Florida VIN Lookup

Among the steps individuals must take when purchasing a used car, none is more important than checking the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The VIN tells buyers everything they need to know about the car's history. From identifying current problems to predicting what could go wrong, buyers can determine if the car will need maintenance and repairs.

Florida is considered among the best states to buy and own a car. The state has the cheapest prices for vehicles, especially used ones. With car dealerships and private sellers lining up to sell their cars at an extremely low price, checking a car's VIN before purchasing is always a good idea.

VIN lookup provides basic information about the car, such as the make and model, body type, engine specifications, and transmission type. Buyers can also access odometer readings, recalls and safety issues, ownership history, vehicle features, title information, insurance records, and lien and loan information.

Florida residents can look up VIN numbers in the state in several ways. One of the ways to do this is by using the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). There are also free and paid online services that people can use to check VINs.

VIN Verification

VIN verification involves a government official or representative inspecting a car's VIN for accuracy and authenticity. This process ensures that the title and registration documents are accurate. All vehicles registered outside the state of Florida must undergo a physical inspection of the VIN. In addition, verification is necessary when buying or transferring ownership of a vehicle in Florida.

Officials who may conduct VIN verifications in Florida include:

• Florida Notary
• Law Enforcement Officers from Florida or any other state
• Military Police Officer
• Florida DMV Compliance Examiner/Inspector
• Tax Collector Employee

However, if the vehicle was previously registered or titled out of the country, it must undergo vehicle verification under a DMV Compliance Examiner/Inspector. The same applies to vehicles over 15 years old that only have a Florida registration as proof of ownership.

New vehicles that have never been registered or titled do not require VIN verification before titling. Other exemptions in Florida include trailer-type recreational vehicles, trailers weighing less than 2,000 lbs., and off-highway vehicles.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the car owner and the verifier must submit a Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification form. Both parties must sign off on the form, noting the car's VIN, color, make, model, and odometer. These are necessary so the local county tax collector's office accepts the form.

Florida Car Ownership and Driving Information

Ownership Rate

93.9%

High Car Ownership Rate

As one of the most populated states in the US, Florida has one of the highest numbers of registered vehicles. The state's percentage of households with at least one vehicle is 93.9%. Additionally, Florida accounts for at least 6.4% of all vehicles registered in the United States.

Miles Per Year

14,557

Average Annual Mileage

The annual vehicle miles (in millions) in Florida is 226,514 miles. The yearly mileage per driver is 14,557 miles, showing how much vehicle owners in the state rely on their cars for daily transportation.

Popular Car

Toyota Corolla

Popular Car Makes in Florida

The Toyota Corolla is the Sunshine State's number one car, perhaps because it is affordable and for its fuel-efficiency qualities. Other popular vehicles in Florida are the Toyota Camry, the Toyota RAV, and Ford F-series trucks.

Crashes

352,000

Car Accidents

In 2023, there were over 352,000 crashes in Florida, with numbers peaking in March of 2023.

Fatalities

2,944

Fatality Rate

In 2021, Florida had 1.72 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. Additionally, in 2023, there were 2,944 fatalities due to traffic crashes in the state.

Alcohol-related

186

Fatalities

2,748

Impaired Driving Fatalities

In 2023, the state had 186 car accidents involving alcohol and drug-related driving. There were 2,748 total fatalities due to impaired driving.

Deaths

Distracted Driving

According to the FLHSMV, 333 fatalities were caused by distracted driving in 2021. Additionally, in 2023, distracted driving deaths increased by 12% since the previous year.

Crashes

Teen Safety

In 2020, teen drivers were involved in about 1,035,811 crashes, resulting in 4,405 fatalities. Palm Beach County recorded 34 serious injuries and six fatalities from teen drivers between January and April of 2023.

Florida DMV

Instead of a DMV, the state has The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle in its place. The department is in charge of highway safety and security for motorists in the state. In addition, they ensure motorists adhere to the state's regulations for vehicle ownership and operation. Vehicle owners in Florida can access the following services from the FLHSMV:

• Driver Licenses: The department oversees issuing new licenses and ID cards. In addition, the department is responsible for renewing or replacing licenses.
• Vehicle Registration: The FLHSMV offers license plates and registration for new vehicles. In addition, car owners can visit the FLHSMV for renewal and replacement.
• Vehicle Titles: Car owners must go through the FLHSMV for vehicle titles that certify ownership.
• Crash and Traffic Data: The FLHSMV collects and analyzes crash data to improve road safety. The department also maintains records related to traffic incidents.

Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

Florida car owners have access to resources that govern compliance with federal laws on safety and emissions. They include:

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection: The department coordinates statewide air compliance and enforcement activities. When it comes to motor vehicles, the department deals with air pollution caused by car emissions.
• United States Environmental Protection Agency: The Agency ensures compliance with federal environmental regulations in Florida. Car owners should comply with the agency's pollution regulations.
• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: FLHSMV offers driver education and safety courses for vehicle owners within the state.

