links pertinent to driving, covering topics from police science to drowsy driving and Ford Driving Skills for Life programs.
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Buying a Used Car in Arizona

When considering the purchase of a used car in Arizona, it's important to follow certain guidelines to ensure a secure and satisfactory transaction:

Inspect the Vehicle

Inspect the Vehicle

Have a reliable mechanic inspect the car to uncover any hidden problems.

Verify Seller's Information and Vehicle Title

Verify Seller's Information and Vehicle Title

Confirm that the seller is the actual owner as listed on the title and ensure the title is correctly transferred.

Review the Vehicle History Report

Review the Vehicle History Report

Get a report from an NMVTIS-approved provider to check the car's title, history, and overall condition.

Test Drive the Vehicle

Test Drive the Vehicle

Take the car for a test drive to check its operational condition and identify any issues.

Verify the VIN

Verify the VIN

The VIN on the title should match the VIN sticker on the car's dashboard and the VIN on the driver's door jamb. Ensure all three VINs are identical.

Confirm Any Vehicle Liens

Confirm Any Vehicle Liens

Financial liens are placed by banks or lenders on a vehicle if there are pending payments by the owner. Alternative liens occur when the owner has unpaid financial obligations unrelated to the car, such as due taxes.

Transfer the Vehicle Title

Transfer the Vehicle Title

Arizona law requires you to apply for a new title within 15 days to avoid penalties.

Obtain Necessary Documents

Obtain Necessary Documents

Ensure you have all required documents, including the bill of sale, title, registration application, and any lien-release documents.

Register the Vehicle

Register the Vehicle

Visit the local Motor Vehicle Division to complete the registration process.

Be Aware

Be Aware

Be aware that there is no cooling-off period in Arizona to cancel a car sale once it's finalized.

Reasons to Do a VIN Lookup in Arizona

Reasons to Do a VIN Lookup in Arizona

Performing a VIN lookup in Arizona is a crucial step before purchasing a vehicle for the following reasons:

  • Check for Accidents: A VIN lookup helps confirm if the car has been in any accidents. This is vital, considering the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports over 5 million automobile accidents annually.
  • Check for thefts: Like many states, Arizona has experienced vehicle theft cases. A VIN lookup ensures that the car you're considering isn't stolen.
  • Check for Title Brands: With a VIN lookup, you can uncover essential title brands. This includes identifying if the car has a salvage title or has suffered hail, flood, or other types of damage.
  • Check for Special-Purpose Designations: Find out if the car was previously a rental, taxi, or police car, or used for other particular purposes through a VIN lookup.
  • Verify Vehicle's History: A comprehensive VIN lookup provides a detailed vehicle history, including its previous owners, service and repair records, insurance details, and accurate odometer readings.

How to Lookup a VIN Number in Arizona

To look up a VIN number in Arizona with precision and follow authoritative guidance, one should undertake the following steps:

Option 1: Obtain a Vehicle Record from the Arizona Department of Transportation:

  • Visit the official website AZMVDNow.gov platform.
  • You'll need an account to access the services. If you don't already have one, you'll be prompted to create it.
  • If eligible, you can view and print a record online. Alternatively, for detailed history, complete the Motor Vehicle Record Request form available on the site.
  • Submit the necessary fee: $3 for an uncertified three-year driving record or $5 for a certified five-year record. This can be done by mail or at any MVD or authorized third-party office. Ensure your signature on the form is notarized or witnessed by an MVD agent.

Option 2: Use Online VIN Lookup Services

There are many online VIN lookup services buyers can use, one of which should be the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) or third-party platforms like Infotracer. It provides comprehensive vehicle history reports, including title information and accident history.

Option 3: Requesting VIN Number Reports by Mail

  • Complete the Motor Vehicle Record Request Form: Download and fill out the form provided by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The form can be found here.
  • Notarize the Form: Make sure to get the request form officially notarized. This is a crucial step for the mail-in process.
  • Mail the Form and Fee: Send the completed and notarized form and the appropriate fee ($3 for an uncertified record or $5 for a certified record) to the Motor Vehicle Division office. The mailing address is specified in the form instructions.

For each of these steps, ensure you have the proper permissions and reasons as outlined by the Federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act, which regulates how MVD information may be released.

VIN Replacement in Arizona

In Arizona, when a VIN is missing or damaged, the vehicle owner must apply for a new title and registration within 15 days of purchase, as Arizona law dictates. This step involves a vehicle inspection at any MVD office, which is critical for obtaining a corrected title in instances of VIN discrepancies. Owners must gather all required documents, such as the Title and Registration Application, the original vehicle title, and a lien release if applicable, and pay the necessary fees.

It's important to note that Arizona stores vehicle title information electronically, meaning owners might not receive a paper title but can view their title information online through their AZ MVD Now account.

What Would a Vehicle History Report Include in Arizona?

A vehicle history report in Arizona contains details about the vehicle's title, registration, accident history, and any reported damage. It also includes information about previous ownership and mileage.

How Can I Find a VIN Number by License Plate?

In Arizona, you can find a vehicle's VIN number from its license plate by requesting a vehicle inspection through the Arizona Department of Transportation. This process entails matching the VIN with the vehicle's ownership documents.

Vehicle Inspections in Arizona

Vehicle Inspections in Arizona

Vehicle inspections in Arizona are essential to verify all major components and certify that the vehicle is fit for highway use. These inspections also ensure the VIN matches the vehicle's ownership documents.

What Does a Vehicle Inspection Report Include in Arizona?

A vehicle inspection report in Arizona includes verification of the VIN with the vehicle's ownership documents and checks if the vehicle is equipped for highway use. There are three levels of inspection:

  • Level I: For title-only requests, bonded titles, and some vehicles from out-of-state or country. Law enforcement officers can conduct inspections at this level.
  • Level II: In special cases, this involves inspecting a secondary VIN and assigning a new number if necessary. These inspections must be done at ADOT ECD locations.
  • Level III: Required for restored salvage vehicles, recovered stolen vehicles, or vehicles involved in a collision. These must be done at ADOT ECD locations, too.
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