VIN check FAQ

Where is the VIN on a car?

At the base of the windscreen on the driver's side, on the driver's door jamb, and on the vehicle's title and registration. They should all match.

Is a VIN check free?

Decoding a VIN and checking recalls is free. A full history report (title brands, mileage, accidents) is a paid service — and a genuinely free, complete Carfax does not exist.

What is a salvage title?

A brand added when an insurer declares a vehicle a total loss. A repaired salvage car can be re-titled as "rebuilt", but it's worth less and needs careful inspection.

Can I check an imported vehicle?

Yes — match the VIN or chassis number to the import and title paperwork, then decode and run a history check where records exist.

Decode any VIN for free with the official NHTSA VIN decoder.