West Virginia VIN Lookup

Buying a used car can be a cost-effective way to own a vehicle, but it's still a significant investment with risks. In West Virginia, some laws offer certain legal protections for used car buyers. For example, buyers have the right to cancel a used car purchase within three business days of the sale if the vehicle has a significant mechanical issue that likely existed at the time of purchase. However, this right does not apply to vehicles that have been driven for more than 100,000 miles at the time of purchase. With only 169 used car dealers in the state and an average price of $27,043, for a used car, buyers must take extra precautions to ensure they make a safe and informed decision.

To this end, VIN lookups are an excellent way to do due diligence before purchasing a used car in West Virginia. VIN lookups reveal essential information about a vehicle's history. This includes details on accidents, recalls, inspection records, liens, and other relevant facts about the vehicle's condition.

Why Performing a West Virginia VIN Check Is Important?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code for each vehicle. It helps identify the vehicle and provides important information about its features, history, and status. Checking a vehicle's VIN is crucial when buying a car, especially a used one, as it can help you avoid problems. When you run a VIN check in West Virginia, you can find important information, including:

• Registration and Title Verification: In West Virginia, all vehicles must be duly titled and registered with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Failure to do so may attract a fine of not more than $500. A VIN check can confirm a car's title and registration status. This is a good way to confirm that the person selling the car has the legal right to do so.
• Odometer Verification: Besides ensuring that a used car has been properly registered and titled, a VIN lookup is crucial for confirming its official odometer reading. This helps the buyer determine whether the odometer reading is accurate and has not been tampered with.
• Title Brands: VIN checks are crucial in uncovering a vehicle's title brand and revealing its history. If the brand is designated as salvage, flood damaged, junk, rebuilt, or something similar, it is usually an indication of significant damage and repairs.
• Theft Checks: West Virginia has a car theft rate of 88 per 100,000 inhabitants. From 2015 to 2019, the state saw more car thefts, which is different from trends in other property crimes. The most significant jump happened in 2016, with a 27.17% increase in stolen vehicles compared to 2015. In 2017, thefts rose again by 14.03%. However, in 2018, there was a decrease of 4.68%, and this decline continued in 2019, with a drop of 3.94% in reported stolen vehicles. To avoid the problem of buying stolen cars, it is wise to check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), as this shows if a car has been reported stolen.
• Auto Fraud Prevention: As of 2021, West Virginia was ranked 21st among countries with the highest auto fraud cases. A VIN check can help you spot discrepancies like rolled-out odometer readings and washed or forged titles, ensuring you do not get scammed.

How To Perform a West Virginia VIN Check

In West Virginia, a VIN check is a process that involves government representatives or third-party providers inspecting the VIN of your vehicle for accuracy. Listed below are some of the ways to perform a VIN check in the state:

• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles: The state allows members of the public to verify their VIN with any law enforcement agency closest to them in person. To do this, interested persons must first schedule an inspection of the vehicle with a law enforcement agency representative. After that, the car owner must provide up-to-date vehicle registration and insurance records. After receiving the documents, the law enforcement agent who inspected the vehicle will complete the verification of identification number form. If the VIN is illegible, missing, or destroyed, you will be asked to pay a $5 service fee to issue a new VIN.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): You may also perform VIN checks using the NHTSA's VIN Decoder. This tool allows you to access details such as the car's manufacturer and model year, the plant where it was manufactured, safety features, ratings and recalls. To use the VIN Decoder, you must input a full or partial VIN in the requested field.
• The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB): The NICB offers a VINCheck lookup service that allows interested parties to verify if a car has been reported stolen or salvaged. However, you must provide the car's full VIN to perform a VIN check using this option. Note that you may only perform five searches per day.
• National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS): You may also perform a VIN check using the NMVTIS system. This tool allows you to view comprehensive records about a vehicle’s condition and history, including theft incidents or any other fraudulent practices relating to the vehicle. To search NMVTIS for information on vehicle history, you must select one of the approved NMVTIS data providers, such as Goodcar, Bumper, Carsforsale, and Epicvin. You are usually required to pay for this service.

Free vs. Paid VIN Check Services in West Virginia

Even though government agencies offer free VIN checks, it is always best to utilize a paid third-party website to conduct a thorough VIN check. This website typically provides comprehensive information on vehicles, especially if you must make a fully informed decision when buying a used car. Goodcar, Bumper, Carsforsale, and Epicvin offer vehicle identification number (VIN) services in West Virginia. For a small fee, you can get detailed reports about a vehicle’s history from these platforms, which include:

• Title details
• Ownership records
• Title brands
• Vehicle specifications
• Odometer/mileage verification
• Accident history
• Rebuild records
• Inspection records
• Sales history
• Safety defects and recalls
• Service and maintenance records

What Used Car Scams Are Common in West Virginia?

