Louisiana VIN Lookup

The most popular used cars in Louisiana are the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and Nissan Altima. Purchasing a used vehicle in Louisiana can be rewarding if the buyer follows the right process. One important step is the VIN check. This check ensures that the buyer has access to the car's records, which outline accident history, maintenance over the years, and repairs.

A person should always look up a car's history before buying it. One way to do this is to request a VIN check through the Louisiana Public Service Commission. Residents can also use the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) portal or third-party online websites that provide VIN check services, like Infotracer.

VIN Verification

Vin verification is a process where authorities inspect the vehicle to verify that the VIN matches the one on the document. And because the VIN is an identifier, individuals may use the VIN check to learn more about the vehicle.

VIN verification is usually required in Louisiana before registering and titling vehicles. Individuals should present their vehicles to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles for inspection and verification. It may also be done by a full-time peace officer trained and certified by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

Louisiana Car Ownership and Driving Information

Ownership Rate

91.7%

Registered Vehicles

2.2 per household

Average Car Ownership Rate

Louisiana has an average car ownership rate of 91.7%. In the state, at least one household owns a vehicle, and the average number of vehicles per household is 2.2.

Miles Per Year

14,951

Average Annual Mileage

A Louisiana driver's average mileage annually is 14,951. This means that many people prefer using vehicles to commute, matching the average car ownership rate.

Popular Car

Honda Accord

Popular Car Makes in Louisiana

In 2022, the number one vehicle registered in Louisiana was the Honda Accord. Other popular cars in that year were the Toyota Camry and the Nissan Altima.

Crashes

768

Fatalities

825

Car Accidents

In 2022, there were 768 crashes in Louisiana, resulting in 825 fatalities.

Crashes

20%

Speeding Related Crashes

In 2022, 20% of fatal Louisiana crashes involved speeding. That year, Louisiana was ranked third among states with the most excessive speeding drivers.

Crashes

40%

Fatalities

159

Alcohol-Impaired Driving

More than 40% of motor vehicle crashes in the state are alcohol-related. In 2021, there were 159 fatalities caused by alcohol-related crashes.

Crashes

Highest

Teen Safety

Studies show that crashes involving teens and young adults (ages 15 to 24) were the highest of any other age group.

Louisiana DMV

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, also known as the OMV, is responsible for addressing car ownership and driving-related issues. They offer services such as:

• Registration Renewal: Car owners may renew their registrations through the office.
• License Renewal: Car owners may renew their driver's licenses.
• Replacement Registration: Besides renewal, individuals may replace their car's registrations.
• CDL: The office handles all things related to commercial driver's licenses.
• Cancel License Plate: Individuals may cancel license plates.
• Driver's Education: The website offers education for learning drivers.
• Resources:Residents can also find resources to assist with ownership and driving.
• New Licenses: The office issues new driver's licenses.
• Permits: Drivers and car owners should go through the office for permits.
• License transfers: Car owners may also transfer licenses and plates through the office.

Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

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

• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV): The OMV website provides publications and resources to educate drivers about rules and regulations.
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (a.k.a FMCSA): The organization regulates commercial motor vehicle operations, including trucking and interstate bus companies.
• Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD): The DOTD manages the state's transportation infrastructure and provides information on road regulations.
• Department of Transportation (DOT): The DOT oversees various aspects of transportation, including vehicle safety and regulations.
• Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ): LDEQ oversees environmental regulations within the state, including air quality standards.
• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA): FHWA provides information on federal regulations related to highways and transportation.
• Louisiana State Police - Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division:This division enforces regulations for commercial vehicles operating within the state.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):The EPA sets emission standards and vehicle regulations to address environmental concerns.
• Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (or DPS): DPS is responsible for issuing driver's licenses and ensuring compliance with state driving laws.

Buying a Used Car in Louisiana

Buyers who want to purchase a used car in Louisiana should be keen on getting a good investment. There are key aspects to consider when purchasing a used car in the state. They include:

Understanding Lemon Laws

Lemon laws are legal provisions designed to protect consumers who purchase or lease defective vehicles, often called "lemons". These laws vary by jurisdiction, including at the federal and state levels. In Louisiana, Lemon Laws protect used cars. Individuals must report problems within one year after the vehicle's original delivery or during the vehicle's express warranty term, whichever ends sooner.

Title Transfer and Registration

State laws require all used vehicles to be titled with the OMV. Buyers should take their vehicles to the headquarters, an OMV office, or a Public Tag Agent location. They must present various documents and information, including:

• A completed vehicle application form (DPSMV 1799)
• Current certificate of title
• A supplemental Odometer Statement
• Original notarized bill of sale
• Original or copy of a completed UCC-1 form

Conducting a VIN Check

It is advisable to conduct a VIN check or ask the seller for the car's history to learn more about possible defects.

