Indiana Vehicle VIN Check - Free IN VIN Lookup (2024)

Indiana alone has more than 750 used car dealerships—about 11 dealers per 100,000 residents—an indication that residents buy a lot of used cars. However, before you roll off a vehicle from a dealer's shop, it is important to crosscheck the VIN to ensure the car is a good buy. A VIN lookup provides information about the vehicle's history, maintenance, repairs, and damage, which is crucial in helping buyers purchase a vehicle.

Indiana has one of the best road infrastructures in the US. The state's landscape is suited for different cars, from high-performance vehicles for the city streets to trucks and SUVs for traveling to the rural countryside. However, the most common cars used in the state are SUVs due to their versatility and reliability in handling different terrains.

Before buying a used SUV or any other car in Indiana, residents should always conduct a VIN check to verify the vehicle's history and condition. To do so, they can use the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles website, the NHTSA portal, or free and paid online services that provide identification checks.

VIN Verification

VIN verification is conducted by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Car owners may take their vehicles to any BMV branch for verification. Alternatively, they may apply for verification at their location, where a law enforcement officer will inspect them. There is no charge for this service.

Like most states, Indiana requires all vehicles to undergo VIN verification to ensure their legitimacy. The estate law requires car owners to register and title all out-of-state vehicles within 60 days of becoming Indiana residents. Title and verification require a VIN inspection and verification. In addition, new vehicles must be titled in 45 days, but they do not have to undergo VIN verification.

Those who require law enforcement officers to come to their locations must obtain the right inspection form from the BMV for validity.

Indiana Car Ownership and Driving Information

Indiana DMV

The BMV handles all processes for motor vehicle ownership and driving. Some of its key services include:

• New Registrations: The BMV issues new licenses for vehicles not registered in the state.
• Renewals: Drivers can renew their registrations.
• Amendments: The BMV allows drivers to update information about their registration that has changed or is incorrect.
• Transfers: Vehicle owners may transfer plates of vehicles sold or disposed of.
• New Licenses: The BMV issues new licenses for commercial and personal vehicles.
• Renewals and Replacements: Drivers may renew their licenses by following BMV procedures.
• Titles: Indiana drivers must title their vehicle with the BMV unless exempt by the law.
• Suspensions and Reinstatements: The BMV may suspend driving privileges for multiple reasons. They are also in charge of reinstating drivers.
• Driver's Manuals:The BMV's Driver's Manual is available online to help learners pass and obtain a driver's license in the state.

Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

There are several agencies and resources available for drivers in Indiana. They guide federal law compliance and environmental quality requirements. These resources include:

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA's website provides information on federal emissions standards and compliance.
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV): The Bureau offers information on vehicle registration, emissions testing requirements, and other compliance issues for state drivers.
• Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM): The agency is responsible for executing environmental laws and regulations. Their website can provide information specific to Indiana's environmental regulations, which touch on air quality, water quality, and hazardous waste.
• Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT): The department manages the state's transportation system. They may have information on road regulations, construction, and other driving-related issues.
• Alliance of Digital Humanities Organizations Fuel Quality Regulations: The organization provides state-specific Motor Vehicle Emission And Fuel Standards.

Buying a Used Car in Indiana

There are certain rules and regulations that Indiana used car buyers must follow when and after purchase. Key considerations include:

Reasons to Do a VIN Check in Indiana

Car buyers may conduct VIN checks in Indiana for the following reasons:

• Learn the Vehicle's History: A VIN check provides a detailed vehicle history report, including information about accidents, title issues, odometer readings, and more.
• Verify the Title: A VIN check can verify the accuracy of the vehicle's title information, ensuring that it is not salvaged, rebuilt, or involved in any title-related problems.
• Check for Theft: VIN checks include data on whether a vehicle has been reported as stolen. Verifying the vehicle's status can help buyers avoid legal issues and financial loss from purchasing a stolen vehicle. The most stolen vehicle in Indiana is a full-size Ford Pickup, so if you buy one or any other used vehicle, ensure you check if it was stolen.
• Legal Compliance: Ensuring the vehicle complies with federal and state regulations is important. A VIN check can reveal whether the vehicle meets Indiana emission standards and other legal requirements.
• Solve Lien Issues: VIN checks may reveal any outstanding liens or loans on the vehicle. Knowing about existing financial obligations on the vehicle helps buyers avoid potential complications when transferring ownership.
• Identity Potential Issues: VIN checks show potential issues with the car. For example, cars in Indiana are prone to salt damage due to winter conditions.

