How to Request a California DMV VIN Check for Title & Registration

If you’re buying, selling, or registering a car in California, always check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A California DMV VIN check helps you confirm the car’s identity. It also protects you from title problems, registration delays, and insurance issues. Let’s walk through why a VIN check matters and how to request one.

A VIN is a 17-digit code that acts like a car’s fingerprint. You can find it on the dashboard near the windshield or on the driver’s door frame.

Each VIN tells you:

• The car’s make, model, and year
• Where the car was built
• Engine type and serial number

The VIN connects the car to its official records. If the VIN doesn’t match the paperwork, that’s a sign something’s wrong.

When Do You Need a California DMV VIN Check?

A California DMV VIN check is helpful in many situations. Here are the most common:

How to Request a California DMV VIN Check

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to complete a VIN check through the DMV:

1️⃣ See If You Need One

Not every car needs a VIN inspection. You need it if:

• The car is coming from out of state.
• The title or ownership documents are missing or incorrect.
• The car was built or assembled by hand.
• The vehicle was salvaged or rebuilt.

2️⃣ Find an Authorized VIN Verifier

You can’t just walk into any DMV office and request a VIN check without preparation. You’ll need one of the following to perform the inspection:

💡 Tip: CHP officers must inspect salvaged or flagged vehicles.

3️⃣ Complete the VIN Verification Form (REG 31)

The official form used for VIN verification in California is REG 31. This form is completed during the inspection and includes:

• Car make, model, and year
• VIN (from car and documents)
• Odometer reading
• Verifier’s credentials and signature

Bring the car to the inspection. The inspector must see the VIN in at least two spots on the vehicle.

4️⃣ Submit Paperwork to the DMV

Once the inspector finishes the form, take it to the DMV with your other documents:

• Title transfer or registration forms
• Proof of insurance
• Smog test certificate (if needed)

You can go to a DMV office or send everything by mail.

What You’ll Learn From a VIN Check

Here’s a sample of the kind of information you might verify through a California VIN check:

This report helps you make sure the car is legal and safe to own.

Common Issues That a VIN Check Can Catch

A VIN verification can uncover red flags you might otherwise miss:

• The car has a salvage or rebuilt title
• The VIN doesn’t match the car’s documents
• The car was reported stolen
• Odometer rollback (fake mileage)
• The car isn’t legal to drive in the U.S.

These risks make it clear why using the California VIN check service before finalizing any transaction is a smart move.

Why Insurance Companies Want a VIN Check

Your insurance provider may ask for a VIN check. They use it to:

• Confirm the car’s identity
• Check if it meets legal and safety rules
• Avoid coverage issues from incorrect details

A clean VIN report helps you get approved faster.

What to Do If The VIN Doesn’t Match

If the VIN on the car doesn’t match the paperwork:

✅ Double-check the numbers
✅ Look at all VIN locations on the vehicle
✅ Contact the DMV or your VIN inspector
✅ Show proof of ownership, like a bill of sale

It’s best to fix this before going forward with any DMV work.

Final Thoughts

A California DMV VIN check protects you from buying a car with hidden issues or dealing with legal problems later. It helps with title transfers, insurance, and registration. Most importantly, it gives you peace of mind.

Need to verify a VIN today? Contact the California DMV or schedule an inspection with a licensed verifier to get started.