Illinois VIN Lookup

As more people purchase used cars for financial practicality, the need for a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) lookup becomes more apparent. A VIN check in Illinois helps buyers identify important information about the vehicle's past. VIN checks provide information such as accident history, previous ownership details, and maintenance/repair records.

The idea of owning a car in Illinois is very enticing for many residents. The state is one of the best to drive in, with traffic policies geared toward motorist safety. Owning a car is one of the easiest ways to commute through the large state and travel between the cities and rural areas.

However, people who are thinking of buying used cars in Illinois should always do a VIN check to ensure the car is in perfect condition. Some private sellers and auto dealers might refrain from providing some details like car crash reports, which are valuable information to ensure the car is safe to use. The check should help fill in these gaps.

There are several ways that Illinois residents can look up a car's VIN. One way is to use the state's Title and Registration Status Inquiry service. Additionally, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a VIN check service that allows people to get a car's information, like whether the model was recalled, before making a purchase. Lastly, Illinois residents can use free and paid online services that provide VIN checks.

VIN Verification

VIN verification is a crucial process performed to ensure the physical VIN on the vehicle matches the one listed on its title. It is necessary in Illinois to prevent fraud, such as identity theft and VIN cloning. It is also often required during titling and registering a vehicle. Law enforcement agents also use VIN verification to detect stolen vehicles.

Unfortunately, in Illinois, drivers cannot get their VIN verified at their nearest mechanic shop. The state requires authorized agents to inspect a car during a VIN verification. A resident should get the car verified by a certified safety tester who is employed at an Illinois Official Testing Station. Additionally, law enforcement officers in the state are also allowed to perform VIN inspections.

VIN verification is required in Illinois before moving to an emissions test. Because there is no official verification requirement in the state, the process is usually part of the emission test. Therefore, individuals may get VIN verification at the nearest SOS facility. The state website has a Facility Finder tool that can be accessed by city or zip code.

Illinois Car Ownership and Driving Information

Ownership Rate

89.3%

Registered Vehicles

4,117,000

Low Car Ownership Rate

Illinois is one of the states with the lowest car ownership rates. About 89.3% of households have at least one vehicle. In addition, the state has more than 4,117,000 registered vehicles.

Miles Per Year

12,581

Average Annual Mileage

The annual mileage per driver in Illinois is 12,581. The low mileage per year means fewer people rely on vehicles for commuting, aligning with the state's low car ownership rate.

Popular Car

Chevrolet

Popular Car Makes in Illinois

Residents of Illinois tend to like Chevrolet cars. The most popular models are the Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Equinox, and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

Crashes

295,604

Car Accidents

Authorities reported 295,604 crashes involving motor vehicles in Illinois in 2021.

Fatal Crashes

1,147

Deaths

1,244

Car Crash Fatalities

In 2023, the state recorded 1,147 fatal crashes that resulted in 1,244 deaths.

Fatalities

460

Speeding Related Crashes

Illinois is among the top states with the most speeding-related fatalities. There were 460 speed-related fatalities in Illinois in 2023.

Fatalities

292

Alcohol-Impaired Driving

In 2022, there were 292 fatalities due to alcohol-related crashes in Illinois. It is about 23% of the total crash fatalities.

Fatalities

11.1%

Teen Safety

In 2021, speed-related fatalities and serious injuries for males and females aged 16-20 were 11.1 percent of all speed-related fatalities and serious injuries in Illinois.

Illinois DMV

Illinois is one of the unique states that does not have a DMV. Instead, the Secretary of State (SOS) provides motor vehicle services to residents. Some of these services include:

• License: Individuals can obtain and renew their driver's licenses through the SOS.
• Title and Registration: Car owners can apply for titles and register their vehicles with the SOS.
• License Plates: Individuals can obtain, renew, or replace their license plates through the SOS.
• CDL Testing: Car owners can apply for CDL testing through the SOS website.
• Records: The SOS keeps and provides public records that are available to requesters.
• Traffic Safety: The SOS provides traffic safety regulations and resources for drivers in the state.
• Drivers Education: Individuals who need educational materials for drivers at different levels can access them from the SOS.

Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

Drivers in Illinois can access federal law compliance and environmental quality resources online from the following:

• Illinois Secretary of State - Vehicle Services: The office provides information on driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, and related services in Illinois.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA's website provides information on emissions standards, fuel efficiency, and other environmental regulations affecting vehicles.
• Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA): The IEPA website offers information on emissions testing requirements in specific areas of the state.
• Illinois Tollway - Sustainability Initiatives: The Illinois Tollway's Green Initiatives page provides information on environmentally friendly initiatives and programs, including efforts to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
• Illinois Vehicle Emissions Testing Program: The website provides information on emissions testing programs in the state, including testing locations, requirements, and guidelines.