How to Lookup a VIN Number in Indiana

Potential vehicle buyers in Indiana can use one of these ways to look up a car's VIN:

VIN Replacement in Indiana

In Indiana, the law requires any car without a VIN or if the VIN has been altered or defaced to apply for a special identification number (MVIN). The state's BMV provides the MVIN.

When applying for a special identification number for their car, a person should have the following:

• A completed Application for Special Identification Number Vehicle or Watercraft– State Form 12907
• A certificate of title, manufacturer's certificate of origin, or court order.
• A completed Physical Inspection of a Vehicle or Watercraft – State Form 39530
• A bill of sales.
• One original side view picture of the entire vehicle.
• For cars that have been rebuilt, receipts for material purchased, if possible.
• Pay the fee for the MVIN and have a completed Collection of Payment Information - State Form 56163

Once the BMV determines that there is sufficient evidence to claim car ownership, it will issue the MVIN.

New Vehicle Registration in Indiana

After buying a new car in Indiana, the state requires the car to be registered within 45 days after the purchase. Additionally, a person is required to register all their vehicles within 60 days after becoming a resident in the state.

The easiest way to register a new car is to use the myBVM online registration portal. Furthermore, people can find their nearest Connect Kiosk location or BVM branch location

When registering a new car in the state, the car must first be titled. A person should have the following:

• Completed and signed vehicle title or notification from the dealer.
• Proof of insurance

Residents of Porter and Lake counties will need to pass an emissions test before getting their cars registered.

How to Transfer VIN During a Sale in Indiana

Once a person buys a car in Indiana, they are required to apply for a certificate of title within 45 days after the purchase. A title transfer means that car ownership is transferred, including VIN information.

To transfer a car title, a person should provide:

• Completed and signed vehicle title or notification from the dealer.
• Bill of sale.
• Proof of identity.
• Completed physical inspection form - State Form 39530, if the car is from out-of-state.

A person should carry these documents to the nearest BMV to transfer the car's title. It is important to note that the seller of the car must remove the license plate at the time of the transaction.

What Would Vehicle History Report Include in Indiana

Individuals who request vehicle history reports for cars in Indiana will find details about their history. The report will show the VIN, title information, odometer readings, title brands, vehicle use, accident history, recall information, and maintenance/ inspection records.

How Can I Find the VIN by License Plate?

A license plate lookup can reveal a lot of information about a vehicle, including the VIN. Individuals can use free and paid online services to look up a car's license plate and find the VIN.

Vehicle Inspections in Indiana

Vehicles in Lake and Porter counties should undergo emissions tests and tampering inspections every 2 years. It applies to vehicles manufactured after 1975 with a GVWR of 9,000 pounds and less. Car owners can find the GVWR on the door jamb on the driver's side.

What Does Vehicle Inspection Report Include in Indiana?

There are several things that an inspector checks in the vehicle. A typical report in Indiana details the vehicle, determining if it is roadworthy. Common elements that appear in an inspection report include:

• Emissions Inspection: In some counties in Indiana, vehicles are subject to emissions testing to ensure compliance with air quality standards. The emissions inspection may include checking the vehicle's exhaust system and emissions control components.
• VIN Verification: The VIN is often verified during the inspection to ensure it matches the vehicle's records and documentation.
• Exhaust Gas Analysis: In areas where emissions testing is required, the exhaust gas composition may be analyzed to determine if the vehicle is emitting pollutants within acceptable limits.
• Safety Inspection: A safety inspection assesses the vehicle's safety features and overall roadworthiness. This inspection may cover lights, brakes, tires, steering, suspension, and other safety-related components.