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Arkansas VIN Lookup

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Arkansas VIN Lookup

Nicknamed "The Natural State", Arkansas stands out not just for its beauty, but also as the only state with an active diamond mine, the Crater of Diamonds State Park. This unique aspect reflects the state's rich resources and spirit of discovery. Just as searching for diamonds requires diligence, purchasing a used car in Arkansas necessitates a thorough VIN lookup to ensure the vehicle's quality and history.

Performing a VIN lookup is crucial when buying a used vehicle in Arkansas. This step can reveal important information about the car's history, helping buyers avoid unexpected costs due to hidden issues. You can conduct a VIN lookup through your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or various online VIN lookup services like Infotracer.

A VIN lookup provides access to vital details about the vehicle, such as the car's year of production, brand and model, engine type and capacity, manufacturing country, type of transmission, and odometer readings. This information empowers buyers to make informed decisions regarding their potential vehicle purchases.

VIN Verification

VIN Verification

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification is a process that ensures the VIN on a car matches the one on its registration documents. The VIN is a unique code for each vehicle, like a car's fingerprint usually found on the dashboard near the windshield or inside the door on the driver's side. It's also on the car's registration and insurance papers.

VIN inspections are generally not required in Arkansas except for certain cases. These inspections are specifically for cars from other states with major damage. The type of damage a car has affects the kind of title it receives:

  • A Salvage Title is issued if the car's repair cost is 70% or more of its market value or if the car was submerged in water above the dashboard.
  • A Rebuilt Title means the car was previously a salvage but has been fixed up and restored.
  • A Parts-only Title shows the car is too damaged to be fixed and is only suitable for parts.
  • A Water-damaged Title is given to cars submerged in water up to the dashboard level or more, regardless of repair costs.

Vehicles brought from outside Arkansas without these titles don't require a VIN inspection. However, if a vehicle in Arkansas suffers extensive damage, the owner must obtain a salvage title. In Arkansas, VIN validations are conducted by certified law enforcement officers. Note that inspections by officers from other states aren't valid for Arkansas car registration. During the verification, individuals must present all ownership documents, including the vehicle's title, registration, and a state-issued driver's license or ID card.

Arkansas Car Ownership and Driving Information

Ownership Rate
93.9%
Registered Vehicles
2,913,369

High Car Ownership Rate

Arkansas reported a significant car ownership rate of 93.9% in 2022, with approximately 2,913,369 vehicles registered in the state. Of these, 1,330 were electric cars, reflective of a growing interest in environmentally friendly transportation.

Miles Per Year
17,224

Average Annual Mileage

Arkansas drivers typically travel about 17,224 miles each year. This high mileage reflects the state's reliance on vehicles, likely due to its expansive geography and the necessity of cars for daily commuting and travel.

Popular Car
Ford F-150

Popular Car Makes

In 2022, the state was 34th in the U.S. for new car sales, with 96,324 vehicles sold. According to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, the most favored car in 2023 is the Ford F-150, owned by 93,200 residents. The Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra follow closely, with 88,931 and 60,262 owners, respectively.

Fatalities
638

Car Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 638 traffic fatalities in Arkansas in 2020. Rural areas accounted for the majority of these deaths (445). Of these fatalities, 166 involved alcohol impairment. Arkansas saw a 24.9% increase in traffic fatalities that year, marking the third-largest rise nationwide.

Deaths
3,142

Distracted Driving

There were 3,142 deaths attributed to driver distraction in 2020, constituting 8% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities.

Arkansas DMV

The Arkansas DMV offers a wide array of services to meet the needs of vehicle owners and drivers in the state:

Resources for Car Drivers/Vehicle Owners in Arkansas

Resources for Car Drivers/Vehicle Owners in Arkansas

For Arkansas drivers and vehicle owners, here's a list of helpful resources:

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Buying a Used Car in Arkansas

When purchasing a used car in Arkansas, it's crucial to understand and adhere to specific rules and regulations for a successful transaction. Here are essential points to keep in mind:

Vehicle History Check

Investigate the car's past by obtaining history reports from insurance companies, local authorities, or vehicle history resource websites.

Buyer's Guide

Federal law mandates that used-car dealers display a Buyer's Guide on each vehicle. This guide indicates whether the car is sold as is, meaning with all existing and potential defects, or with a warranty.

Yo-Yo Sales

If a seller alters the terms of the sale after an agreement, the buyer has the right to cancel the purchase. This practice, known as a Yo-Yo Sale, is prohibited in the state.

Independent Inspection

Before finalizing the purchase, it's advisable to have the vehicle inspected by a reliable, independent mechanic.

