Indiana VIN Lookup

Used cars are often a cost-effective way of owning a vehicle; however, buying one still comes with a fair amount of risk. While Indiana’s Lemon Law (the Motor Vehicle Protection Act) does not distinguish between new and used cars, the protection offered by this law is dependent on certain factors, like the car’s weight, intended use, and how long/much it has been used. Particularly, the state’s lemon law only covers vehicles purchased from Indiana dealers. To avoid potential issues with the vehicle of your choice, it is advisable to take the extra precaution of conducting a VIN lookup before finalizing the purchase.

A VIN lookup typically provides a detailed history of the vehicle, including accident reports, title status, recall information, existing liens, inspection records, and more. With used car prices averaging around $21,961 and over 790 dealerships across the state, VIN lookups are an excellent way to do your due diligence and avoid the costly mistake of purchasing a vehicle with hidden issues.

Why Performing an Indiana VIN Check Is Important?

Every vehicle has a unique 17-digit code, referred to as its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This VIN serves as the vehicle’s fingerprint and can be used to look up important information about its features, history, and condition. These VIN checks are essential when buying a used car in Indiana and are typically used to verify details and/or perform actions like:

• Registration and Title Verification: Indiana law (specifically Indiana Code Title 9) requires all vehicles to be properly titled and registered with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) before they can be legally operated within the state. Noncompliance with this law can result in fines of up to $1,000 and even jail time of up to 180 days. A VIN lookup can be used to check a car’s title and registration status, thereby helping buyers verify that the seller has the legal right to sell the vehicle.
• Odometer Verification: Odometer tampering is a major concern when it comes to buying used vehicles; according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 450,000 vehicles with deliberately altered odometer readings are sold each year. A VIN check typically reveals discrepancies in a car’s reported mileage, helping buyers avoid overpaying for the vehicle.
• Title Brands: VIN checks can equally be used to access information on a vehicle’s title brand and discover if it has been declared “salvage,” “junk,” “rebuilt,” “flood damaged,” “vandalized,” and other similar designations that can let you know if the car has undergone significant damages and/or repairs.
• Theft Checks: Motor vehicle thefts have been on the rise nationwide and Indiana is not left out of this; the state reportedly has a car theft rate of 235.7 per 100,000 residents – amounting to over 11,000 reported stolen vehicle incidents per year. A VIN lookup can determine whether the car you wish to buy has been reported stolen, thereby helping you avoid legal complications.
• Auto Fraud Prevention: Auto-related scams are the seventh-most reported fraud issue in Indiana, representing approximately four percent of all fraud cases in the state. You may avoid falling victim to these scams by running a VIN check to identify discrepancies such as tampered odometer readings and altered or counterfeit titles before paying for a used car.

How To Perform an Indiana VIN Check

There are several available options for performing Indiana VIN checks. These include:

The NHTSA VIN Decoder:

The NHTSA VIN Decoder is a free tool that provides safety-related vehicle information. It typically works with full or partial VINs and returns data on the car’s manufacturer, model year, engine and transmission types, safety ratings, safety features, and open recalls.

The NICB VINCheck Lookup Tool:

The NICB VINCheck is another free tool that allows users to check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or has a salvage title. Unlike the NHTSA VIN Decoder, this tool typically requires a full VIN, and users are limited to five searches within 24 hours.

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles - Vehicle Title & Lien Search Service:

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Title & Lien Search Service allows users to access vehicle title details, including title status, outstanding liens, and lienholder information. This service requires a title number and Social Security number or a VIN and Social Security number, along with an IN.gov account with the appropriate subscription level. There is a $5 fee per record accessed.

