As an auto mechanic with over two decades of experience, buying, selling & repairing vehicles, I know that a New Hampshire VIN check is absolutely essential before any used car purchase. Decoding a vehicle’s unique VIN reveals key details about its history that can reveal major issues.
Hi, my name is Robby, and in this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about performing VIN lookups in NH. You’ll learn where to find the VIN, the best free and paid services to use, what’s included in a VIN report, and how it protects you from buying a lemon. Having this vehicle history information eliminates risk and ensures your next used car purchase in New Hampshire is a wise investment. So let’s get started!
What is a VIN Check?
A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) check allows you to uncover key details about a vehicle’s history using its unique 17-character VIN code.
A VIN lookup checks various records and databases to provide information on:
- Past owners
- Accident history
- Mileage inconsistencies
- Title issues
- Recalls
- Theft records
- Lien holders
- Maintenance history
This data helps buyers avoid purchasing unsafe, stolen or overpriced vehicles. It also allows sellers to provide transparency about a vehicle’s past.
Why Should I Run a VIN Check in NH?
We recommend checking a VIN number in New Hampshire before buying or selling a used car is highly recommended for several reasons:
Avoid Buying a Damaged or Dangerous Vehicle
- Accident and damage history may indicate underlying safety issues. A VIN check can uncover this info.
Verify the Value and Price
- Accurate market value information in the VIN report helps negotiate a fair deal.
Spot Odometer Tampering
- Mileage inconsistencies in the report can reveal odometer rollbacks.
Check for Thefts
- VIN checks can uncover stolen vehicle records to avoid scams.
Review Maintenance History
- A well-maintained car is typically a good buy. The report provides this maintenance info.
Check for Open Recalls
- Unfixed safety recalls found in the VIN check should be addressed before buying.
Where to Find the VIN
Before running a VIN lookup in New Hampshire, you’ll need to locate the 17-character VIN on the vehicle.
Here are some of the most common VIN locations:
- Driver’s side door jamb
- Corner of the dashboard
- Vehicle registration and title paperwork
- Engine block
- The base of the windshield on the driver’s side
How to Perform a Free VIN Check in NH
Many online services like Mechanic Answer offer free New Hampshire VIN lookups that provide a sample vehicle history report.
To perform a free VIN search in NH:
- Visit the Mechanic Answer website
- Enter the 17-digit VIN
- Click “Run Free VIN Check”
- View the sample vehicle history report
This will uncover the basics like accident history and ownership records. For the full report, a low one-time fee is required.
Paid Options for VIN Reports in New Hampshire
While free VIN lookups offer a preview, paid services provide comprehensive reports. Options for paid New Hampshire VIN searches include:
NMVTIS VIN Check
- The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) provides data from various sources including insurance companies.
CARFAX
- CARFAX has over 20 billion records and is a trusted VIN check source.
AutoCheck
- AutoCheck taps into many databases like NMVTIS and auction houses.
Mechanic Answer
- Mechanic Answer is affordable and offers detailed & comprehensive VIN searches in an easy to use report.
These all check the VIN against various databases to compile thorough vehicle history reports. Costs range from being free for basic information to a small paid fee for more detailed information depending on the service.
New Hampshire DMV VIN Inspection
The New Hampshire DMV can also perform a VIN inspection and search to verify a vehicle’s records.
To request a NH DMV VIN check:
- Visit your local DMV office that conducts VIN inspections
- Provide photo ID and the vehicle
- Pay any required fees for the record search
However, this process is time-consuming compared to instant online VIN lookups.
VIN Checks by Mail in New Hampshire
You can also mail a request to the New Hampshire DMV to lookup VIN details by mail.
To do a mail-in NH VIN search:
- Get the VIN Inspection Request form
- Fill it out fully with the VIN
- Mail to the NH DMV with any fees
- Wait for the VIN history report via mail
Again, online VIN checks are faster and more comprehensive. But mail is an option too.
What Information is in a NH VIN Report?
A complete New Hampshire VIN lookup includes all sorts of valuable details, like:
- Title History
- Accident history
- Open recalls
- Odometer readings
- Ownership History
- Service records
- Theft records
- Lien holders
- Damage reports
- Sale price history
This comprehensive information from a VIN search helps buyers and sellers make informed decisions before purchasing or selling a used vehicle in New Hampshire.
Performing a VIN Check Helps Avoid Common Car Scams
Running a New Hampshire VIN search helps avoid numerous used car scams, including:
- Odometer fraud – Rollbacks uncovered by mileage inconsistencies
- Title washing – Title issues revealed in the VIN report
- VIN cloning – Duplicated VIN numbers get flagged in the system
- Flood damage – Title brands indicate flood history
The vehicle history data from a VIN lookup protects against these illegal tactics.
Why We Are the Best VIN Lookup Service – Mechanic Answer
At Mechanic Answer, we make New Hampshire VIN checks fast, affordable, and comprehensive.
Benefits of using Mechanic Answer for your NH VIN search include:
- Low one-time fee gets you unlimited VIN checks
- Reports include 200+ data points from reliable sources
- Clear, easy-to-understand vehicle history reports
- Unlimited free VIN checks after purchasing 1 report
- Secure and simple process with results in seconds
Don’t buy or sell your next New Hampshire vehicle without doing a VIN check. Mechanic Answer provides the information you need to avoid issues and make a confident decision!
Conclusion
Performing a VIN history lookup is crucial when buying or selling a used car in New Hampshire. This guide covered everything you need to know about VIN checks in NH:
- Where to find the VIN to get started
- Available options from free to paid services
- What comprehensive information is included in a report
- How VIN checks help avoid fraud and issues
- Turning to Mechanic Answer for reliable and affordable NH VIN searches
Running a New Hampshire VIN check gives you peace of mind and helps you avoid unsafe, stolen and overpriced used vehicles. Be sure to get a vehicle history report before your next used car purchase or sale in NH.
New Hampshire VIN Check Frequently Asked Questions
How to do a VIN verification in NH?
You can perform a VIN verification in New Hampshire by using an online service like Mechanic Answer or CARFAX. Simply enter the 17-digit VIN on their website to instantly generate a vehicle history report. Paid services provide more comprehensive details than free checks. The NH DMV can also do an in-person VIN inspection and verification for a fee.
How do I know if my NH vanity plate is available?
You can check availability of a personalized vanity license plate on the New Hampshire DMV website. Use the online vanity plate search tool to enter your desired letter/number combo and see if it's available or taken. If available, you can apply to request the NH vanity plate.
Can a non resident register a car in New Hampshire?
No, New Hampshire requires that only state residents can register vehicles there. Non-residents cannot legally register a car in NH. You must first establish residency in New Hampshire before registering your vehicle.
Is NH a two plate state?
Yes, New Hampshire requires two license plates to be displayed on registered vehicles. One plate must be on the front of the vehicle and the other on the rear. Both plates must be properly mounted and visible.
Who can do a VIN verification in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, VIN verifications can be performed by law enforcement, licensed dealers, authorized inspection stations, and court-authorized individuals like investigators. These authorized parties in New Hampshire can complete a VIN inspection and verification if needed to confirm a vehicle's identity.