Buying a Used Car in Illinois

Individuals who want to purchase a used car in Illinois must be careful and ensure they get a good deal. Some important aspects to keep in mind during a used car purchase in Illinois include:

Illinois Lemon Law

In Illinois, the Lemon Law protects car buyers from any unexpected defects during manufacture. Unfortunately, the state Lemon Law does not cover used vehicles. It only protects new vehicles under special circumstances. Other additions for a car to be covered include:

• The car should be under 8,000 pounds.
• The vehicle should be at least 12 months old or has covered only 12,000 miles.
• Vehicles should be purchased in the state.

Apart from used cars, the law does not cover:

• Altered or modified vehicles.
• Motorcycles and boats.

Perform a VIN Check

Individuals must protect themselves by conducting a VIN check because there are no Lemon Law protections for used car buyers. Illinois does not issue a rebuilt title to purchasers if the vehicle is classified as 'junk' or 'total loss' in other states. Therefore, buyers need to check the vehicle's history before buying.

Conduct Vehicle Inspection

It is always advisable to physically inspect the vehicle before purchase. Individuals are advised to bring a professional mechanic.

Get A Signed And Dated Title

Individuals should never purchase a vehicle with an altered title. They should ensure that the seller signs and dates the title.

Title Transfer and Registration

Individuals must transfer the title to their name within 20 days of purchase. If working with a dealer, it is the dealer's responsibility to do so before the 20 days elapse.

Remove License Plates

Finally, all used car buyers must remove the previous license plates, as purchasing a car with someone else's license plates is illegal.

Sales Tax

Before buying a car in Illinois, it is important to note that the state has a sales tax of 6.25%. However, a person might end up paying 11% sales tax depending on the county and local municipality tax laws.

Reasons to Do a VIN Check in Illinois

Individuals should conduct VIN checks in Illinois for the following reasons:

• Emissions Testing Compliance: In certain circumstances, emissions testing is required. A VIN lookup can help verify the vehicle's emissions testing compliance and whether it meets environmental standards.
• Title Verification: Checking the title history to verify if the vehicle has a clean title or if it has ever been salvaged, reconstructed, or declared a total loss.
• Accident History: VIN checks provide information about past accidents and their severity. It can include details on whether the vehicle has been involved in collisions that may impact its safety and performance.
• Recall Information: VIN checks provide information on open recalls and safety-related issues. It ensures that any necessary recall repairs have been addressed.
• Odometer Check: A VIN lookup helps verify the accuracy of the odometer reading, ensuring buyers are aware of the true mileage.

How to Look Up a VIN Number in Illinois

People looking to buy used cars can use these resources to look up a vehicle's VIN:

VIN Replacement in Illinois

Though the state does not have any guidelines on VIN replacement, the best action to take is to contact the nearest law enforcement office or an Illinois Testing Station to get more information. However, if the officer notices that the VIN has been altered or tampered with, the vehicle owner will be penalized.

New Vehicle Registration in Illinois

There are two ways a person can get a new car's registration in Illinois. The first is by using the Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) System, which can be used to register and get a title for a car online. To complete registration, a person must fill out an Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190).

The other way to register a car is by physically visiting the nearest Secretary of State facility to complete the application. When filling out the form, a person should ensure that the vehicle information on the title is the same as the one on the application and check if the car's VIN is the same as the one on the title.

The state requires the auto dealer to apply for title and registration, the Tax check made to pay the Illinois Department of Revenue and the Sales Tax Transaction Return.

How to Transfer VIN During a Sale in Illinois

After purchasing a used car, the state requires the car's title to be transferred to the new owner. In the process, the title transfer will also reflect the new owner when a VIN check is done. To transfer a title in Illinois, new owners can either use the state's Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) System or visit the nearest Secretary of State office. However, to complete the transfer, a person is required to have the following:

• A completed Tax Form RUT-50 (Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction).
• Verified odometer readings.
• Verify the title has the correct VIN as the car.

What Would Vehicle History Report Include in Illinois

When individuals request a vehicle history report, it comes with information such as whether the vehicle has a clean title, odometer history, reported accidents and the extent of damage, existing liens on the vehicle, VIN, and details about any open recalls.

How Can I Find the VIN by License Plate?

There are free and paid online services that provide license plate lookup services. Part of the information individuals can access through this tool is the VIN.

Vehicle Inspections in Illinois

The state requires private and commercial vehicles to undergo the Illinois Diesel Emission Inspection Program. This requirement only applies to Cook, DuPage, Kane, Madison, Monroe, McHenry, St. Clair, and Will counties. It also applies to the townships of Aux Sable, Oswego, and Goose Lake.

What Does the Vehicle Inspection Report Include in Illinois?

In Illinois, a vehicle inspection report typically includes information related to safety and emissions inspections. Common components in the report include:

• Identification: It will include details such as the make, model, year, and (VIN) of the vehicle being inspected.
• Safety Check Results: Evaluation of various safety components of the vehicle. This may include checks for brakes, lights, tires, steering, suspension, and other essential safety features.
• Body Details: It shows the condition of the exterior and interior components of the body.
• Tire Conditions: Check tire condition, including tread depth, tire pressure, and overall tire health.
• Emissions Inspection Results: It shows exhaust emissions measurements to ensure they fall within acceptable limits.