Free vs. Paid VIN Check Services in Indiana

While Indiana residents have access to several free VIN lookup tools from government agencies and nonprofit organizations, these tools may not always provide comprehensive information. In situations where you need a detailed vehicle history, it is often a good idea to combine these free resources with a paid VIN check service. With premium third-party sites like GoodCar, CarFax, Carmart, or Autocheck, you can obtain comprehensive vehicle history reports in Indiana (for a nominal fee). These reports will typically include information like:

• Title details
• Ownership records
• Title brands
• Vehicle specifications
• Odometer/mileage verification
• Accident history
• Rebuild records
• Service and maintenance records
• Inspection records
• Safety defects and recalls
• Sale history
• Retail, trade-in, and private-party pricing
• NHTSA crash test ratings, and much more!

What Used Car Scams Are Common in Indiana?

Falling victim to a used car scam often results in severe losses and even possible legal complications for buyers. Whether it’s a fake online listing or a dubious dealer selling vehicles with hidden issues, buyers need to be aware of the potential for scams when shopping for a used car in Indiana. Some of the most common used car scams in Indiana include:

Title Washing:

This involves altering a vehicle’s title to remove records of salvage or flood damage, making a severely damaged car appear clean.

Curbstoning:

Unlicensed car dealers posing as private sellers to avoid consumer protection laws and sell vehicles with hidden defects.

VIN Cloning:

Copying the VIN from a legally registered car and placing it on a stolen or salvaged car to mask its true identity.

Lowballing:

Using low prices to offload stolen cars or ones with serious defects.

Fake Vehicle Histories:

Providing falsified maintenance records or accident histories to make a car seem more reliable than it actually is.

Odometer Rollbacks:

Tampering with a car’s mileage reading to increase its perceived value.

The state’s Attorney General recently filed a lawsuit against an Indianapolis car dealer for allegedly rolling back odometers on more than 200 vehicles (totaling over 14 million miles) and selling them to unsuspecting Hoosiers.

However, even though Indiana authorities have consistently cracked down on cases of auto fraud, you can still take further precautions to minimize the risk of being scammed when shopping for a used car, such as:

• Research the features and estimated price range of your preferred vehicle(s).
• Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true; they usually are.
• Always ask for and carefully review all relevant documentation, including the car’s title and maintenance records.
• Insist on a written warranty or agreement outlining the terms of the sale.
• Conduct a VIN check using reputable sources like GoodCar before finalizing the purchase.

How Do I Check the Status of My Vehicle's Title in Indiana?

You can check the status of your vehicle’s title in Indiana using the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles' myBMV online service. If you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to create one. Once logged in, select “Vehicle Titles” from the top menu to view a list of titles associated with your BMV record. For more detailed information, select "Track Your Titles" and click on a specific VIN. A pop-up will display the title status, title brand, issue date, purchase date, former title number, former title state, dealer name, and lienholder details.

The BMV also provides a Vehicle Title & Lien Search platform for third-party users to check title status. Similar to the myBMV service, you’ll need an IN.gov account subscription to access this platform. Subscription fees are around $95 per year, with an additional $5 fee per record accessed.

How To Register a Brand New Car in Indiana

Any vehicle that is purchased (and intended for use) in Indiana must be registered with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) within 45 days. The registration process may be completed via two main methods:

• In person at any BMV branch (including BMV Connect Kiosks) or BMV-certified Full or Partial Service Provider (FSP/PSP) location across the state.
• Online using the myBMV platform. Note that you may need to create a user account to access this platform. Also, the online option is not available for leased vehicles and vehicles that were sold more than 60 days from the date of registration.

Be aware that vehicles must first be titled (also with the BMV) before they can be registered. It is your responsibility to obtain this title; however, if you purchased the car from an Indiana dealer, they will typically submit the titling paperwork on your behalf and send you the completed title or notification once it has been handled. In addition to the title (or notification), you will need other documents, such as proof of insurance and proof of identity, to complete the registration process.

Registration fees for passenger vehicles typically cost around $30 (note that actual fees vary by vehicle type, make, area of residence, the type of license plates you request, and your preferred payment method). Once the process has been completed, the BMV will mail you your license plates and registration – this is usually done within 21 business days for standard plates.

What Are the Requirements for Registering a New Car in Indiana?