Mechanical Inspection

The car must pass a Louisiana state inspection before the buyer can register it in their name.

Sales Tax

All car buyers purchase in Louisiana are subject to a 4.45% state sales tax. This applies to used cars where the tax is based on the total selling price.

Reasons to Do a VIN Check in Louisiana

Performing a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check in Louisiana can provide valuable information about a vehicle's history and help potential buyers make informed decisions. Here are some reasons to conduct a VIN check:

• Flood Damage Check: Louisiana is prone to flooding. A VIN check can help determine if floods have damaged the vehicle by checking for flood-related title branding.
• Title Information: Verify the accuracy of the title and check for any potential title issues, such as salvage or rebuilt titles.
• Odometer Reading: Confirm the accuracy of the odometer reading to prevent odometer fraud and ensure transparency regarding the vehicle's mileage.
• Vehicle Liens: Check for any outstanding liens on the vehicle to avoid potential legal and financial complications.
• Recalls and Defects: Identify any open recalls or safety-related defects associated with the vehicle and ensure they have been addressed.
• Theft Records: Verify that the vehicle has not been reported as stolen by checking databases for theft records.
• Registration Details: Obtain information about the vehicle's registration history, including the number of previous owners and registration renewals.

How to Lookup a VIN Number in Louisiana

A person considering purchasing a vehicle in Louisiana must look up its VIN to get its history. Residents in the state can either:

VIN Replacement in Louisiana

The state does not provide information about getting a VIN replacement for the damaged part holding the number. However, if a person wants to replace the VIN, they should contact their nearest Office of Motor Vehicles for more information. It is important to note that a person might get penalized if the VIN is altered or modified.

New Vehicle Registration in Louisiana

When a person buys a new car or moves to Louisiana, the state requires them to register their car within 30 days to avoid penalties. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles oversees all vehicle registrations in the state.

To register a new car, a person should provide the following when visiting their nearest Office of Motor Vehicles:

• A valid Louisiana driving license or identification number.
• A completed Vehicle Application - Form DPSMV 1799
• The current title of the car.
• The manufacturer's statement of origin, if applicable.
• Proof of valid Louisiana insurance coverage.
• Bill of sale.

How to Transfer VIN During a Sale in Louisiana

Transferring a car's title is important to show a change in car ownership. In Louisiana, the state mandates that the certificate of title should be transferred within 30 days after the purchase. During the title transfer, the new owner will keep all the car's information, including the VIN.

The Office of Motor Vehicles is responsible for title transfer. During a transfer, a person should have the following:

• A completed Certificate of Title, with both the seller's and buyer's signatures.
• A completed vehicle application form.
• A completed odometer disclosure statement.
• To pay a title transfer fee.

Louisiana requires vehicle sellers to submit a Notice of Transfer or report the sale transaction online.

What Would Vehicle History Report Include in Louisiana

In Louisiana, the report provides insights into the vehicle's accident history, revealing if it has been involved in collisions and detailing its damage history. Odometer readings are scrutinized to prevent fraud, ensuring accurately displayed mileage.

The report also checks for outstanding liens on the vehicle, minimizing the risk of legal or financial complications for the buyer. It covers recall and defect information, notifying buyers of unresolved safety issues. The report may include maintenance and service records, insurance claim history, and flood damage checks.

How Can I Find the VIN by License Plate?

Potential buyers may use third-party providers to check on a car's history. The service allows individuals to enter the license plate number of a vehicle and receive information about it. This information will include the VIN.

Vehicle Inspections in Louisiana

Louisiana vehicles are subject to safety and emission inspections annually. However, this regulation only applies to Livingston, East Baton Rouge, Ascension, Iberville, and West Baton Rouge parishes. The rule applies to gasoline-fueled vehicles with a total weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less.

What Does the Vehicle Inspection Report include in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, a Vehicle Inspection Report provides detailed information about the results of a vehicle inspection conducted at an official inspection station. The inspection ensures that vehicles meet safety and emissions standards. The report may include details such as:

• Deficiencies or Failures: If the vehicle fails the inspection, the report will outline the specific deficiencies or issues that need attention.
• Inspection Certification: The report may include a certification or stamp indicating that the vehicle has passed inspection and is compliant with safety and emissions standards.
• Specific Inspection Criteria: For safety inspections, the report will detail the condition of various safety-related components, such as brakes, lights, tires, steering, suspension, and more. For emissions inspections, the report will include information about the vehicle's compliance with emissions standards.
• Vehicle Identification Information: The report will include details like the vehicle's make, model, year, VIN, and license plate number.