Before purchasing a vehicle in Missouri, it is important to conduct a VIN search. The VIN check reveals details about the vehicle, including the number of accidents it has been in and the extent of damage. Therefore, individuals can make informed decisions on whether to purchase the vehicle.
Named after a Sioux Indian Tribe, Missouri is known for its Ozark Mountains, scenic rivers, and prairies. Most people living in rural areas practice agroforestry and heavily rely on pickup trucks to carry farm equipment and produce. However, in major cities like Kansas and Jefferson, a wide range of used vehicles are available for sale, including sports cars, SUVs, and sedan cars.
Missouri has several ways for people to look up VIN and find information about a car. The most common way is by requesting information from the state's Department of Revenue in the office of the Motor Vehicle Bureau. Likewise, some online resources, including the NMVTIS and NHTSA databases, allow people to look up a car's history, like recalls, damage status, and ownership, using the VIN. Lastly, potential buyers can use free or paid online services, like Infotracer, that provide VIN checks before buying a car.
VIN verification ensures that the vehicle's VIN matches the one on record. That is why the VIN is on the vehicle and other documents, such as the title and insurance. Authorities require VIN verification in certain instances, such as when registering vehicles.
Individuals in Missouri must take their vehicles for VIN verification if it is a salvage vehicle. The inspection is done on an appointment only by law enforcement agents, a licensed inspector, or a licensed mechanic in the state at designated locations.
Missouri has an average car ownership rate, with 93.4% of households reporting access to at least one vehicle. The average number of vehicles per household is 2.3.
The average Missouri driver has an average annual mileage of 18,521, significantly higher than most states.
The most popular vehicle in Missouri is the Ford F-Series Pickup. The Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Corolla are also widely available in the state.
In 2023, Missouri recorded 948 fatalities from traffic crashes, a 2.4% decrease since the previous year.
About 40% of all traffic collisions in Missouri are related to speeding.
About 184 traffic fatalities that occurred in Missouri in 2021 involved alcohol and drugs.
There was a 30% increase in the number of fatal crashes involving teen drivers between 2022 and 2020.
The Missouri Department of Revenue oversees driver's licensing and vehicle registration services through the Motor Vehicle Titling and Registration Department. Some of the services they offer include:
In Missouri, drivers can find resources related to federal law compliance and environmental quality from various organizations. They include the following:
Individuals can benefit from various guidelines and legal procedures when purchasing used vehicles in Missouri. Key considerations include:
Unfortunately, the Missouri Lemon Law does not cover used cars. Instead, it only covers new vehicles, and it does not cover leased vehicles. Therefore, used car buyers must ensure adequate protection before purchasing a vehicle. Likewise, though a Missouri resident might have a new car, the Lemon Law disqualifies any vehicles that have undergone unauthorized modification or alterations or are abused or neglected.
Individuals in Missouri must apply for a vehicle title within 30 days of buying the vehicle. Individuals face a fine on the 31st day of purchase if they have yet to title the vehicle.
Individuals are encouraged to perform a VIN check to learn more about the vehicle. The Lemon Law does not extend to used vehicles, so ensuring that the purchase does not result in defects is important.
Individuals in Missouri must pay a 4.225% state sales tax for all vehicle purchases, including used cars. In addition, buyers may pay a local sales tax on the purchase price.
Conducting a VIN check in Missouri is important for several reasons, including:
There are several ways Missouri residents can look up a car's VIN. They include:
The state's Department of Revenue holds motor vehicle records that are available to the public. Residents can request to look up a VIN and get a motor vehicle's history to assist in making an informed purchasing decision.
The NMVTIS database holds all records of cars in the United States. By looking up a car's VIN, people can identify if the car is safe to use or if it is stolen before getting resold.
The NHTSA website is another readily available database for Missouri residents to check a car's VIN. The website has car recalls and safety history records, which can be accessed by looking up the VIN or license plate.
Lastly, potential buyers can use the InfoTracer website to check a car's history by looking up its VIN. The website holds copies or public records that are readily available, including vehicle details.
In Missouri, people can get a VIN replacement for a damaged or replaced car part that houses the car's VIN. The state's Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau Office assigns and issues the new vehicle/trailer identification number. It is important to note that a person can get penalized if, during inspection, the car's VIN is suspected of alterations or modifications.
If a person wants to get a state-assigned vehicle or trailer identification number, Missouri laws require them to provide the following:
The state requires residents to register new cars within 30 days of purchasing. The Missouri Motor Vehicle Bureau office is responsible for registering new cars in the state and provides registration services for cars with out-of-state registrations.
To register a new car in Missouri, residents should provide the following details:
Moreover, Missouri requires people to transfer the certificate of title within 30 days after purchase to avoid penalties. During a title transfer, the car's information, including the VIN, is transferred to the new car owner.
The Motor Vehicle Bureau issues title transfers for cars in Missouri. When getting a title transfer, the new owner must submit the following documents:
A vehicle history report in Missouri overviews a vehicle's background, offering essential information for potential buyers. It can provide title information, reported accidents or damage, odometer readings, information about recalls, and ownership history.
Individuals may find the VIN of a vehicle through a license plate lookup. The check provides information about the vehicle, including the VIN. There are reliable third-party online service providers offering license plate lookup services.
Missouri requires individuals to pass their cars through an annual safety inspection. The inspection is conducted at a certified inspection station in the state. Motor vehicles manufactured within the first ten years from their model year and with odometer readings below 150,000 miles are not subject to the safety inspection requirement.
A vehicle inspection report in Missouri outlines the condition of a vehicle following an inspection process. Therefore, it may include details about the vehicle's safety features, ensuring that it complies with state regulations and is fit for operation on the road. It may cover aspects such as the functionality of lights, brakes, tires, and other critical components.