California VIN Lookup

California is made for road trips. With over 50,000 miles of quality highways and freeways, buying a car is almost necessary for most people in the state. California has a diverse collection of cars ranging from trucks and high-performance cars to electric vehicles and hybrids. However, You should always check a car's VIN before purchasing a used vehicle from a licensed dealership or a private seller. A VIN checkup is important because it helps shed light on a car's past and provides details such as accident history, maintenance records, and previous ownership, helping you make informed car purchasing decisions.

Looking up a vehicle's VIN number is a great way to learn a car's true identity. The number identifies and validates a car's information, including damage and safety status, accident reports, or if the vehicle was stolen. All these details are beneficial when buying a used car in a private sale that offers limited information about the vehicle.

California residents can check a car's VIN by requesting information from the state DMV or using online VIN lookup services.

VIN Verification

The VIN verification process involves physically inspecting the vehicle to ensure the VIN matches the one on record and checking for any signs of tampering or illegal modifications. This process is essential for various transactions, including vehicle registration and titling from out-of-state, and sometimes for salvaged or reconstructed vehicles.

In California, VIN verification is conducted by authorized institutions or people, including the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), licensed vehicle verifiers, and, in some cases, law enforcement officers. Vehicle verifiers include peace officers like military police and auto club employees.

Completing VIN verification is mandatory for vehicles brought into California from other states or countries, ensuring compliance with California's safety, emissions, and theft laws. This verification process is completed on the Verification of Vehicles (REG 31) form.

California Car Ownership and Driving Information

Ownership Rate

93.0%

Registered Vehicles

14,268,000

High Car Ownership Rate

California boasts a significant car ownership rate, with 93.0% of households owning a vehicle. In 2023, new vehicle registration increased by 11.9% (1,775,915) compared to 2022. Additionally, in 2022, California had about 14,268,000 cars registered.

Miles Per Year

12,500

Average Annual Mileage

The average California driver travels about 12,500 miles per year. Overall, Californians drive around 340 billion miles annually, the highest figure of any U.S. state.

Popular Car

Toyota Camry

Popular Car Makes in California

California's most popular car models are the Toyota Camry and the Honda Civic. These cars are common in the state due to their reliability and efficient fuel consumption. Additionally, they provide comfort at a budget-friendly price.

Crashes

200,000

Fatalities

4,407

Car Accidents

In 2022, there were 200,000 car crashes in the state, which resulted in 4,407 fatalities.

Crashes

50,000

Speeding Related Crashes

In 2022, over 50,000 car crashes were caused by speeding.

Alcohol-related

123,000

Alcohol-Impaired Driving

In 2022, there were about 123,000 DUI arrests that happened in the state. These incidents include drivers or riders whose blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.08% or higher.

Crashes

474

Teen Safety

Fatal crashes involving teen drivers (ages 15-20) increased by 14.8% from 413 in 2020 to 474 in 2021.

California DMV

California DMV offers various services to streamline vehicle ownership and ensure adherence to state laws. These key services are designed for the convenience and safety of consumers. They include:

• Registration Renewal: Renew your vehicle registration easily online.
• Online Services: Many DMV tasks, from initial applications to final submissions, can be managed online.
• Go Paperless: electronic delivery of Driver's License (DL), ID card, and vehicle registration renewal notices.
• Vehicle Registration Renewal (Complex): Addressing complicated registration scenarios.
• Planned Nonoperation: For vehicles that won't be driven or parked on public roads, ensuring they are legally accounted for.
• Replacement License Plates: For lost, stolen, or damaged plates.
• Dishonored Check Payment: Make payments for dishonored checks.
• Medical Exam Report: to ensure drivers meet health standards.
• Transfer a Title: Facilitating the legal transfer of vehicle ownership.
• Vehicle Salesperson License: Apply, renew, or update your occupational license.
• Commercial Driver's License Renewal: Keeps commercial drivers legally on the road.
• Disabled Person Parking Placard: Providing parking accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
• Report of Traffic Accidents Occurring in California (SR-1): Mandatory reporting of certain traffic accidents in the state.

Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

Several federal law compliance and environmental quality resources are available online for car drivers and owners in California. They include:

• California Air Resources Board (CARB) oversees all air quality efforts in California, including vehicle emissions standards. Their website provides extensive information on emissions regulations, air quality programs, and other initiatives to combat climate change.
• California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) – Environmental Information: The DMV website offers resources on smog check requirements, eco-friendly driving practices, and vehicle registration related to environmental compliance.
• Drive Clean California: Helps Californians make informed decisions about clean and efficient vehicle technologies.
• California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP): Offers rebates to people who have purchased or leased new eligible zero-emissions vehicles, including electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and fuel cell vehicles.
• Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) – Smog Check Program: BAR's website details California's Smog Check Program and offers a search tool to find licensed Smog Check stations.
• California Energy Commission – Drive Clean Portal: Offers information on clean transportation programs, including maps of electric vehicle charging stations and alternative fuel stations.
• California Highway Patrol (CHP): Offers resources on road safety, traffic laws, and driver education programs.
• California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS): Provides information on various traffic safety initiatives and programs.
• Caltrans (California Department of Transportation): Offers updates on road conditions, traffic advisories, and infrastructure developments impacting drivers.

