As an auto expert with over 20 years buying, selling, and inspecting used vehicles, I know firsthand how critical VIN checks are before purchasing a pre-owned car. Decoding that unique 17-character VIN is the key to uncovering a vehicle’s complete history and avoiding expensive surprises.
In this comprehensive Kansas VIN checks guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to locate the VIN, run free and paid vehicle reports, and understand all the valuable information a VIN check provides. You’ll learn where to find the VIN on any car, truck or SUV, see why VIN checks are so essential in Kansas, and get instructions for using national and local databases to access reports. By the end, you’ll be fully prepared to decode any VIN and make informed used car buying decisions in Kansas. Let’s get started!
What is a VIN?
A VIN stands for vehicle identification number. It is a unique 17-character alphanumeric code that is assigned to every car, truck and SUV at the time of manufacture.
The VIN serves as the vehicle’s fingerprint and contains key details about its history. No two vehicles have the same VIN, making it a reliable way to identify any specific vehicle.
The VIN is stamped or engraved onto a metal plate and affixed to the vehicle, usually in the front corner of the dashboard on the driver’s side. It can also be found on the vehicle title, registration paperwork, and insurance documents.
How to Find the VIN
Before running any VIN search, you first need to locate the 17-character VIN on the vehicle. Here are the common VIN number locations to check:
- Dashboard: Check the driver’s side corner of the dashboard near the windshield.
- Driver’s door jamb: Open the driver’s door and check the door jamb for the VIN plate.
- Engine block: Find the metal VIN plate on the engine block.
- Vehicle title: Locate the VIN printed on the vehicle’s title or registration paperwork.
- Insurance documents: VIN can also be found on the auto insurance card or policy declarations page.
If you’re struggling to find the VIN, refer to your owner’s manual which indicates the exact placement for that make and model.
What is a VIN Check?
A VIN check (also called a VIN lookup or VIN search) allows you to decode that unique 17-character VIN and access vehicle history reports.
By entering the VIN into an online search like oors, you can pull up both simple and detailed reports showing that vehicle’s history including:
- Accident history
- Title records
- Theft reports
- Recall repairs
- Registration renewal history
- Miles/odometer readings
- Previous owners
A VIN check allows you to uncover critical details about a vehicle’s past before buying or selling.
What a VIN Report Shows
When you run a VIN search, the vehicle history report contains a wealth of information. Here are some of the key details included:
- Title records show current the titleholder, title brands, ownership history, and more.
- Total loss history lists any major damage incidents where the vehicle was deemed a total loss.
- Accident history provides details on any reported crashes or collisions.
- Open recalls list any outstanding manufacturer safety recalls requiring repair.
- Repair history highlights major repairs, oil changes and service intervals.
- Registration details include registration locations and renewal records.
- Odometer readings check for tampering and mileage inconsistencies.
- Theft records reveal any incidents where the vehicle was reported stolen.
- Lien holders lists any active vehicle loans or financing obligations.
- Emissions records provide passed/failed smog certifications.
- Location history tracks states and regions the vehicle was registered in.
The more detailed the report, the better informed your buying or selling decision can be.
Free vs. Paid VIN Reports
There are two main options for obtaining a VIN report – free reports and paid reports.
Free VIN reports are available instantly online through services like ours or through databases like the NHTSA, NICB and NMVTIS. While free, they provide only basic checks, not the full detailed vehicle history.
Paid VIN reports through services like ours or Bumper, cost around $20-$40 but provide very comprehensive histories by compiling data from many sources. Mechanic Answer offers the same detailed reports but at a fraction of the cost, try and see. car vin lookup free
For the most complete data, it’s ideal to first use a car VIN lookup free and then a paid VIN report when you need to research a used vehicle’s history in more detail. The small fee for the detailed paid report is worthwhile before making a major purchase.
Why Run a Kansas VIN Check?
There are a few key reasons you should always run a VIN check before buying or selling a used car in Kansas:
- Detect odometer fraud: Unscrupulous sellers may roll back odometers illegally to show inflated low mileage. A VIN check can uncover odometer discrepancies and alert you to potential fraud.
- Check for accidents: Accident history is a major indicator of underlying damage or mechanical issues. VIN checks give you inside details on any collisions or accidents a vehicle has been in.
- Spot title issues: Salvage, lemon or other branded Kansas titles can seriously impact value and safety. VIN checks reveal critical title problems.
- Verify vehicle specs: Use the VIN to check year, make, model and trim details to ensure the vehicle is what the seller claims.
- Research recalls: Unfixed safety recalls can make a vehicle dangerous to drive. VIN checks give recall info and repair history.
Simply put, Kansas VIN checks shine a light on a used vehicle’s past and empower smart buying (or selling) decisions.
How to Run a Kansas VIN Check
There are a few different ways Kansas drivers can perform a VIN lookup:
Kansas VIN Check Using National Databases
Several national databases offer free VIN lookups online:
- NHTSA: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers free VIN searches with recall info and specifications.
- NICB: The National Insurance Crime Bureau offers a free VIN check that includes theft records and title data.
- NMVTIS: The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System is a good source for title, brand and odometer data. Some reports cost money.
While national VIN searches are free, they may not provide complete Kansas-specific data in every case.
Kansas VIN Check Using State Resources
The Kansas Department of Revenue offers several options to check a VIN through state motor vehicle departments:
- Online VIN search: Kansas offers an online VIN search portal for registered users. Some restrictions apply.
