Free Idaho VIN Check

What to know when buying used cars in Idaho

If you’re planning on buying a used car in Idaho, you should thoroughly investigate your prospective vehicle for any potential problems or damages. It’s highly recommended that you obtain a comprehensive Idaho vehicle history report through an Idaho VIN check, which can reveal valuable information about the car’s past, such as accidents, repairs, and previous owners. Don’t overlook this crucial step to ensure your purchase is going to be a worthwhile investment.

Based on the 2022 CBS42 report, Idaho ranks 2nd among the states with the lowest average price for used cars. Plan ahead to increase the odds of getting an excellent used vehicle in Idaho. A good way to ensure that you get things right is to carry out a VIN check specific to the state of Idaho.

Idaho Vehicle History: Before finalizing your vehicle purchase, be sure to do an in-depth investigation into vehicle history. Verify that all of the original parts are intact and inspect the unit carefully for any major damages it may have experienced in the past. People who plan to buy a vehicle may find it beneficial to use tools such as the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) or private car report providers like Carfax or Autocheck. These tools can help with performing an Idaho free VIN check and producing a comprehensive Idaho vehicle history report.

An Idaho vehicle history report by Idaho VIN Check may show the following details:

• Vehicle specifications – refers to the most basic of features, dimensions, performance, and appearance of a car. 
• Accident history – data on past accidents or damages the vehicle has sustained previously
• Title information – shows whether a car possesses a clean title record or if it was branded as salvage, reconstruction, total loss, or others in the past. 
• Ownership history – details on past ownership and the length of time they possessed the car as well as the dates and frequency of ownership transfer.
• Mileage history – the distance tracked by the odometer since a vehicle was first driven; it can be utilized to identify any manipulation of a vehicle’s mileage.
• Vehicle use – checks if a car has past personal or professional purposes, and whether it has ever served as a rental, taxi, or transport car.
• Manufacturer recalls – displays recall data instigated by the car manufacturer, along with a brief description of a defect and proposed fixes. 
• Theft record – shows any status that the vehicle has been marked as stolen or if it is connected to a theft recovery effort. 
• Liens and finance history – shows if a car has outstanding debts or liens that are not yet paid off, or if it has been confiscated for non-payment of loans.
• Others – information regarding currently active and expired warranties as well as car insurance policies.

Required Documents: Checking for the proper legal documentation, such as the title, registration, and bill of sale, is crucial when buying a secondhand car in Idaho. This ensures that potential legal, financial, or safety problems may be avoided. It is the seller’s obligation to settle any debts or legal commitments concerning the car before handing over ownership to the purchaser unless stated otherwise.

Lemon Law Protections: The Idaho Lemon Law, formally known as Title 48, Chapter 9 of the Idaho Code, deals with issues in vehicles known as “nonconformities.” These refer to problems or flaws that affect the vehicle’s performance or resale value. The law’s purpose is to safeguard consumers who purchase or lease cars, trucks, or vans that come with a written warranty from the manufacturer. However, the law does not extend protection to nonconformities caused by vehicle abuse, negligence, or any alterations or modifications that were not authorized.

Accurately Track Your Car’s Past with Idaho VIN Check

It is important for every car buyer, regardless of their experience, to do an Idaho VIN check to access an Idaho vehicle history report, which you can use to can avoid purchasing a vehicle that may have serious performance and safety issues.

To avoid being deceived, an Idaho VIN check can be conducted to determine if the seller has any unpaid debts or if the automobile has been stolen or damaged by flooding. By conducting a thorough Idaho VIN check and examining an Idaho vehicle history report, buyers can rest assured knowing they are purchasing a legit good used car.

Idaho DMV

Vehicle registration and titling in Idaho are managed by Idaho DMV. New residents must register and title their vehicles within 90 days of establishing residency. Meanwhile, newly-purchased vehicles must be applied for the same within 30 days of purchase. 

Here is a short list of Idaho DMV services car buyers and owners can avail of:

• Title and registrations for vehicles
• Title/registration transfers
• Replacement/Renewals of titles and registrations
• Issuance of Idaho license plates
• Vanity or Personalized License Plate Requests
• Motor Vehicle Records

Idaho DMV FAQs

How to register and title a vehicle in Idaho?

Here is a general overview of the process in Idaho:

1. Obtain insurance: It is mandatory for drivers in Idaho to have car insurance and they are required to carry liability insurance that covers both physical injuries and property damage.

The minimum liability insurance required in Idaho is as follows:

• Bodily injury liability coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property damage liability coverage: $15,000 per accident
• Uninsured motorist coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
• Underinsured motorist coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident

Failing to maintain adequate auto insurance in Idaho may result in sanctions or revocation of driving or registration rights. 