Title and Registration

Make sure the seller provides essential documents like the title certificate (signed by you), a bill of sale or invoice, tax payment proof, car insurance proof, vehicle details including the VIN, a VIN inspection certificate for vehicles with salvaged or out-of-state titles, and a registration certificate.

No Unconditional Cancellation Right

Remember, Arkansas does not have a used car lemon law. Therefore, thoroughly inspect the vehicle and evaluate potential issues before buying, as there's no guaranteed right to cancel the purchase once it's made.

Reasons to Conduct a VIN Lookup in Arkansas

Reasons to Conduct a VIN Lookup in Arkansas

Conducting a VIN lookup in Arkansas is important for various reasons:

  • Vehicle History Report: A VIN lookup in Arkansas provides an extensive vehicle history report. This includes detailed information on titles, total loss situations, accidents, recalls, services, salvage records, theft incidents, mileage discrepancies, sale history, liens, and other critical events.
  • Auto Specs Clarification: This check allows potential buyers to verify the vehicle's specifications and access its history, technical details, and manufacturer-recommended service records, ensuring the car matches its advertised attributes.
  • Revealing Hidden Issues: A VIN lookup can uncover hidden problems like unrepaired recalls, title holds or liens, and discrepancies between the reported information and the actual state of the vehicle.
  • Security and Safety: By conducting a VIN lookup, buyers can ensure the vehicle's safety and avoid future repair costs due to undisclosed damage or issues with the vehicle.
  • Verification Process: In Arkansas, VIN verification is critical to ensure it meets all legal and safety requirements when registering a vehicle from a different state for the first time.

How to Lookup a VIN Number in Arkansas

To look up a VIN in Arkansas, follow these steps:

Option 1: Obtain a VIN Inspection in Arkansas

  • Determine if your vehicle requires a VIN inspection. Understand that this is mainly for significantly damaged vehicles brought into Arkansas from another state. VIN inspections are crucial for ensuring the vehicle's safety and legality.
  • Find a local law enforcement agency capable of performing VIN inspections. Any certified city, county law enforcement officer, or State Police representative can conduct this inspection.
  • Collect necessary documentation, including the vehicle's title, registration, and a state-issued form of identification.
  • Visit the chosen law enforcement agency with your vehicle and the required documents to have the VIN inspection completed.
  • Acquire the approved Arkansas DMV VIN verification form following the inspection, which you will need when registering your vehicle with the state's Department of Finance and Administration (DFA).

Option 2: Use the Arkansas Title, Registration, and Lien Record Search Service

Arkansas offers a Title, Registration, and Lien Record Search service, accessible through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, which can provide valuable information about a vehicle's history, ownership, and any liens on the vehicle. While specific step-by-step instructions for using this service were not detailed in the sources, it typically involves entering the vehicle's VIN on the department's website to access the records.

Option 3: Use Online VIN Lookup Services

Several online services, including Infotracer, are available for a comprehensive VIN lookup. They offer a VIN lookup tool that provides information on the vehicle's theft history and whether it has been reported as a salvage vehicle.

VIN Replacement in Arkansas

In Arkansas, if a vehicle's VIN has been altered, removed, defaced, or is missing, vehicle owners need to apply for a replacement title through the DFA. The DFA oversees all motor vehicle-related procedures in the state, including VIN replacements. While specific instructions for VIN replacement were not directly available, vehicle owners should start by contacting the DFA for guidance on the proper procedures and necessary forms. This step is crucial for ensuring legal compliance and the vehicle's registration.

What Would Vehicle History Report Include in Arkansas?

A Vehicle History Report (VHR) in Arkansas includes ownership history detailing past owners and sale dates. It flags open recalls for safety issues, reports odometer readings to spot mileage fraud, and notes service and maintenance history, though not all services may be recorded. The VHR also lists significant accidents and damages from fires, floods, or vandalism, providing a thorough background for potential buyers.

How Can I Find the VIN By License Plate?

To find a VIN using a license plate, visit the Arkansas License Plate Lookup and enter the plate number to get the vehicle information, including the VIN.

Vehicle Inspections in Arkansas

Vehicle Inspections in Arkansas

Safety, VIN, and emissions inspections in Arkansas aren't mandatory for all vehicles. However, getting a used car inspected is wise to check its condition. Regular VIN inspections aren't part of the state's vehicle inspection process. However, if you're buying a vehicle from out of state, a VIN inspection might be needed to match the VIN with the ownership records.

What Does the Vehicle Inspection Report Include in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, a Vehicle Inspection Report documents the condition of a vehicle at the time of inspection, covering interior and exterior parts, as well as observations from a test drive. A state-certified inspector typically carries out this inspection.

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