Despite state laws prohibiting deceptive used-car sales practices, potential buyers still fall victim to used car scams. The Better Business Bureau (BBB), which serves the state, warned residents of several scam tricks used to scam individuals looking to buy a used car. In a recent BBB scam tracker report, the scammer claimed to be selling a car at a ridiculously low price on behalf of their aunt in the same city as the potential buyer. However, once the potential buyer reaches out to them, they claim to have relocated to another city and ask the buyer to pay a third-party company to deliver the vehicle once they make the purchase. The scammer usually asks the buyer to pay the company first because the initial price they advertised for the car is still the same. The third-party company is generally non-existent, and once the buyer pays, the scammer stops all communication with them. Some other commonly used car-related scams in West Virginia include:

Curbstoning:

Illegally selling used cars for a profit; this is usually done by unlicensed dealers posing as private sellers.

Fake Advertising:

Advertising a used car at a cheap rate to lure victims to the dealership only to claim the vehicle has been sold before their arrival. The aim is to sell another vehicle to the buyer at an exorbitant price.

Odometer Rollbacks:

Tampering with a vehicle's odometer to make it appear less used and increase its market value.

VIN Cloning:

Copying the VIN from one vehicle and using it on another car to mask its true identity.

Fake Vehicle History:

Providing fake accident reports or maintenance records to make the car appear well-maintained and more valuable than it actually is.

Used car scams result in financial loss and may lead to serious legal implications for the victim. Besides losing thousands of dollars, the victim may be accused of theft or driving a vehicle that is not legally titled. To this end, you should consider taking the following precautions when buying a vehicle in West Virginia to avoid falling victim to a used car scam:

1. Have a clear idea of the kind of vehicle you wish to buy.
2. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
3. Request and review all relevant documentation
4. Insist on a written warranty
5. Use reputable sites like Goodcar to conduct a thorough VIN check on the vehicle before finalizing the purchase.

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

The state's Division of Motor Vehicles allows members of the public to check the status of their vehicle's title in person and online. You can check the status of your vehicle's title in person at the division's office in Charleston. Note that you are required to schedule an appointment before your visit. Alternatively, you may check the state status of your vehicle's title via the West Virginia Digital Title Verification Portal. You can verify your vehicle's title on the portal by providing your VIN, title number, odometer brand and reading, and owner's name.

How To Register a Brand New Car in West Virginia

In West Virginia, every vehicle must be titled and registered before being driven on the highway. Generally, when you purchase a new vehicle from a West Virginia dealer, the dealer must process a vehicle title and registration. They can do so by collecting and remitting all the taxes, fees, and vehicle paperwork to the state's Division of Motor Vehicles. However, if they do not, you may take the following steps to title and register your vehicle:

• Obtain a manufacturer's certificate or statement of origin and bill of sale from the dealer.
• Obtain appropriate insurance coverage for the vehicle.
• Complete and mail an application for vehicle titling and registration form alongside the other documents to the Division of Motor Vehicles.
• Complete and mail an odometer disclosure statement form to the division.
• Remit all the taxes and appropriate fees to the division. The fees include a $15 title fee, a $10 lien fee if applicable, and a registration fee of $51.50

New residents must have their vehicles titled and registered within 30 days of residency. Anyone who fails to register their vehicle in the state is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 for a first offense. If the person commits the offense a second time, they may face a six-month jail term in a county or regional jail. The state's Division of Motor Vehicles will notify you 60 days before your registration expires for renewal. You may renew your vehicle registration using the DMV online services portal.

Does West Virginia Mandate Vehicle Inspection?

Yes, West Virginia mandates a routine safety inspection for all vehicles every 24 months. The inspection can be done at any official station licensed by the West Virginia State Police. When a vehicle passes the inspection, a sticker valid for 24 months will be placed inside the vehicle's windshield. It is illegal to drive a vehicle without a valid inspection sticker. New residents have ten days from the date they title a car to have a West Virginia inspection. This also includes the purchase of vehicles out of state.

How Do I Get a Replacement VIN in West Virginia

The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles allows car owners to replace their vehicle's VIN if it determines that the initial VIN is illegible, missing, or destroyed. The Division makes such a determination based on the submission of a law enforcement agent who must have inspected the car. The law enforcement agent that inspected the vehicle will complete and submit the verification of identification number form to the Division. If the VIN is illegible, missing, or destroyed, you will be asked to pay a $5 service fee to issue a new VIN.

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

No, vehicles bearing out-of-state registration are generally exempt from West Virginia inspection requirements. However, upon the owner's request, an out-of-state vehicle may be inspected. Such vehicles, even when inspected, will not be issued a certificate of approval (sticker) unless they meet West Virginia standards.