Free Virginia VIN Check

What to know when buying used cars in Virginia

It is advisable to research the history of a used vehicle before purchasing it. Utilizing a Virginia VIN check can reveal if the car has a history of accidents and the number of previous owners. Exercising due diligence can help you get to a more dependable car and avoid potential problems in the future.

According to a report by CBS42 in 2022, Virginia is one of the most affordable states for purchasing used cars. To find the best deals, it is recommended to review the vehicle history reports of the used cars you are interested in.

Virginia Vehicle History: To ensure a wise purchase of a used car in Virginia, it is recommended to conduct a Virginia VIN check on its identification number. Doing a timely VIN lookup may reveal information about the car’s history and present condition, aiding in your decision to proceed with a car sale or not. Additionally, you may also gather further info about a car in question through NMVTIS.

A Virginia vehicle history report by Virginia VIN lookup may show the following details:

• Vehicle specifications – basic 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, reconstructed, total loss, or others in the past. 
• Ownership history – details on past ownership, the length of time they legally owned the car, and the dates and frequency of ownership transfer.
• Mileage history – the distance tracked by the odometer since a vehicle was first driven; it can help 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 initiated by the car manufacturer, along with a brief description of a defect and proposed solutions (if there are any). 
• 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 on active and expired warranties as well as car insurance policies.

Required Documents: If you’re planning to buy a used car in Virginia, you should get your hands on the necessary documents and inspect them for any red flags. This includes the title, registration, and bill of sale. Doing this will help you make an informed choice and steer clear of any possible complications in the future.

Lemon Law Protections: Virginia Lemon Law states that if a newly purchased vehicle turns out to be defective, the manufacturer must either provide a refund or replace the vehicle.

Safety First: Fraud Protection with Virginia VIN Check

Make a smart choice when buying a car. Perform a Virginia VIN check. In doing so, you will receive a Virginia vehicle history report that will provide you with important information about the car. You will be able to determine if the car has been involved in accidents, experienced issues with specific parts, or has been stolen. This information will assist you in selecting a car that is both reliable and suitable for your needs.

Virginia DMV

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Virginia DMV) issues official car documents, including vehicle registration, title, and license plates. To acquire Virginia license plates and register your vehicle in Virginia, you need to title it first. This should be done within 30 days after the purchase or location of the vehicle in Virginia.

Here is a short list of Virginia 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 Virginia license plates
• Vanity or Personalized License Plate Requests
• Motor Vehicle Records

DMV FAQs

How to register and title a vehicle in Virginia?

Here is a general overview of the process in Virginia:

1. Obtain insurance: If you want to drive in Virginia legally, you need to get insurance that meets the state’s requirements.

As of now, the current Virginia mandatory insurance requirements are as follows:

• Injury or death of one person: $30,000
• Injury or death of two or more people: $60,000
• Property damage: $20,000

2. Get a vehicle inspection: To operate a vehicle in Virginia, it is required to pass an annual safety inspection and display a valid safety inspection sticker. This is done to identify any potential issues before they can cause any harm. Most repair shops in the state conduct safety inspections. 
3. Apply for a vehicle title and registration: Those who wish to register or title their vehicle can bring a completed form to an authorized Virginia DMV office to begin the process.
4. Pay the fees: Make sure you pay the fees and other costs owed to the Virginia DMV to avoid any issues.
5. Submit the documents: Make sure to provide all required documents and adhere to the rules when visiting the Virginia DMV.
6. Get the DMV materials: The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles will provide registration and title certificates to you if you meet all the requirements.

For regular passenger cars, it is a general rule for the DMV to issue two Virginia license plates per vehicle. 

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

The amount you have to pay for registering, titling, or doing other vehicle transactions in Virginia may depend on its age, make, model, and location. If you want to know the likely total cost, you can look up the standard DMV fees below.

Registration: $30.75 – $44.75

Title: $15

For other fees and charges, click here. 

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

In Virginia, the regular paperwork required for registering and titling a vehicle consists of:

• 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 and/or address: Driver’s license or any government or company-issued ID/paper
• Completed application form(s): Document(s) required for the official Virginia DMV recognition of ownership. 
• Insurance: Proof of liability insurance, such as an insurance card, might be required by DMV agents.
• Smog/Safety/Odometer 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

Motor vehicle review websites. By checking out motor vehicle review sites like Edmunds, