Free ATV VIN Check & Lookup
Get a free ATV VIN check report with our VIN lookup tool. Verify the vehicle’s history before buying.
In the United States, over 1.2 million people own an ATV. All-terrain vehicles (ATV) are popular for their speed and strength plus the adventures they offer. The four low-pressure or pneumatic tires are designed for off-road riding in uneven, rugged terrain. The right ATV for you should be reliable and robust enough for driving through a forest, shallow river or steep mountain.
A used ATV is a practical option for buyers looking to save money without compromising their safety. The great news is that you can actually purchase a good, reliable ATV safely. The key is knowing its history and making an informed decision. Now, here is a free VIN number check tool for ATV that is quite simple to use. All you need is the VIN to use the tool.
VinCheck.info runs a comprehensive database with critical information on registered vehicles across the United States including ATVs from all manufacturers.
What is an ATV?
An All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) is a motorized off-highway vehicle designed to travel on four low-pressure or non-pneumatic tires. It typically features a straddle seat for the operator and handlebars for steering control. ATVs are versatile machines used for a variety of activities, including:
- Recreational off-roading
- Agricultural tasks
- Hunting and fishing trips
- Search and rescue operations
How to Run a Free ATV VIN Check
1. Look for the ATV VIN
The VIN refers to the vehicle identification number, a unique code used to identify individual motor vehicles including all-terrain vehicles (also called three-wheeler, quadricycle, quad, four-wheeler or four-track). This 17-character VIN does not include the letters O (o), I (i), and Q (q) which can be confused with numerals 0, 1, and 9. A standard format is followed by all ATV manufacturers.
- The first character is the country code.
- The second digit is the manufacturer.
- The third character is a code for what the vehicle is.
- The fourth through eighth characters represent the engine size, engine type, and model.
- The ninth digit is an accuracy check confirming previous characters as manufacturer-authorized.
- The 10th digit is a year code.
- The 11th is a factory code.
- The 12th to 17th characters represent the serial number.
Example:
If your ATV VIN is 1HFTE2548Y4001234, here’s what it means:
- 1HF: Honda (manufacturer)
- TE254: Model and body style
- 8: Check digit
- Y: 2000 (model year)
- 4: Plant code
- 001234: Serial number
Where to find the ATV VIN number
The location of ATV varies by manufacturer. In many (if not, most) cases, it is usually located on the left side of the frame under the shifter which is quite easy to find. Perhaps this is the reason why it’s a common spot for ATV builders. Other locations may not be as easy to find:
- near the left wheel (inside the left wheel well by the radiator or behind the left wheel well on the frame)
- the left side of the frame down by the engine
- etched on the frame under the tail section
- through the slit in the plastic hood
Here are the common VIN locations for the most popular brands (in no particular order):
| Honda | Embedded on the front crossmember found behind the rack at the front. (It should be easy to locate unless you are using custom skid plates.) |
| Yamaha | Usually on the left side under the shift lever near the front end of the vehicle. |
| Polaris | More models have it on the front left wheel well. It may also be found on the left or right rear frame. |
| Can-Am | Usually printed on a label located under the glove box or inside the passenger-side front wheel well. |
| Kawasaki | Stamped on the lower frame tube, to the left of the engine. |
| Suzuki | ATV VINs are stamped on the left rear side or lower left side of the ATV frame |
You can also find the VIN in these documents:
- Vehicle titles
- Vehicle registrations
- Original dealer bill of sale
- Insurance paperwork
2. Run an ATV VIN Check
Simply type the 17-digit VIN and click on Check VIN:
How to Check if an ATV is Stolen Using Its VIN
Ensuring that an ATV isn’t stolen before purchasing it is crucial. Here are steps to take:
- Check with Local Authorities:
- Contact your local police department with the VIN.
- They can run the VIN through their databases to check for theft records.
- Use Online Databases:
- Services like VinCheck.info and NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau) offer free VIN checks for stolen vehicles.
- Enter the VIN on their websites to see if it has been reported stolen.
- Verify with the Seller:
- Ask the seller for proof of ownership, such as a title or bill of sale.
- Verify the information on these documents matches the VIN and seller’s details.
ATV vs UTV
Understanding the differences between ATVs and Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs) can help you choose the right vehicle for your needs. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | ATV | UTV |
| Seating | Straddle seat, handlebars | Bench or bucket seats, steering wheel |
| Capacity | 1-2 riders | 2-6 riders |
| Purpose | Recreation, light utility tasks | Heavy-duty work, group transport |
| Size | Smaller, more maneuverable | Larger, more stable |
| Storage | Limited | More storage options |
Why Do I Need to Run an ATV VIN Check
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Price
The average price of a used ATV in 2019 is $5.592, according to J.D. Power compared to a brand new ATV which costs $7,049. ATV riding and ownership can be a costly hobby, but if you shop wisely you should be able to save some dollars. For families who are passionate about ATVs or four wheeling, there could be a demand for more than one ATVs in the family. Running a free ATV VIN check can give you access to market value quotations to help you decide whether you would proceed with the purchase. You need to make an informed decision based on reliable vehicle information to make sure it’s worth every dollar you will spend on the price and maintenance.