Buying a Used Car in Florida

Buyers in Florida should be aware of different motor vehicle laws for used cars. Buyers do not have the same protections when buying from a private seller as they would if they were buying from a registered dealership. In addition, there is no Lemon Law for used vehiclesin the state. Some aspects to consider include:

VIN Check

Before the sale, buyers are advised to find the VIN and conduct a check to verify the vehicle's information.

VIN Inspection

If the car was not previously titled in Florida, the owner must submit a Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification and have it verified by one of the authorized officials.

Title Transfer with FLHSMV

Buyers must complete and submit an Application for a Certificate of Title within 30 days to avoid penalty fees. Buyers can do this in person or through the department's online services.

Removing Plates

The license plates must stay with the seller, not the vehicle. The seller must, therefore, remove them after the sale.

Reasons to do a VIN Check in Florida

If a person is considering buying a used car in Florida, they are advised to conduct a VIN check. Here are a few reasons why:

• Title Verification: This ensures the title information matches the vehicle details. Buyers can also check for potential title issues, such as salvaged or rebuilt titles. It can also help verify that the vehicle was not stolen. Florida is among the top ten states with the highest vehicle thefts in the United States.
• Check for Salt and Flood Damage: Buyers can identify if the vehicle has salt damage due to the salinity in the air. In addition, it can show if the car has been previously damaged in floods. Flooding is one of the most frequent hazards in Florida.
• Accident History: Buyers can use the VIN check to see previous accidents and the extent of damage through reported incidents. Some sellers might be adamant about providing crash information, but VINs can help fill these gaps.
• For safety issues: Vehicle recalls can be a huge safety concern before buying a car. If a particular car model was recalled due to safety issues, it is always good to have that information. Fortunately, individuals can also use lookup VINs to help identify if a particular model was recalled.
• Odometer Fraud Prevention: Buyers can verify the accuracy of the odometer readings to prevent odometer fraud.

How to Lookup a VIN Number in Florida

People can look up a car's VIN in Florida in several ways. They include:

VIN Replacement in Florida

In Florida, vehicle owners can apply for a VIN replacement when the part showing the VIN is damaged or unusable. To apply for a replacement, the person must:

• Take the car to a DMS Regional Office for a Compliance Examiner to identify the vehicle.
• The person must show proof of ownership by providing a copy of the Florida Certificate of Title.
• If the car is registered out of state, an individual should provide the out-of-state Certificate of Title, which should be under the applicant's name.
• Additionally, owners with cars registered outside Florida should also submit an Application for Certificate of Title with/without Registration. They should also provide a Florida license plate number for the motor vehicle and title fees.

New Vehicle Registration in Florida

If you are registering a new vehicle in Florida, you must submit the following documents to the nearest FLHSMV within your county:

• Proof of identity.
• A complete HSMV form 82040 (Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration)
• Proof of Florida Insurance.
• Vehicle title or application for a title.
• An initial registration fee of $225

It is important to note that in some cases, the FLHSMV authorities may ask for additional documents.

How to Transfer VIN During a Sale

In Florida, there are a couple of things that you should do before transferring ownership of a car. Before buying a car, a person should:

• Ensure that the seller has filed a Notice of Sale.
• Ensure that the car's VIN is verified.
• Ensure that the seller has filled out the “Transfer of Title by Seller” section of the Florida title.
• The seller removes the car tags.
• The buyer visits the Tax Collector's office carrying the Florida Certificate of Title, the bill of sale, proof of Florida auto insurance, and valid government-issued ID.

What Would Vehicle History Report Include in Florida

A vehicle history report in Florida will include information about the car's accident history, title status, mileage, and other reported issues. The report may also include details about any liens against the vehicle and information about previous owners.

How Can I Find VIN by License Plate?

In Florida, car buyers can use third-party online providers to search for vehicle information, including its VIN, by license plate.

Vehicle Inspections in Florida

Drivers who purchase vehicles within the state do not have to conduct annual safety or emissions inspections. However, they are required to address any safety issues with the vehicles as soon as they appear. Safety inspections in Florida are only required when an owner purchases a new car outside the state and when a buyer purchases a used car.

What Does Vehicle Inspection Report Include in Florida?

A vehicle inspection report in Florida will typically include the following:

• VIN Verification: The report confirms the car's VIN.
• Vehicle Components: Reports must examine components such as brakes, lights, suspension, steering systems, and engine compartment.
• Vehicle information: The report must provide information about the car, such as its body make, seating capacity, and type.
• Inspection Level: The report will indicate if it is the initial inspection or a re-inspection.