2. Get a vehicle inspection: State regulations dictate that if you own a vehicle registered in Canyon County or Kuna, you must adhere to the regulations of the Idaho Vehicle Inspection Program. Gas and diesel automobiles manufactured in or after 1981, which are more than five years old, must undergo testing. The law also mandates that you register your vehicle in the county where your primary residence or domicile is located, which excludes work, vacation, or part-time places of residence. Testing can be performed at one of about 20 testing locations, which can be found online in the “Test Stations” section of www.idahoVIP.org.
3. Apply for a vehicle title and registration: To transfer the ownership of your vehicle or update its registration/title status, applying for a new registration/title certificate is a must. You can begin filling out the application for title certification form and submitting it to the local Idaho DMV branch. 
4. Pay the fees: It is imperative that you make payments for the fees involved in your Idaho DMV application.
5. Submit the documents: The DMV may require you to provide your necessary documents, payment for the application fee, and the application form either during or after the application process.
6. Get the DMV materials: After turning in all required documents, you will obtain your registration card along with other DMV documents. Additionally, you will be issued a set of Idaho license plates for your registered vehicle to be mounted on the front and back.

How much does it cost to register and title a vehicle in Idaho?

Several factors affect the registration and titling fees in Idaho, such as the vehicle’s age, design, weight, vehicle type, and even the local county rules and regulations. To get an idea of the typical charges for registering or titling a vehicle, this info can be helpful.

Registration/Title Fee: Depending on the age and weight of the vehicle, the usual pricing range is $45 – $69. The standard fee for the Idaho vehicle title fee is $14. 

Sales Tax: Unless an exemption is applicable, a fee equivalent to 6% of the purchase price or value shall be imposed. Additionally, local option taxes may be imposed.

Other Fees: Personalized license plate(s) are $25 for first-timers, while most specialty license plates are $35. Other vehicle registration-related costs can be seen here. 

Certain fees may be different depending on the scenario. To get the exact pricing information of certain transactions for your vehicle, get in touch with the Idaho DMV.

What are the usual requirements when registering or titling a vehicle in Idaho?

The usual paperwork required for Idaho vehicle registration and titling includes:

• Proof of ownership: Bill of sale, past registration, and past title qualify. Provide a bill of sale and/or title with signatures from both parties (buyer and previous owner/seller) if transferring ownership. 
• Proof of identity: The driver’s license or any government-issued ID.
• Completed application form(s): Document(s) required for the official Idaho DMV recognition of ownership. 
• Insurance: Proof of liability insurance, such as an insurance card, might be required by DMV agents.
• Smog/Safety certification: This may be required by an attending agent.

Payment of fees/taxes: Fees and taxes must be settled to complete the process.

Other Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

Automotive review sites offer convenient access to expert opinions and assessments for a wide array of vehicles, encompassing compact cars, sports cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks, catering to both current owners and prospective buyers. These platforms feature a variety of models, exploring certain aspects such as characteristics, safety measures, and customer satisfaction, among several others. Edmunds, Car and Driver, and Motor Trend are good examples of automotive review sites. 

Vehicle safety rating websites can offer the latest details about the safety ratings of different vehicle brands and models, equipping potential buyers with the appropriate knowledge to make informed decisions about their next car purchase. To assess a vehicle’s safety rating, the websites employ different criteria, including evaluations of safety features and crash test results. On average, the ratings fall within a range of one to five stars, with five stars being the highest safety rating. NHTSA and IIHS are good examples of vehicle safety rating sites.

Vehicle market value websites provide vehicle accurate and relevant data on car market values, making them a valuable resource for both buyers and sellers in the automobile market. One of the most notable merits of utilizing these platforms is their capability to consider multiple factors that may affect the car’s value, such as the brand, model, year of production, mileage, and popularity of the car among consumers. Two examples of automotive market value sites include Kelley Blue Book and NADA Guides.

Idaho crash report. To ensure your safety while driving, it is crucial to thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any prior mishaps that may pose a risk in the future. Settle for cars that are in good condition. By performing an Idaho VIN decoder and reviewing its Idaho vehicle history report, you can gather significant information regarding past incidents or repairs from law enforcement and other legit sources. As per the 2019 FARS report, about 188 fatal road accidents occurred in Idaho in 2019, leading to 214 fatalities in the year. Moreover, there are concerns regarding the possibility of some of the vehicles involved in these unfortunate incidents being repaired and sold as new to unsuspecting purchasers.

Idaho crime report. The state of Idaho had 1,571 incidents of vehicle theft in 2019, as reported in the FBI’s 2019 US Crime Report. Exercise caution while buying used vehicles from sellers who have a history of dealing with stolen cars. To guarantee that the vehicle does not have any significant legal problems, perform an Idaho VIN check and review the resulting Idaho vehicle history report.

Idaho natural disasters. Primal Survivor has disclosed that Idaho has been subjected to numerous natural catastrophes, including floods, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and other natural disasters. It is important to thoroughly inspect an Idaho car report before going through with a purchase, so as to confirm that the vehicle of interest has not sustained any major damage from concealed incidents.

Get the Idaho VIN Check running to generate a full Idaho vehicle history report.