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Tennessee VIN Lookup

Tennessee VIN Lookup

Before purchasing a used car in Tennessee, conducting a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) check is advisable to gain insights into the vehicle's history. A VIN check provides essential information, including accident history, maintenance records, and details about previous ownership, enabling buyers to make well-informed decisions about buying a car.

Nicknamed the 'Volunteer State,' Tennessee is renowned for its amazing landscape and rolling hills. The state is also home to three of the biggest car manufacturers, including General Motors, Nissan, and Toyota. It has an abundance of new and used cars, including crossovers, sedans, SUVs, sports cars, and pickup trucks, among others, readily available for its residents.

Tennessee residents can perform a VIN check before purchasing a used vehicle in various ways. One method is to check the VIN through the state's Motor Vehicle Data Services online platform. People can also utilize the NHTSA and NMVTIS websites to search for car information and history by inputting their VIN or license plate number. Similarly, a potential buyer can use third-party web services, like Infotracer, to access vehicle information by entering the vehicle's identification number.

VIN Verification

VIN Verification

The VIN verification process involves a physical vehicle inspection to ensure that the VIN matches the one on record and checking for any indications of tampering or unauthorized modifications.

VIN verification is necessary for various transactions, mainly when dealing with vehicle registration and titling from out-of-state. Additionally, VIN verification may be required in salvaged or reconstructed vehicles.

In Tennessee, VIN verification is required for vehicles with salvage titles before registering and obtaining the title. It also applies to most types of trailers. Law enforcement officers in the state complete the VIN verification form after the inspection.

Tennessee Car Ownership and Driving Information

Ownership Rate
94.5%
Registered Vehicles
2.2 per household

High Car Ownership Rate

Tennessee has a significantly high car ownership rate, with 94.5% of households reporting access to at least one vehicle. The average number of vehicles per household is 2.2.

Miles Per Year
15,287

Average Annual Mileage

The average Tennessee driver has an annual average mileage of 15,287, which is significantly high compared to other states.

Popular Car
Ford F-150

Popular Car Makes in Tennessee

The best-selling car in Tennessee is the Ford F-150. Other cars that sold well in that year within the state include the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, and Nissan Altima.

Fatalities
1,314

Car Accidents

In 2022, Tennessee recorded 1,314 fatalities from traffic crashes, resulting in a 1.58 mortality rate.

Crashes
7,106

Speeding Related Crashes

In 2022, speeding led to 7,106 traffic crashes in Tennessee.

Crashes
6,076

Impaired Driving

In 2022, alcohol-impaired driving resulted in 6,076 traffic crashes in the state.

Drivers
561

Teen Safety

Between 2010 and 2023, 561 drivers under 15 were involved in traffic crashes.

Tennessee DMV

Tennessee State Government Driver Services is responsible for motor vehicle-related services in the state. The department oversees the vehicle services such as:

  • Vehicle Registration and Titling: The DMV facilitates vehicle registration and titling, including new registrations, renewals, and ownership transfers.
  • Driver's License Services: The DMV issues, renews, and replaces driver's licenses. It may also administer written and driving tests to obtain or upgrade licenses.
  • License Plates: The department issues license plates for various types of vehicles and offers specialty plates for different causes or organizations.
  • Online Services: The Tennessee DMV provides online services, allowing residents to conduct certain transactions, renewals, and updates through their website.
  • Title Services: The DMV assists with issuing and transferring vehicle titles, ensuring proper ownership documentation.
  • Record Requests: Individuals may request driving records and vehicle history reports from the DMV for various purposes.

Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

Resources for Car Drivers/Vehicle Owners in Tennessee

For federal law compliance and environmental quality resources for drivers and vehicle owners in Tennessee, individuals can refer to the following agencies and resources:

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The federal agency is responsible for enforcing environmental regulations. Drivers and vehicle owners can find information on emissions standards, fuel economy, and other environmental considerations on the EPA website.
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA): The department is in charge of ensuring the safety of vehicles on the road. Their website provides information on vehicle recalls, safety standards, and crash test ratings.
  • U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT): The department oversees various aspects of transportation, including vehicle safety and environmental regulations. Its website provides information on fuel efficiency, vehicle recalls, and safety regulations.
  • Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC): The state agency is responsible for environmental protection in Tennessee. Drivers can find information on air quality, emission testing requirements, and other environmental initiatives in the state.
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Buying a Used Car in Tennessee

Buying a used car in Tennessee involves several essential steps for legal purposes. These steps also ensure a fair and defective-free purchase. Consider the following:

Tennessee Lemon Laws

Lemon Laws in Tennessee only cover vehicles that were purchased new. Therefore, there is no protection for used car buyers. Individuals must be cautious when purchasing used vehicles, especially from private sellers.

Title Transfer and Registration

Individuals must register the vehicle, get new license plates, and get a title for the vehicle after purchasing. Individuals have 30 days to register a carcoming from outside the state. They must present the required documents, pay taxes or fees, and pass any requested inspections.

Conducting a VIN Check

Because the state Lemon Law does not protect used cars, individuals should conduct a thorough VIN check to ensure the car is ready for purchase and has no issues.