- In-person VIN check: Visit your local Kansas DMV title office to request records in person for a small fee.
- Mail-in VIN check: Download and submit a VIN search request form by mail. Reports are mailed back.
State VIN searches tap directly into Kansas DMV records for the most accurate results. However, they may come with service fees or processing delays.
Kansas VIN Check Using Third-Party Services
Paid services through third-party websites offer instant online VIN checks sourced from government data. Popular sites like Mechanic Answer and AutoCheck compile robust multi-state reports.
Third-party VIN searches provide detailed histories but come with subscription fees starting around $20-$40 per report.
Tip: Run VIN checks through both national free databases and paid histories for the most complete data.
How to Find a Vehicle’s VIN Number
Before running any VIN search, you first need to locate the 17-character VIN on the vehicle. Here are the common VIN number locations to check:
- Dashboard: Check the driver’s side corner of the dashboard near the windshield.
- Driver’s door jamb: Open the driver’s door and check the door jamb for the VIN plate.
- Engine block: Find the metal VIN plate on the engine block.
- Vehicle title: Locate the VIN printed on the vehicle’s title or registration paperwork.
- Insurance documents: VIN can also be found on the auto insurance card or policy declarations page.
If you’re struggling to find the VIN, refer to your owner’s manual which indicates the exact placement for that make and model.
Understanding Kansas VIN Checks
When you run a Kansas VIN lookup, the vehicle history report you receive contains a wealth of information. Here are some of the key details included:
- Title records show current titleholders, title brands, ownership history and more.
- Total loss history lists any major damage incidents where the vehicle was deemed a total loss.
- Accident history provides details on any reported crashes or collisions.
- Open recalls lists any outstanding manufacturer safety recalls requiring repair.
- Repair history highlights major repairs, oil changes and service intervals.
- Registration details include registration locations and renewal records.
- Odometer readings check for tampering and mileage inconsistencies.
- Theft records reveal any incidents where the vehicle was reported stolen.
- Lien holders lists any active vehicle loans or financing obligations.
- DMV emissions records provide passed/failed smog certifications.
- Location history tracks states and regions the vehicle was registered in.
The more detailed the report, the better informed your buying or selling decisions will be.
Performing a Kansas VIN Check
Along with VIN checks, the state of Kansas also requires VIN inspections in certain situations:
- Out-of-state vehicles must get a VIN inspection within 30 days when registering in Kansas.
- Rebuilt salvage vehicles need a VIN inspection before getting a rebuilt Kansas title.
- Homemade vehicles require a VIN inspection to get a specially constructed vehicle title.
Kansas VIN inspections are carried out by law enforcement at approved inspection stations. The physical inspection verifies the VIN plate matches the vehicle title paperwork.
Why We Are The Best Kansas VIN Check Service Online
When it comes to VIN lookups, no service compares to Mechanic Answer. Here’s why we are the best VIN lookup service online:
- Most comprehensive data: Our paid VIN checks compile over 6 billion records from thousands of sources for unparalleled detail.
- Mobile friendly: Our mobile site makes VIN lookups easy from any device.
- Lowest cost: Our full reports cost a small fee. Unbeatable value.
- Instant results: Reports are generated in seconds once your VIN is entered.
- Ease of use: Our simple search tools make it effortless to get the vehicle history you need.
- Reliability: Our systems have 100% uptime so you can count on us whenever you need a VIN check.
Don’t take chances with free or unknown VIN check services. For the most thorough and reliable vehicle history reports, rely on Mechanic Answer.
Conclusion
Having a full vehicle history empowers buyers to make educated purchase decisions and negotiate fair prices. For sellers, VIN checks verify your car is ready for sale. Running a thorough Kansas VIN search helps protect your time, money, and safety.
The next time you go to buy or sell a used car, spare yourself headaches by starting with a comprehensive VIN check. Your future self will thank you.
Kansas VIN Check Frequently Asked Questions
Running VIN checks in Kansas can bring up common questions for drivers and vehicle owners. Here are answers to some of the top frequently asked questions about Kansas VIN lookups and vehicle history reports:
Can I run a VIN number for free?
Yes, you can run free VIN checks using national databases like the NHTSA, NICB, and NMVTIS. These provide basic checks at no cost. However, paid VIN reports from companies like Mechanic Answer give more comprehensive histories. Using both free and paid VIN searches together gives the most complete information.
Does Kansas require a VIN inspection?
Kansas requires VIN inspections when registering out-of-state vehicles, for rebuilt salvage vehicles, and for specially constructed homemade vehicles. These inspections verify the VIN matches the vehicle paperwork and are done by law enforcement at approved stations.
How do I find out who owns a vehicle in Kansas?
To find current ownership information, you need to run a VIN search that accesses Kansas DMV records, such as through the state's online portal or by visiting a title office in person. Basic free VIN checks won't include ownership details.
How to do a vehicle title search in Kansas?
You can search Kansas title records through the state's online portal by creating an account and paying a small fee. Third-party services also provide title searches. Give the VIN, license plate, or owner details to get title, brand and lien info.
Are Kansas DMV records public?
Some Kansas DMV records are public, like title, registration and brand information. Personal details like owner name, address and driver's license number are protected and require proof of legitimate need to access through official channels.
