North Carolina VIN Lookup
Table of Contents
- VIN Verification
- North Carolina Car Ownership and Driving Information
- North Carolina DMV
- Resources for Car Drivers/Owners
- Buying a Used Car in North Carolina
- Reasons to Do a VIN Check in North Carolina
- How to Lookup a VIN Number in North Carolina
- VIN Replacement in North Carolina
- New Vehicle Registration in North Carolina
- How to Transfer VIN During a Sale in North Carolina
- What Would Vehicle History Report Include in North Carolina
- How Can I Find the VIN by License Plate?
- Vehicle Inspections in North Carolina
North Carolina ranks as the 10th state with the most used car dealerships per capita, indicating that many residents rely on used cars. Purchasing a used car in the state requires running a VIN check, which will help reveal the vehicle's history, such as accidents, damage, and previous ownership.
North Carolina is one of the best states for buying a car. It has a favorable climate, and the Atlantic Coastal Plain covers most of the state, ideal for more convenient and easy driving. Hence, North Carolina residents prefer buying sedans, crossovers, and hybrid cars for fuel efficiency and overall performance. Potential buyers have a wide range of vehicles to choose from.
Conducting a VIN check before buying a used vehicle in North Carolina is crucial. One way to do so is by using the state's DMV. Additionally, the NHTSA provides VIN lookup services for potential car owners. Buyers can also use free and paid online services, like Infotracer, to get a car's history using its VIN.
VIN Verification
VIN verification is confirming and documenting a vehicle's VIN to ensure accuracy and legitimacy. Authorities verify VINs through physical inspection, documentation review, and, often, the use of databases.
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NC DMV) does not specifically mention VIN verification requirements. However, vehicles must undergo safety and emissions inspections annually before registering. Additionally, individuals have 90 days to have their vehicles inspected.
North Carolina Car Ownership and Driving Information
High Car Ownership Rate
In North Carolina, 94.4% of households reported access to at least one vehicle, and the average number of cars per household was 2.2.
Average Annual Mileage
The average mileage a driver in North Carolina records every year is 16,073.
Popular Car Makes in North Carolina
North Carolina drivers love Honda, the most popular car brand in the state. Other popular car brands in the state are the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet, and Dodge Ram.
Car Accidents
In 2021, crash fatalities increased by 7.5% to 1,783 in North Carolina.
Speeding Related Crashes
23.9% of all fatalities in North Carolina were related to speeding in 2021.
Alcohol-Impaired Driving
In 2021, alcohol was a contributing factor in 9,226 collisions, resulting in 281 fatal crashes in North Carolina.
Drug-Impaired Driving
In 2021, North Carolina recorded 2,221 crashes in which drug use was a factor. It resulted in 63 fatal crashes.
Teen Safety
There were a total of 88 fatalities involving teens (15 to 19) in North Carolina.
North Carolina DMV
The NC DMV manages various motor vehicle-related services in the state. Here are some of the key services they offer:
- Vehicle Registration: The DMV handles vehicle registration, including initial registrations, renewals, and ownership transfers. Vehicle owners must register their vehicles and obtain license plates.
- Driver's Licenses: The DMV issues driver's licenses and permits, conducts driver testing, and manages the driver's license renewal process. This includes services for obtaining learner's permits, regular driver's licenses, and commercial driver's licenses (CDLs).
- Vehicle Titles: The DMV processes vehicle title applications and transfers. When buying or selling a vehicle, owners must transfer the title to the new owner, and the DMV facilitates this process.
- License Plates: The DMV issues license plates for various types of vehicles, including standard passenger vehicles, specialty plates, and personalized plates. Specialty plates may support causes or organizations.
- Vehicle Inspections: The DMV oversees the state's vehicle inspection program, ensuring that vehicles meet safety and emissions standards. Inspection certificates are required for vehicle registration.
- Online Services: The DMV provides various online services, including a website where residents can renew vehicle registrations, order duplicate titles, update personal information, and more.
- Real ID: The DMV issues Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards, which drivers must have for specific federal purposes, such as boarding domestic flights.
- Driving Records: Individuals can request their driving records from the DMV, which provides a history of their driving offenses, accidents, and license status.
- Specialty Services: The DMV offers additional services related to issues such as personalized plates, handicapped parking placards, and military and veteran services.
Resources for Car Drivers/Owners
Here are some key resources and information related to federal law compliance and environmental quality for drivers in North Carolina:
- North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NC DMV): The NC DMV is responsible for vehicle registration, licensing, and compliance with state and federal motor vehicle laws. It ensures drivers adhere to vehicle registration, licensing, and VIN verification regulations.
- North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ): The NCDEQ is responsible for environmental protection in the state. It provides information on air quality, alternative fuel vehicles, and incentives. Drivers can access resources to make environmentally conscious transportation choices.
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT): The DOT oversees various aspects of transportation, including vehicle safety standards and recalls. Compliance with DOT regulations is crucial for maintaining safe and well-maintained vehicles.
- North Carolina Division of Air Quality (DAQ): DAQ, part of the NCDEQ, monitors and regulates air quality in the state. It provides information on air quality standards, issues air quality alerts, and promotes initiatives to reduce vehicle emissions for better environmental quality.
- North Carolina State Highway Patrol: The State Highway Patrol enforces traffic laws on North Carolina's highways. They are crucial in ensuring road safety, conducting inspections, and enforcing compliance with various state and federal regulations.
