New Hampshire VIN Lookup
Table of Contents
- VIN Verification
- New Hampshire Car Ownership and Driving Information
- New Hampshire DMV
- Resources for Car Drivers/Owners
- Buying a Used Car in New Hampshire
- Reasons to Do a VIN Check in New Hampshire
- How to Lookup a VIN Number in New Hampshire
- VIN Replacement in New Hampshire
- New Vehicle Registration in New Hampshire
- How to Transfer VIN During a Sale in New Hampshire
- What Would Vehicle History Report Include in New Hampshire
- How Can I Find the VIN by License Plate?
- Vehicle Inspections in New Hampshire
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check is necessary for New Hampshire used car buyers to identify any issues before finalizing a purchase. The VIN lookup provides in-depth information about the vehicle, such as the accident history and maintenance records. This helps buyers understand the risks of the purchase.
Also known as Granite State, New Hampshire has a diverse landscape that allows residents to use a variety of vehicles. In the forested areas around White Mountain, people prefer using trucks and four-wheel-drive vehicles that can handle towing and rough terrain. However, along the towns and coastal lowlands, sedans, SUVs, and sports cars are common on the road.
If a New Hampshire resident wants to check the VIN before purchasing a car, they can use the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) title search. Furthermore, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) website VIN lookup services to learn about a vehicle's history. Finally, people can use third-party VIN check providers to obtain vehicle information.
VIN Verification
In New Hampshire, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) verification is a process used to confirm that the VIN on a vehicle matches the information provided on official documents such as the title or registration. This verification is often required for various reasons.
In New Hampshire, car owners need VIN verification in the following instances:
- For abandoned vehicles
- For antique vehicles
- For vehicles registered under the US government
- For foreign country vehicles.
- For vehicles from states that mandate titles solely for cars 10 years or newer.
- For homemade trailers weighing less than 3,000 lbs.
- For state-registered vehicles, but the new owner lacks the previous registration.
In New Hampshire, VIN verifications are conducted by authorized inspection stations, state-authorized vehicle dealers, and law enforcement officers. These authorized agents are responsible for completing the TDMV 19A form as part of the verification process. It's important to note that authorized verification agents may impose a fee for their services, collected at the time of the verification.
New Hampshire Car Ownership and Driving Information
High Car Ownership Rate
New Hampshire had the highest rate of car ownership: 95.2% of households reported having access to at least one vehicle.
Average Annual Mileage
The average yearly mileage for a driver in New Hampshire is 11,570.
Popular Car Makes in New Hampshire
The most common car in New Hampshire is the Honda Civic.
Car Accidents
The number of traffic fatalities in New Hampshire was 127 in 2023.
Speeding Related Crashes
Between 2019 and 2021, New Hampshire speed-related crashes increased by 23%.
Alcohol-Impaired Driving
Between 2019 and 2022, New Hampshire reported a 22% increase in alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities.
Teen Safety
In 2021, New Hampshire had the lowest number of fatal crashes involving young drivers, with 1.76 crashes per 10,000 young drivers.
New Hampshire DMV
The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles oversees various motor vehicle-related services and regulations within the state. Here are some key services they offer:
- Driver Licensing: The DMV issues driver's licenses and identification cards. It conducts written and road tests for new drivers and manages the renewal process for existing license holders.
- Vehicle Registration: The DMV handles vehicle registration and titling. This includes issuing license plates, processing title transfers, and maintaining vehicle ownership records.
- Vehicle Inspections: New Hampshire requires vehicles to undergo safety inspections. The DMV oversees this process, ensuring that vehicles meet safety standards.
- Emissions Testing: Emissions testing may be required as part of the vehicle inspection process. This is often the case in more populated areas when addressing environmental concerns.
- Commercial Driver's Licensing (CDL): The DMV administers the Commercial Driver's License program, which includes testing and licensing for individuals operating commercial vehicles.
- Title Information and Records: The DMV maintains records related to vehicle titles, registrations, and other relevant information. These records help in ensuring accurate documentation of vehicle ownership.
- Traffic Safety: The DMV may promote traffic safety initiatives and educational programs to enhance road safety.
- Online Services: The DMV provides online resources, allowing residents to access forms, checklists, and information related to driver licensing and vehicle services.
Resources for Car Drivers/Owners
Drivers in New Hampshire must comply with various federal laws and environmental regulations. Here are some key resources and areas of compliance:
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Drivers in New Hampshire should be aware of emissions standards, fuel efficiency requirements, and other environmental regulations enforced by the EPA.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): NHTSA oversees vehicle safety standards and issues recalls for defective vehicles or vehicle parts. Drivers should stay informed about recalls and comply with any necessary repairs.
- National Environmental Policy Act (or NEPA): NEPA requires federal agents to consider the environmental impacts of their actions, including transportation projects. Compliance with NEPA is important for infrastructure development and environmental protection.
- New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (aka NHDES): NHDES is responsible for environmental protection in New Hampshire. Drivers should be aware of state-specific environmental regulations and initiatives related to air quality and other environmental concerns.
- New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT): NHDOT oversees the state's transportation infrastructure. Drivers should stay informed about road conditions, construction projects, and any transportation-related regulations.
- New Hampshire Air Resources Division: The Air Resources Division of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services provides information on air quality regulations, including vehicle emissions standards and programs to reduce air pollution.