Indiana has over 6.2 million registered motor vehicles operating on its roads, and all registrations are handled by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Indiana residents are required to title and register their vehicles with this agency within 45 days of buying or acquiring them, while individuals who move to the state must do so within 60 days of becoming a resident.

You can register your car in person at any BMV branch, BMV Connect Kiosk, or BMV-certified FSP/PSP location, or online via the myBMV platform. Note that the online option is not available for vehicles with a date of sale that is more than 60 days and leased vehicles. The requirements for registering a car in Indiana generally include:

• A completed and signed vehicle title or notification
• Proof of insurance
• A valid ID
• Applicable registration fees and taxes – these are determined by the vehicle type, make and model, your license plates of choice, and your area of residence, and may range from $16.35 to $1,695, or more

Additional documentation may be required for your registration, depending on your specific circumstances. These include a Statement of Existing Lease Agreement (for leased vehicles), an emissions test (only required by Lake and Porter Counties), and a Physical Inspection Form (for vehicles purchased outside Indiana).

Vehicle registration in Indiana typically has to be renewed annually – the BMV usually sends registered car owners a renewal notice containing instructions and requirements for the renewal about 30 – 45 days before their registration expires. Renewals may be done online, in person, over the phone by calling (888) 692-6841, or by completing and mailing the BMV’s Renew by Mail Instruction Packet, along with the required documents and fees, to:

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Winchester Processing Center
309 West South Street
P.O. Box 100
Winchester, IN 47394

Note that online and phone renewal is not available for vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 lbs and/or require additional documentation. The BMV also charges a $15 administrative penalty for late renewals.

Does Indiana Mandate Vehicle Inspection?

Indiana does not require safety inspections as part of its vehicle registration process. However, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) operates a Vehicle Emissions Testing Program for vehicles registered in Lake or Porter County. This program applies to vehicles manufactured after 1975 and weighing 9,000 pounds or less.

The BMV’s emission testing program is part of the state’s efforts to improve air quality and typically involves the following tests:

• Gas Cap Pressure Check – performed on all vehicles tested
• On-Board Diagnostics (OBD II) Test – required for vehicles manufactured from 1996 onward
• Inspection and Maintenance (I/M 93) Test – performed on vehicles manufactured from 1981 to 1995
• Single Idle Speed (BAR 90) Test – required for vehicles manufactured from 1976 to 1980

Vehicles that fail the emissions test must be repaired and retested before they can be registered.

How Do I Get a Replacement VIN in Indiana?

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) may issue a Special Identification Number (MVIN) for vehicles with a missing, altered, or defaced VIN, and you will typically need to obtain this MVIN before you can title and register such vehicles. You will need the following documents to apply for a BMV-issued MVIN:

• Application for Special Identification Number Vehicle or Watercraft form
• Proof of ownership of the vehicle
• Physical Inspection of a Vehicle or Watercraft form
• An original side view picture of the entire vehicle (if the vehicle is a manufactured home, then a color picture of the front and back view will be required instead)
• Collection of Payment Information form
• A $10 application fee
• MVIN Application Checklist
• Receipts from materials purchased for the vehicle, if applicable

Once you complete the forms, you may mail them, along with the supporting documents, payment, and the application checklist, to the BMV’s Central Office at:

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Central Office Title Processing
100 North Senate Avenue
Room N417
Indianapolis, IN 46204

The BMV will review the submitted documents to determine whether it is sufficient information to justify issuing an MVIN.

Does Indiana Require a VIN Inspection for Out-of-State Vehicles?

Yes, out-of-state vehicles must undergo a VIN inspection before being titled and registered in Indiana. This inspection is done to confirm the vehicle’s VIN and verify that it matches the ownership documents.

Indiana VIN inspections may be performed at any BMV branch or BMV-certified FSP/PSP location at no cost, or by a law enforcement officer, for a nominal fee (usually not more than $5). Note that the officer must provide you with a completed Physical Inspection of a Vehicle or Watercraft form after the inspection, which you must then submit to the BMV.