Buying a Used Car in North Carolina
Buying a used car in North Carolina requires following various rules and processes to complete the transaction legally and smoothly. Consider the following:
North Carolina Lemon Laws
North Carolina lemon laws do not cover used cars. The law only covered new vehicle purchases in the state. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act may offer protection if the used vehicle is still under the original manufacturer's warranty.
Title Transfer and Registration
Individuals need to transfer the vehicle title after purchase. The seller and buyer must fill out the certificate title with their names, addresses, and signatures. In addition, the seller must complete the seller odometer statement on the back of the title.
Conducting a VIN Check
Individuals should perform a VIN check since there are few protections for used car buyers. The VIN will reveal the vehicle history, ensuring the buyer makes the right decision.
Sales Tax
North Carolina has a 3% highway tax for all cars bought, whether new or used.
Reasons to Do a VIN Check in North Carolina
Performing a VIN check in North Carolina is important for the following reasons:
- Preventing Fraud: Checking the VIN helps prevent fraud by confirming that the vehicle's identification number matches the information provided in the documents, such as the title and registration.
- Ownership Confirmation: A VIN check can confirm the vehicle's current title status and ownership details. This is crucial when buying or selling a vehicle to ensure a smooth and legal transfer of ownership.
- Discover Recalls: VIN checks often include information about safety-related defects and recalls associated with the vehicle. This allows buyers to address any outstanding recalls and ensures the car meets safety standards.
- Resale Value Assessment: A VIN check can reveal a vehicle's history, which can impact its resale value. Buyers are generally willing to pay more for a vehicle with a clean history and fewer issues.
- Vehicle History Verification: A VIN check provides information about the vehicle's history, including previous accidents, title issues, odometer readings, etc.
How to Lookup a VIN Number in North Carolina
There are several ways to lookup a VIN in North Carolina. They include:
Option 1: Requesting the information from the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
North Carolina residents can look up a vehicle's VIN through the state's DMV website. To check for information, a person must fill out a Request for Motor Vehicle Information (MVR-605A) form and pay a fee. Once the request is mailed to the DMV, the office will send the information by mail within 10 working days.
Option 2: Using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website
NC residents can also use the NHTSA database to look up VIN information about a vehicle. They can use the NHTSA VIN Decoder, which provides information about a car's year of manufacture, where it was manufactured, and whether the car's VIN matches the details on record. Furthermore, a person can use the NHTSA Recall Lookup to identify if the car's model was recalled, was in an accident, suffered flooding, or was salvaged.
Option 3: Using InfoTracer to Lookup a North Carolina VIN Number Online
Lastly, North Carolina residents can use the InfoTracer records to find a vehicle's history through its VIN. InfoTracer holds public records that are readily available to people, including car information in the country.
VIN Replacement in North Carolina
The state does not provide a procedure to follow if a vehicle owner needs their VIN replaced. If the part housing the VIN is damaged or replaced, North Carolina residents should seek information about getting a state-issued identification number at their nearest DMV office.
However, defacing, destroying, altering, or removing the VIN assigned to the car is illegal. Altered or modified VINs might attract a penalty.
New Vehicle Registration in North Carolina
In North Carolina, a person should register a new car within 60 days after its purchase or taking up permanent residence in the state. The North Carolina DMV is responsible for processing and issuing vehicle registrations. The DMV receives registration applications either online or through mail.
To get a new car registered in the state, a person should take the following:
- North Carolina-issued driving license, driving permit, or identification card.
- Certificate of Title, Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO), or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO).
- Proof of insurance.
- Registration fee if a person uses the DMV's online platform to apply for registration.
The state requires car owners to renew their registration annually. Once registration or renewal is completed, the DMV mails all the relevant documents to the owner.
How to Transfer VIN During a Sale in North Carolina
A car's title should be transferred within 28 days of purchase in North Carolina. The state's DMV is responsible for processing all title transfers, and all vehicle information, including the VIN, will be transferred to the new owner.
To get started on a title transfer in North Carolina, a person should have the following:
- A valid North Carolina driving license or identification card.
- A notarized certificate of title with buyer and seller signatures on it.
- Bill of sales.
- Pay property tax for the vehicle.
- Proof of liability insurance.
Additionally, new residents and non-North Carolina residents must provide:
- A military ID (In case a person is on active duty.)
- A student ID (for people enrolled in college or university).
- A completed Form MVR-614 showing that the car has been in the state for more than six months.
- Car registration (For persons owning motorhomes).
What Would Vehicle History Report Include in North Carolina
Vehicle history reports in North Carolina include comprehensive information about a specific vehicle's past and current status. It may outline the historical odometer readings, information about reported accidents, details about any existing liens on the vehicle, and any title brands.
How Can I Find the VIN by License Plate?
Individuals may use third-party service providers to look up a license plate and get access to the VIN as part of the vehicle's information.
Vehicle Inspections in North Carolina
North Carolina requires car owners to pass their cars through an annual safety inspection that examines foot brakes, headlights, steering, tires, and other aspects. In addition, the state requires emission inspections for cars in 19 North Carolina counties.
What Does the Vehicle Inspection Report Include in North Carolina?
A vehicle inspection report in North Carolina details whether a vehicle passed or failed the inspection. It highlights issues that may require attention to comply with safety and emission standards. The report may show results for the various components tested.