Florida VIN Lookup

The used car market in Florida is significant with approximately 2,472 used-car dealers operating in the state. The average price of a used car in the Sunshine State is $25,478, which is slightly higher than the national average of $24,713. If you are considering purchasing a used car in Florida, consider taking steps that will ensure the vehicle you plan on buying is still in good shape.

Note that Florida's lemon law does not typically cover used cars. Consequently, the responsibility of ensuring that you do not purchase a faulty vehicle rests on your shoulders. To protect yourself, you should conduct thorough checks, including getting a VIN report to assess the vehicle's history. This due diligence can help identify past issues such as accidents, title problems, or previous ownership concerns.

Why Performing a Florida VIN Check Is Important

If you are considering buying a used car in Florida, performing a VIN check is important for several reasons including avoiding buying a stolen vehicle. In 2023, Florida recorded 46,213 vehicle thefts, ranking fourth in the United States. Also, the state records over 7,000 auto fraud cases annually.

• Registration and Title Verification: Per Florida motor vehicle laws, all motor vehicles operated on the state's public roads must be registered with the DHSMV (Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles). By conducting a VIN check, you may verify the registration status and title details of a car you intend to purchase. Operating an unregistered vehicle is a traffic infraction that may be punished with fines and other penalties.
• Theft Checks: In 2023, Florida recorded 46,213 vehicle thefts, placing it fourth among all U.S. states. A VIN check helps confirm whether the vehicle has ever been reported stolen, allowing you to avoid legal issues and financial losses associated with unknowingly purchasing stolen property.
• Auto Fraud Prevention: Florida records over 7,000 auto fraud cases annually. A VIN check can reveal fraudulent activity, such as title washing, false ownership history, or tampered odometer readings, ensuring you are not scammed when buying a used car.

How To Perform a Florida VIN Check

A VIN check may be conducted using Florida or federal resources as indicated below:

Florida FLHSMV:

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) provides an online vehicle information check tool. Users can input a VIN or title number to view vehicle title details, lien info, and general vehicle history data.

The NHTSA VIN Decoder:

The VIN Decoder by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides manufacturer-sourced information like plant location, country of origin, model year, engine details, safety ratings, and recall notices. It accepts full or partial VINs.

NICB VINCheck:

The VIN lookup service from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) helps identify if a vehicle has theft or salvage records through participating insurance agencies. Users can enter a VIN and agree to terms to access stolen vehicle reports, salvage history, and insurance claims. Limit: 5 searches per IP every 24 hours.

Free vs. Paid VIN Check Services in Florida

You may use free VIN check services in Florida, as such services are usually available from government and nonprofit organizations. For instance, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), both government agencies, provide free VIN lookup services to the public. However, free services typically only allow users to verify basic details, such as title history, registration status, and theft records. If you want a more comprehensive report, consider using third-party premium services.

Premium services such as iSeeCars, Carmart, and GoodCar offer additional information beyond what’s provided by free services. Such information includes:

• Accident history
• Title branding
• Odometer readings
• Lien and loan records
• Service and maintenance records
• Open recalls
• Inspection records
• NHTSA crash test ratings
• Recall information
• Title information
• Vehicle specifications

What Used Car Scams Are Common in Florida?

Used car scams are common in Florida. Recently, in Hernando County, some individuals were accused of tampering with the VIN of a stolen car in a bid to disguise the true identity of a vehicle. VIN tampering is commonly used by scammers to sell stolen cars to unsuspecting buyers. Also, in 2023, a Valrico resident purchased a 2013 vehicle with a tampered odometer.

Common used car scams in Florida include:

Curbstoning:

Unlicensed sellers pose as private owners to sell faulty or salvaged cars while avoiding dealership regulations.

Title Washing:

Fraudsters alter titles to remove salvage or flood damage history, making the car appear undamaged.

Odometer Rollback:

Sellers illegally roll back odometers to show lower mileage, increasing the car’s resale value deceptively.

VIN Cloning:

Stolen vehicles get fake VINs from legally registered cars to mask their true identity.

Fake Escrow Services:

Scammers create fraudulent escrow websites, tricking buyers into sending money without receiving the vehicle.

Yo-Yo Financing:

Dealers revoke approved financing post-sale, forcing buyers into worse loan terms or repossession.

To avoid these scams, consider taking the following steps:

1. Verify the Seller's Credentials: Ensure you are dealing with a licensed dealer or a legitimate private seller. Ask for identification and verify their contact information.
2. Conduct a VIN Check: Use reputable services such as GoodCar to obtain a detailed vehicle history report, revealing past accidents, title status, and ownership history.
3. Inspect the Title Carefully: Look for any signs of tampering or alterations. Be cautious of titles that have been recently issued or are from out-of-state.
4. Examine the Odometer: Check for signs of tampering, such as misaligned numbers or scratches. Compare the mileage with maintenance records and wear on the vehicle.
5. Have the Vehicle Inspected: Hire a trusted mechanic to perform a thorough inspection, focusing on signs of water damage, wear, and mechanical issues.
6. Trust Your Instincts: If a deal seems too good to be true or the seller is pressuring you to make a quick decision, it is wise to walk away.