Sales Tax

In Tennessee, used car buyers must pay a 7% statewide sales tax for used car purchases. In addition, they should pay local sales taxes if applicable.

Reasons to Do a VIN Check in Tennessee

Reasons to Conduct a VIN Lookup in Tennessee

Performing a VIN check in Tennessee is crucial for several reasons, including the following:

  • Title Information: A VIN check details the vehicle's title history, including any salvage or branded titles. This information is vital to understanding whether the car was declared a total loss by an insurance company due to flood or collision damage, theft, or other reasons.
  • Odometer Readings: The VIN check includes odometer readings, helping to verify the accuracy of the mileage reported by the seller. Odometer fraud is a concern, and a VIN check can reveal any inconsistencies in the recorded mileage.
  • Ownership History: Understanding the number of previous owners and the duration of ownership can offer clues about how well the vehicle has been maintained and its overall condition.
  • Theft Records: The VIN check can uncover whether the vehicle has been reported as stolen, helping buyers avoid purchasing a stolen car unknowingly. Considering that 2024 has seen 655 car thefts in Nashville alone, buyers should be cautious when purchasing a used vehicle.
  • Emissions Inspection Results: In regions where emissions testing is required, the VIN check may include information about the vehicle's compliance with emission standards, ensuring it meets environmental regulations.

How to Lookup a VIN Number in Tennessee

Tennessee residents have a few options for looking up VINs to learn about a vehicle's history. They include:

Option 1: Using the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Data Services

The Tennessee Department of Revenue website has an online VIN check service that allows people to look up a vehicle's information. However, to access the state's Motor Vehicle Data Service, a person must be authorized by the Federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 2000 (DPPA) or have a subscription to the government site.

Option 2: Using the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) portal

People can also use the NHTSA website to search a vehicle's VIN and get its information. One way is to use the NHTSA Recall Check, which provides information about a vehicle's safety features, including whether the vehicle model was recalled and whether the car was flooded, damaged, or salvaged. Additionally, the website has a VIN Decoder option, which allows residents to verify a car's identification number and check if it matches its title.

Option 3: Using the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) database

The NMVTIS database contains information about all cars in Tennessee, so people can also use it to look up a VIN when they want to buy a vehicle.

Option 4: Using InfoTracer to Lookup a Tennessee VIN Number

InfoTracer is another database containing public records, including car information. The website portal allows Tennessee residents to request information on their car history by entering their VIN.

VIN Replacement in Tennessee

Tennessee offers a VIN replacement and Tennessee-issued vehicle identification numbers (TNVIN) in case the vin plate is damaged or the part of the car housing the plate gets replaced. The county clerk's office issues VIN replacements and TNVINs. It is important to note that VINs are only replaced when:

  • The original VIN plate is lost.
  • The VIN plate is destroyed.
  • Or the VIN plate is defaced.

However, if a vehicle inspector suspects that the vehicle's VIN was altered or modified, the car owner will face penalties.

To get a TNVIN, a person requires the following:

New Vehicle Registration in Tennessee

Tennessee compels people to register their new cars within 30 days of purchasing them. The local county clerk's office is responsible for registering new vehicles in the state.

When registering a vehicle, a resident needs to provide:

  • Proof of ownership: either as a certificate of title, Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO), or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO).
  • Proof of identity: either as a state-issued driver's license or identification card.
  • Bill or sale or new vehicle invoice.
  • A copy of a person's current registration is needed to transfer a license plate.
  • Payment of registration fees.

How to Transfer VIN During a Sale in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the law requires individuals to transfer vehicle titles within 30 days of acquisition. During the transfer, the local county clerk's office will transfer the vehicle's information and ownership to the buyer, including the VIN. To transfer a vehicle's title in the state, one must have the following:

  • The original certificate of title.
  • Proof of identification like a state-issued identification card or a driver's license.
  • An odometer disclosure statement.
  • A copy of the current registration if a person plans to transfer the license plate to the other car.
  • A bill of sale.
  • An affidavit of non-dealer transfer if a person has been gifted the car.

What Would a Vehicle History Report Include in Tennessee?

This report typically includes details about title and ownership history, any reported accidents or damage, odometer readings, lemon law and recall information, and sometimes even maintenance records. The goal is to offer transparency and help consumers make informed decisions about purchasing or owning a vehicle.

How Can I Find the VIN by License Plate?

Individuals may use third-party license plate lookup services, which provide the vehicle's details after the search. The information it reveals includes the VIN.

Vehicle Inspections in Tennessee

Vehicle Inspections in Tennessee

Tennessee has mandatory vehicle inspection requirements, but only in some counties. Residents of Hamilton, Davidson, Sumner, Wilson, and Williamson counties must take their vehicles for annual emissions inspections before registration. Heavy-duty vehicles, motorcycles, and vehicles made before 1975 are exempt from the inspection.

What Does the Vehicle Inspection Report Include in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, a vehicle inspection report typically covers critical elements such as the braking system, lights, tires, steering and suspension, exhaust system, and other safety features. Additionally, the emissions portion of the inspection evaluates the vehicle's compliance with environmental standards by examining its exhaust emissions. The inspection report ensures that vehicles on Tennessee roads meet the necessary safety and emissions criteria.

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