Washington VIN Lookup
Table of Contents
- VIN Verification
- Washington Car Ownership and Driving Information
- Washington DMV
- Resources for Car Drivers/Owners
- Buying a Used Car in Washington
- Reasons to Do a VIN Check in Washington
- How to Lookup a VIN Number in Washington
- VIN Replacement in Washington
- New Vehicle Registration in Washington
- How to Transfer VIN During a Sale in Washington
- What Would a Vehicle History Report Include in Washington?
- How Can I Find the VIN Using a License Plate?
- Vehicle Inspections in Washington
The cost of owning a car in the Evergreen State is one of the highest in the country. Washington residents who which to save on this cost should consider a VIN Lookup when buying a used car. Performing a comprehensive VIN check is crucial to uncover the vehicle's history. A VIN check provides essential information, including accident history, title history, and maintenance records. These pieces of information will help you make a better decision and pick a good car.
Washington residents can request information from the state's Department of Licensing (DOL) to obtain vehicle information using its identification number. Similarly, people can use the NHTSA and NMVTIS databases to check a vehicle's VIN before purchasing it. Furthermore, various free and paid online vendors offer VIN lookup services to help you learn about a vehicle's history.
VIN Verification
VIN verification is a process performed to ensure a vehicle's identification number matches its vehicle title and other records in the database. Verification is important to prevent vehicle fraud or theft.
In Washington, the Washington State Patrol conducts VIN verification. The patrol performs physical inspections of rebuilt vehicles or those reported as total losses by insurance companies. Individuals must complete an inspection request form provided by licensing agents. Depending on the type of VIN verification, individuals may need to present other documents.
Washington Car Ownership and Driving Information
Average Car Ownership Rate
Washington has an average car ownership rate. 93.1% of households have access to at least one vehicle, and the average number of vehicles per household is 2.5.
Average Annual Mileage
The average driver in Washington state has an average annual mileage of 10,949.
Popular Car Makes in Washington
The most popular car in Washington state is the F-150.
Car Accidents
In 2023, Washington state had 788 fatalities caused by car crashes.
Speeding Related Crashes
In 2021, 20% of fatal crashes in the state were speeding-related.
Alcohol-Impaired Driving
In 2022, Washington State saw 14,219 fatalities related to alcohol and drug impairment.
Teen Safety
Teen drivers in Washington State have the 9th most fatalities in the nation in 2023.
Washington DMV
The Washington State Department of Licensing oversees various services related to driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other motor vehicle-related transactions. These services include:
- Online Services: Providing online services for selected transactions, such as license renewals and address changes.
- License Plates: Issuing and renewing license plates for various types of vehicles and offering specialty and personalized license plates.
- Identification Cards: Issuing identification cards for individuals who do not hold a driver's license.
- Vehicle Registration: This includes registering and titling vehicles in the state, renewing vehicle registrations, and handling vehicle ownership transfers.
- Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL): Manages commercial driver's license issuance and renewal, conducts tests, and provides endorsements for commercial drivers.
- Driver Licensing: This involves issuing and renewing driver's licenses for residents, conducting written and road tests for various classes of driver's licenses, and managing records of driving history and license status.
- Motor Vehicle Records: Providing motor vehicle records for individuals and businesses.
Resources for Car Drivers/Owners
Federal and state resources can provide valuable information regarding federal law compliance and environmental quality for drivers and car owners in Washington state. They include:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): NHTSA oversees vehicle safety standards and recalls. Washington drivers can check for recalls, report safety issues, and find information on compliance with federal safety standards.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA's website offers resources on federal environmental regulations, emissions standards, and information about fuel economy. Washington residents can find details on emissions testing and compliance with environmental standards.
- Department of Transportation (DOT): The DOT website provides information on federal transportation policies and regulations. Washington residents can find resources related to vehicle recalls, safety, and compliance with federal transportation laws.
- Washington State Department of Ecology: The Washington State Department of Ecology website offers state-specific information on environmental regulations, air quality, and emissions testing requirements. Car owners can find details on state compliance with federal environmental standards.
- Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL): The Washington DOL website provides information on driver licensing, vehicle registration, and compliance with state transportation laws. Car owners can find resources related to state-specific regulations.
Buying a Used Car in Washington
If you plan on buying a used car in Washington, there are several steps to ensure you own the vehicle legally and go through the safest buying procedures. Consider the following:
Washington Lemon Laws
The Lemon Law in Washington covers used or new vehicles leased or purchased within the state. The vehicle qualifies if it was intended for use on public roads. However, vehicles in the state are not covered if:
- The vehicle weighs more than 19,000 pounds gross weight.
- If a motorcycle has an engine with a displacement of less than 750 cubic centimeters.
- If the vehicle was purchased or leased by an organization with more than ten vehicles.
