Individuals in Vermont who want to purchase a used car should ensure they look up the vehicle's VIN. A VIN check provides details about the vehicle, such as its history. With this information, the buyer can make a good decision on whether to purchase the vehicle.
Also known as the Green Mountain State, Vermont is renowned for its mountain landscape. Along the famous Green Mountains, residents prefer using trucks to handle the tough terrain and tow lumbering equipment. However, sedans, hybrid vehicles, and SUVs are common commuting vehicles in cities like Burlington and Rutland.
Before purchasing a vehicle in Vermont, residents should always conduct a VIN check to verify the vehicle's history and condition. VIN information can be obtained from the Vermont DMV or through the NMVTIS and NHTSA check services. Likewise, multiple free and paid online services offer vehicle history by performing a VIN check.
VIN verification is when an authorized entity, often a government agency or certified inspector, checks the physical VIN on the vehicle to ensure it matches the official records. The process helps prevent fraud, theft, and the misrepresentation of vehicles.
VIN verification is commonly required in various situations in Vermont. They are:
Vermont law enforcement officers conduct VIN inspections. In addition, VIN inspections may be conducted by personnel employed by law enforcement. However, they must be under the direct supervision of a law enforcement officer. DMV employees directed by the Vermont Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may also conduct VIN inspections.
Vermont has a high car ownership rate, with 93.3% of households having access to at least one car. The average number of vehicles per household is 2.3.
The average annual mileage of a driver in Vermont is 13,004.
While SUVs are quite popular in Vermont, the state's most popular vehicle is the Ford F-Series. Other popular vehicles in the state include the Toyota RAV4 and the Toyota Tacoma.
As of December 2023, there were 69 crash fatalities in the state.
Between November 2017 and 2022, speeding resulted in 96 traffic fatalities in the state.
In 2023, 65% of fatal car crashes were caused by alcohol and drug-related driving.
In 2021, teen drivers in Vermont accounted for 14.5% of fatal accidents.
The Vermont Agency of Transportation has the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which is responsible for providing various motor vehicle-related services in Vermont. They include:
There are several federal law compliance and environmental quality resources available online for car drivers and owners in Vermont. They include:
Purchasing a used vehicle in Vermont can be fun and exciting. However, it is always a good idea to take precautions when purchasing and registering the vehicle. Here are a few recommendations to help buyers with this process.
The Lemon Law in Vermont covers used vehicles if the first repair is within the manufacturer's warranty. The vehicle must also have met all other requirements as the law directs.
Individuals in Vermont who purchase a used car must title and register it within the state. During the process, they must present various documents, such as the previous title and an odometer disclosure statement.
While the Vermont Lemon Law offers some protection to used car buyers, it is important to conduct a VIN check. It will reveal detailed information about the vehicle, making the purchasing decision informed.
Vermont has a statewide 6% sales tax on all vehicle purchases. Individuals must pay the tax during vehicle registration or titling.
Here are some important reasons to conduct a VIN check in Vermont:
Potential buyers in Vermont looking for a vehicle's VIN in the following ways:
Vermont residents can obtain VIN lookup services from the closest Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. The state's DMV keeps a database of all state vehicle records and driver information.
Vermont residents can use the NMVTIS database to find a vehicle's VIN in the state. The NMVTIS database includes information on all cars in the country.
People looking to buy a car in Vermont can also get information about car history from the NHTSA website. They can also use the NHTSA Recall VIN Lookup service, which provides details about a vehicle's safety features, such as whether it has been recalled, flooded, damaged, or salvaged. One option is to use the VIN Decoder service, which allows residents to check a vehicle's identifying number and see if it matches the title.
InfoTracer is a website that collects vehicle information from across the county. The VIN allows one to obtain a detailed history of a vehicle's ownership status, damage report, and last odometer readings.
Vermont residents can get a VIN replacement if their original identification number is damaged or the part that houses the VIN plate is replaced. To obtain a VIN replacement or state-issued VIN, they should go to their nearest DMV office.
The procedure for a VIN replacement involves:
Vermont requires all new car buyers to register their vehicles within 30 days of purchase and within 30 days of becoming state residents.
The Vermont DMV is in charge of vehicle registration and renewals throughout the state. To register a new vehicle, a person needs the following:
To register a vehicle in the state, a person should ensure that the car is titled.
When someone purchases an automobile in Vermont, they must apply for a certificate of title within 30 days of the transaction. A title transfer is conducted to change car ownership, including VIN information.
The state DMV is responsible for processing title transfers and issuing new titles. To transfer the title of a vehicle, the following are required:
In Vermont, a vehicle history report includes details like title information, reported accidents, odometer readings, ownership history, and potential issues such as salvage designations or theft records. It provides essential insights for buyers, aiding in informed decisions about a vehicle's safety and value.
Individuals may use third-party providers to find a car's VIN via a license plate search. The license plate search reveals information about the vehicle, such as the VIN.
Vermont requires individuals to pass an annual emissions and safety inspection in one of the 1,100 inspection stations around the state. The safety inspection thoroughly examines wheels, tires, steering and suspension, exhaust, and fuel system. In addition, emissions checks involve visually inspecting the catalytic converter and gas cap and electronically inspecting the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system for vehicle models 16 years old or newer.
A Vermont vehicle inspection report evaluates crucial components such as wheels, tires, steering, suspension, brakes, lights, glass, body, sheet metal, exhaust system, and fuel system. Additionally, the inspection includes emissions checks.