Buying a Used Car in California

Buying a used car in California involves understanding certain rules, regulations, and best practices to ensure a smooth and legally compliant transaction. Here's a breakdown of the main factors to consider:

Understanding Lemon Laws

California's Lemon Law protects consumers who purchase new or used cars that turn out to be defective. It applies to vehicles still under the manufacturer's warranty. If a car is deemed a "lemon", the law requires manufacturers to refund or replace the car.

Title Transfer and Registration

Ensure the transfer of the title from the seller to you. It's a legal requirement for ownership change. The title owner needs to be updated within ten days, during which the California Certificate of Title Deeds should be transferred to the new owner.

Conducting a VIN Check

Perform a VIN check to uncover the car's history, including past accidents or outstanding liens.

Smog Certification

In California, most vehicles must pass a smog check before being sold. The seller is usually responsible for providing a valid smog certificate when selling the car.

Inspecting the Vehicle

People should also get a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic to identify potential issues.

Sales Contract and Receipt

Always complete a sales contract with the seller detailing the terms of the sale, vehicle information, and any warranties. Obtain a receipt of purchase as proof of transaction.

Sales Tax

In California, vehicle purchases are subject to a state sales tax of 7.5%, which applies to any car you buy.

Reasons to Do a VIN Check in California

Conducting a VIN check in California is necessary for several reasons:

• Discover the Car's History: A VIN check comprehensively examines the car's background, including any accidents or significant repairs. For example, vehicles could be damaged by floods, as California is vulnerable to flooding.
• Clear Up Lien Issues: This check verifies that the car does not have any existing financial obligations, confirming that you can take full ownership without complications.
• Authenticity Verification: It verifies that the car's details, like make, model, and year, are accurate and match official records.
• Emissions Standards Compliance: The VIN check is particularly important in California because it confirms that the vehicle meets the state's strict emission guidelines.
• Theft Status: Find out if the car was ever reported stolen. California is among the top five states with the highest vehicle theft rate.
• Safety Recall Information: Stay informed if the vehicle has had any safety recalls.

How to Look Up a VIN Number in California

If you are thinking of buying a used car in California, here are a few ways that you can check the vehicle's VIN:

VIN Replacement in California

VIN replacement is when the authorities issue your vehicle a new VIN if the original has been damaged, lost, or defaced. The California DMV does not provide an official way to go through VIN replacement. Instead, individuals should complete an Application for an Assigned Vehicle Identification Number Plate or Reg 124. The state, however, requires only those registering Specially Constructed Vehicles to fill and submit the form for original California Registration.

New Vehicle Registration in California

When you want to register a vehicle for use in California, you require the following:

• You must complete an Application for Title or Registration (REG 343) form.
• You must have the seller or lienholder's signature and your signature on the Certificate of Title.
• Title transfer fees or use tax.
• A complete Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment (REG 262) form.
• Use tax and various other fees.
• A Statement of Facts (REG 256) form.
• A smog certification.
• You must have a Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (CGW) (REG 4008) form for commercial vehicles.
• A Vehicle Emission System Statement (SMOG) (REG 139) form.

How to Transfer VIN During a Sale

The California Certificate title must have up-to-date and accurate information on the car, including its VIN, to prove vehicle ownership. When there is a change of car registration, you need to inform the state's DMV within ten days so that the records can be updated and the California certificate of Title can be transferred to the new owner.

To transfer ownership of the car, you are required to have:

• Completed a Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) form. The car's VIN number is among the information you are required to verify and fill out in the form.
• The California Certificate of Title. If the title is missing, an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227).
• The signatures of the seller and or lienholder.
• The signature of the buyer.
• A transfer fee.
• People who need their transfer processed faster can request rush title processing at an additional fee.

What Would Vehicle History Report Include in California

In California, a vehicle history report includes accident history, theft records, title brands (including flood damage), odometer readings, ownership changes, and lien status, offering a thorough overview of the vehicle's past.

How Can I Find the VIN by License Plate?

You can use an online lookup service to find a car's VIN using its license plate number. These services allow you to enter a vehicle's license plate number and receive information about it, including the VIN.

Vehicle Inspections in California

California requires most vehicles to undergo inspections every two years. The inspections are based on where the car is registered and primarily focus on emissions. They may also check for potential leaks, mechanical damage, and fluid levels. Failure to get a vehicle inspection within the timeframe could attract fines and penalties.

What Does the Vehicle Inspection Report Include in California?

In California, a Vehicle Inspection Report typically includes several key elements to ensure the vehicle is safe and compliant with state regulations:

• Identification Details: Includes the vehicle's make, model, year, VIN, and license plate number.
• Emissions Testing Results: Indicates whether the vehicle meets the state's strict emissions standards.
• Safety Checks: Details the condition of various safety components.
• Mechanical Integrity: Assesses the condition of the mechanical parts.
• Fluid Levels: Checks for appropriate levels and potential leaks in oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid.
• Body and Interior Condition: Examines the exterior and interior condition.
• Tire Condition: Evaluate the wear and tear on tires and check for appropriate tread depth.
• Road Test: A summary of how the vehicle performs on the road, including handling, alignment, and any unusual noises.