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Theft
On average, a total of 20,399 ATVs are reported as stolen each year in the US, based on the 2016-2018 theft report by National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Though there has been a decline in the number of ATV thefts in recent years, owners are reminded to take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of theft. For the same reason, buyers must be wary about stolen ATVs being sold in the preowned ATV market especially if you’re buying it from out of state. The infographic below shows the top 5 states with the highest incidence of ATV theft.
ATVs are fair game to vehicle thieves who can easily haul it away and resell it. What happens if you unknowingly pay for a stolen ATV? It will most likely be confiscated or taken from your possession by the police and returned to the original owner. The free VIN check tool sifts tons of records associated with the VIN, providing ATV theft red flags if there are any.
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Safety
ATV riding can be very risky. At high speeds, controlling these vehicles can be quite challenging. Rollovers and collisions are not uncommon but some can lead to injuries and even death. Check out the statistics per state from 1982 to 2016, according to a report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). A total of 15,744 ATV-related fatalities occurred between 1982 and 2018.
Most accidents are caused by the negligence or recklessness of the driver or another person nearby. However, defective parts can also cause accidents. Problems with tires, throttle, clutch, shifter, gas tank or a fender can also cause accidents if unchecked. With an ATV VIN check, you can verify any involvement in an accident in the past as well as possible damages on the vehicle that can be a safety hazard.
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Performance
For optimum performance, an ATV must be regularly checked for any problems and well maintained by following scheduled maintenance. The owner needs to keep up with when it is time to upgrade or address some riding issues. Practically every part of an ATV can alter its performance if poorly maintained: tires, intake and fuel systems, air filters, exhaust, controls, brakes, fluids, suspension, lubrication, nuts and bolts, drive train, and hoses and cables. How to check if an ATV is well-maintained? Our free VIN check offers a clear picture of the past and present status of an ATV which is a good starting point for evaluating every pre-owned ATV offered for sale.
In summary, ATV ownership requires due diligence by the owner to ensure a satisfying and safe riding or driving experience. Right from the get-go, the prospective owner must have reliable information before deciding whether to buy an ATV or not. It is always better to be safe than sorry: to avoid being scammed into buying a stolen vehicle. It is important to remember the cost of ownership, the safety and security risks plus the need for optimum performance.
What Can I Get from a Free ATV VIN Check?
Here are some of the questions that a free ATV VIN check from VinCheck.info answers:
What Are the Sources of an ATV VIN Check Report?
VinCheck.info collates tons of information from a wide network of government and industry sources including government agencies, law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, junk yards, salvage yards, manufacturers, ATV dealerships, ATV recyclers, ATV auctions, and collision repair facilities.
ATV VIN Check Frequently Asked Questions
Simply run a free VIN check and the results should help you identify ATV theft red flags. Aside from Theft Records, the VIN check will also yield Title Records, Sales Records, and Title Brand Checks.
VinCheck.info offers a free ATV VIN check. Simply go to the ATV VIN Check page and enter the VIN in the space provided and click “Check VIN.” VinCheck.info runs a comprehensive database with critical information on registered vehicles across the United States including ATVs from all manufacturers.
Entry-Level ATVs and youth models are similar in that they are basically for riders or drivers without experience. ATVs for children and teenagers are slower and smaller and may shut off in case the driver falls from the vehicle. Utility quads are ATVs used in construction or agricultural sites for hauling and plowing but they have been used also for outdoor activities like camping and hunting. Sport quads are for experienced drivers who want to be able to drive at high speed. Utility sport ATVs are built with the speed of the sport quad and powerful engine of utility quads. High-performance ATVs have the largest minimum engine size of 350 cc which makes it capable of high speed and acceleration.
The location of ATV varies by manufacturer. In many (if not, most) cases, it is usually located on the left side of the frame under the shifter which is quite easy to find. Perhaps this is the reason why it’s a common spot for ATV builders. Other locations may not be as easy to find:
- near the left wheel (inside the left wheel well by the radiator or behind the left wheel well on the frame)
- the left side of the frame down by the engine
- etched on the frame under the tail section
- through the slit in the plastic hood
The 10th character in the 17-character VIN represents the vehicle model-year. This standard applies to vehicles built in or after 1981. Note: VINs do not include the letters I (i), O (o), Q (q), U (u) or Z (z), or the number 0, so that they will not be confused with similar looking numbers/letters.