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

Checking a vehicle’s title status in Florida is useful for verifying lienholder information or confirming ownership—especially if you’re buying a used vehicle. It helps ensure there are no unresolved liens or title issues that could affect your purchase or use of the vehicle.

You can verify a Florida vehicle’s title status using the FLHSMV vehicle information check portal. To begin, enter the vehicle’s VIN or title number. The site will prompt you to complete a CAPTCHA to confirm you're not a robot. Once verified, click “Continue” to view the results.

The system will display the title status, including the current titleholder and any active liens associated with the vehicle.

How To Register a Brand New Car in Florida

When you buy a brand new car in Florida, you must title and register it with the state before driving it on public roads. Vehicle titling and registration in the Sunshine State is overseen by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). The following is the typical process for completing the titling and registration of a new car in Florida:

Gather Required Documents: Before visiting the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) or a local tax collector’s office, ensure you have:

• Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) – Proof of vehicle ownership from the manufacturer
• Bill of Sale or Dealer Invoice
• Proof of Florida Auto Insurance
• Valid Identification
• Completed Application for Certificate of Title (Form HSMV 82040)

Pay Applicable Fees:

• Title Fee: $75.25 (or $85.25 for out-of-state transfers)
• Registration Fee: Varies based on the vehicle’s weight and type
• Sales Tax: 6% of the purchase price (additional county surcharges may apply)
• Initial Registration Fee: $225 (if the buyer has not previously registered a vehicle in Florida)
• Visit a Local Tax Collector’s Office or FLHSMV Service Center: If you purchase a brand-new car from a licensed Florida dealer, the dealer typically handles the titling and registration process for you by submitting the necessary paperwork and fees to FLHSMV.
• Obtain License Plates and Registration: After processing, you will receive your license plate, registration sticker, and title (or a lienholder title if the vehicle is financed).

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

More than 19 million vehicles are registered to operate on Florida roads. The state requires that cars be registered with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) within 30 days of purchase.

To initiate the registration process, you will generally need the following:

• Completed Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration (Form HSMV 82040)
• Proof of Vehicle Ownership: This includes the original Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) for new vehicles or the original out-of-state title if previously titled elsewhere.
• Proof of Florida Insurance
• Valid Identification such as a driver's license, ID card, or passport.
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Verification
• Payment of Applicable Fees

Vehicle registrations in Florida must be renewed annually or biennially. The FLHSMV typically notifies vehicle owners before their registration expires and offers an online platform, MyDMV Portal, which may be used to renew your vehicle’s registration and check its status at any time. Renewal fees are determined by the vehicle’s weight and the type of license plate. Registration renewals may be completed online via the MyDMV Portal or by mailing a Registration Renewal Notice along with the necessary fees to your local county tax collector's office.

Does Florida Mandate Vehicle Inspection?

Florida does not require regular vehicle safety or emissions inspections for passenger cars. If you drive a passenger vehicle in the Sunshine State, it does not need to undergo annual inspections.

However, under Chapter 316.610 of the Florida Statutes, a law enforcement officer may stop and inspect a vehicle if it appears to be in an unsafe condition or lacks the necessary equipment. If issues are identified, the officer can require immediate repairs or remove the vehicle from service.

Additionally, Chapter 319.141 mandates that vehicles classified as rebuilt or salvaged must pass a rebuilt inspection to be deemed roadworthy and meet safety requirements.

As with many states, VIN and odometer verification is a critical component of any inspection process to ensure the accuracy of vehicle records and prevent fraud or regulatory violations.

How Do I Get a Replacement VIN in Florida?

Replacement VINs are typically issued to rebuilt and homemade vehicles. They may also be issued if the original VIN of a vehicle is damaged, missing, or has been altered. To apply for a replacement VIN in Florida, all statutory requirements of Section 319.30 and Section 319.33 of the Florida Statutes must be met.

The owner of the vehicle must bring the vehicle to a Regional Office of the Division of Motorist Services for a Compliance Examiner to properly identify the vehicle.

To apply for a VIN replacement in Florida:

• Complete the required application: Contact the local Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) office or tax collector's office to obtain the relevant application.
• Pay the required fee and submit the required documentation: There is a fee for the replacement VIN decal, payable at the time of application. Required documents may include the original title, bill of sale, and MCO.
• Receive a new Florida-issued VIN: If your application is approved, the FLHSMV will issue a replacement VIN plate.

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

Florida requires a VIN inspection when registering a vehicle with an out-of-state title. Hence, if you buy a car outside Florida, you must arrange a VIN inspection before you may obtain a state title or auto insurance. VIN inspection is mandated to ensure that the VIN on the vehicle matches the documentation provided.