Buying a Used Car in New Hampshire
Buying a used car in New Hampshire requires several things to ensure a smooth and legal transaction. Key factors to consider include:
New Hampshire Lemon Laws
Lemon Law in New Hampshire requires manufacturers of new motor vehicles to notify buyers of their rights to arbitration under New Hampshire law, including a "demand for arbitration" form. New Hampshire dealerships must also publish consumer rights notices under this statute in all new car showrooms. Unfortunately, lemon laws only apply to new cars, not used ones.
Conducting a VIN Check
Buyers should perform a VIN check to learn more about the car's history and potential issues.
Title Transfer and Registration
New Hampshire requires car buyers to title their vehicles after purchase. They must turn in the seller's title to ensure the vehicle has only one title. A New Hampshire dealership can complete a new title application at the time of purchase. Once the application goes through, the vehicle owner will receive the new titles within 40 to 50 days.
Sales Tax
There is no statewide sales tax on vehicle purchases in New Hampshire.
Reasons to Do a VIN Check in New Hampshire
Performing a VIN check in New Hampshire is crucial for various reasons, including:
- Title Verification: Confirm the accuracy of the vehicle's title information, ensuring it matches the details provided by the seller.
- Ownership History: Obtain information about the vehicle's ownership history, including the number of previous owners.
- Accident History: Access details about past accidents and damage reported for the vehicle. A VIN check may reveal information about the severity of accidents and if the car has a history of structural damage.
- Odometer Readings: Verify the accuracy of odometer readings to ensure the mileage corresponds to the seller's claims.
- Title Branding: Check for any title branding issues, such as salvage titles, flood damage, or other designations that may affect the vehicle's value and safety.
- Vehicle Theft Check: Determine whether the vehicle has been reported as stolen. A VIN check can reveal if the vehicle is associated with any theft incidents.
- Recall Information: Check for any outstanding recalls or safety-related issues associated with the vehicle. This information is important for ensuring that manufacturers or auto repair shops make the necessary repairs or modifications before purchase.
How to Lookup a VIN Number in New Hampshire
There are several ways for New Hampshire residents to look up a vehicle's VIN before purchasing it. They include:
Option 1: Using the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
People can request a title search from the state's DMV, which allows them to look up a car's information by entering its VIN. During the search, a person may discover unknown issues with the vehicle, such as salvage status, rebuild, or odometer rollbacks.
Option 2: Using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website
Likewise, state residents looking to purchase vehicles in New Hampshire can use the NHTSA database to find vehicle information. The NHTSA Recall Lookup offers VIN check services, which show if a car was recalled, salvaged, or flooded. They can also use the NHTSA VIN Decoder to determine whether a vehicle's VIN matches the information on the title.
Option 3: Using the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) database
State residents can also search the NMVTIS database for VINs and vehicle information before purchasing. The NMVTIS is a record that contains all vehicle information in the United States.
Option 4: New Hampshire VIN Number Lookup Using InfoTracer
InfoTracer is another database that stores public records easily accessible to anyone. Some records include vehicle information, which can be accessed by looking up the vehicle's VIN.
VIN Replacement in New Hampshire
New Hampshire does not have a documented procedure for replacing a damaged VIN. Residents who want to replace their vehicle's VINs should contact their nearest DMV office and ask for the proper procedures to follow. However, if an inspector suspects that the VIN has been modified or altered, the driver may face penalties or have their vehicle impounded.
New Vehicle Registration in New Hampshire
New Hampshire owners must register their vehicles within 60 days of purchase. Similarly, car owners must renew their registration every year to avoid penalties. The local town or city clerk's office is responsible for registering new vehicles within the state.
To register a new car, you must provide the following information:
- State identification card or license plate.
- The original certificate of title, Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO), Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO), or court order as proof of ownership.
- Bill of sale.
- If a person purchases a vehicle from out-of-state, they require a New Hampshire title application from the lienholder, if applicable.
- A person must also pay the registration fee for the town/city and the state.
How to Transfer VIN During a Sale in New Hampshire
New Hampshire requires that title transfers be completed within 20 days after purchase. The local town or city clerk is in charge of transferring titles throughout the state. During the title transfer, the new owner will be given the vehicle's information, including the VIN.
If someone wants to transfer a car's title, they should provide the following information.
- Proof of New Hampshire residency: either as a state-issued driver's license or identification card.
- The original vehicle title certificate.
- A completed application for a New Hampshire Certificate of Title, with both the buyer's and seller's signature.
- Bill of sale.
- A car bought out of state or another country requires an odometer disclosure statement.
- Vehicle identification and verification for any car bought in another state or country.
- Payment of the state's title transfer fee.
What Would Vehicle History Report Include in New Hampshire
A Vehicle History Report in New Hampshire would include details on the vehicle's title history, odometer readings, any reported accidents or damage, recalls or safety-related issues, and the vehicle's compliance with safety standards.
How Can I Find the VIN by License Plate?
Researchers may use third-party providers to find the VIN through the license plate search.
Vehicle Inspections in New Hampshire
The state requires all New Hampshire vehicles to undergo inspection within 10 days after registration. In addition, they must undergo reinspection every year within 10 days after the owner's birth month ends. The general inspection process includes checking the odometer, electrical, exhaust, steering, suspicion, and registration.
What Does the Vehicle Inspection Report Include in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, a vehicle inspection report is a comprehensive document that details the findings of a thorough examination of a vehicle's safety and emissions components. Therefore, the report will provide information on aspects such as the functionality of brakes, lights, tires, steering, suspension, and other essential systems.