Title Transfer and Registration
Individuals should register and title their vehicles after purchasing. If you are buying the vehicle from a dealer, provide them with your driver's license so they can handle registration. On the other hand, if you buy from a private dealer, you should transfer the title within 15 days or face penalties. The process requires presenting various forms and information, such as the odometer disclosure form and the bill of sale.
Conducting a VIN Check
Individuals should conduct a VIN check to ensure the car they purchase is fit for the road by examining the vehicle and ownership history.
Sales Tax
Before buying a vehicle in Washington, potential buyers should know there is a statewide sales tax for both new and used cars. A person should pay a 6.5% sales tax in the state. However, the tax can go higher depending on the county tax laws.
Reasons to Do a VIN Check in Washington
Doing a VIN check in Washington is crucial for several reasons:
- Title Information: VIN checks can reveal a vehicle's title history, helping you ensure that the title is clear and there are no salvage or rebuilt titles.
- Accident History: The report may include information about accidents the vehicle has been involved in, letting you assess its overall condition.
- Odometer Readings: VIN checks provide odometer readings over time, helping you identify potential odometer fraud.
- Recalls and Defects: You can learn about any recalls or manufacturer defects associated with the vehicle.
- Theft Check: VIN checks can verify if the vehicle has been reported as stolen, providing an added layer of security.
How to Lookup a VIN Number in Washington
A person has the following options to check VIN information before buying a vehicle in Washington:
Option 1: Using the Washington State Department of Licensing (DL) to look up a vehicle's VIN
Washington residents can obtain VIN information from the State Department of Licensing (DOL) before purchasing a vehicle. Washington requires car owners to ensure their vehicles meet state requirements before registering or titling them. The department maintains records on all motor vehicles in the state and makes them available to the general public upon request.
Option 2: Using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website
People in the state can look up vehicle information on the NHTSA website. One option is the NHTSA Recall Check service, which details a vehicle's safety features, such as whether it was recalled, salvaged, or flooded. Individuals can also use the VIN Decoder service to check a vehicle's identifying number and see if it matches the title.
Option 3: Performing a VIN check using the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) database
The NMVTIS database holds records of all vehicles in the country. Washington residents can also use the database to look up a vehicle's VIN before purchasing.
Option 4: Lookup VIN Number Information using InfoTracer
Washington residents can also use the InfoTracer database to look up a vehicle's VIN. The database provides detailed information about a vehicle's history, recall status, and previous odometer readings.
VIN Replacement in Washington
Washington does not have a documented procedure for replacing a damaged VIN. Residents who want to replace their vehicle's VINs should contact their nearest Department of Licensing office and ask for the proper procedures to follow.
The state might require the car to undergo an inspection during VIN replacement. 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 Washington
In Washington, owners must title their vehicle before registering it. The state mandates residents to register new autos within five days after purchasing them. All cars in Washington must be registered and renewed with the state's Department of Licensing.
If a person wants to register a new car in the state, they should present the following information to the local Department of Licensing facility:
- A Certificate of Title, Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO), or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) as proof of ownership.
- A person must have a Washington driver's license or identification card before registering a vehicle.
- Washington emission inspection.
- A completed and signed application for Title and Registration.
- A bill of sale.
- A person must provide a lienholder statement if the car has an outstanding lien.
- Payment of registration fees.
How to Transfer VIN During a Sale in Washington
The state requires owners to register any new vehicle within 15 days of purchasing it. If a resident buys the car, the new owner must register it at the nearest State Department of Licensing office.
To register a car, people need to provide the following:
- State-issued identification card or driver's license.
- A vehicle title certificate.
- A bill of sale.
- A completed Washington Certificate of Title with the buyer's and seller's signatures.
- An odometer disclosure statement.
- The car should undergo inspection by a certified Washington law enforcement officer.
- The car should also undergo an emission inspection if it was previously titled in another state or country.
- An affidavit of a release of interest form.
What Would a Vehicle History Report Include in Washington?
A vehicle history report in Washington provides comprehensive information about a vehicle's past, including its title history, accident reports, odometer readings, and other relevant details. Prospective buyers commonly use these reports to make informed decisions about a used vehicle. Several online services provide vehicle history reports. Obtaining one before purchasing a used vehicle is recommended to ensure transparency and identify any potential issues.
How Can I Find the VIN Using a License Plate?
Individuals may use a third-party service provider to find the VIN through the license plate. A qualified license plate search provides vehicle details, often including the VIN, while requiring minimal information from the searcher.
Vehicle Inspections in Washington
Washington does not have annual vehicle inspection requirements. Instead, the state only requires a one-time inspection for out-of-state or rebuilt vehicles.
What Does a Vehicle Inspection Report Include in Washington?
In Washington, the Vehicle Inspection Report thoroughly examines various aspects of a vehicle's safety and emissions systems. This inspection is often required during certain vehicle transactions or registration renewals. The inspection may cover brakes, lights, tires, emissions systems, etc.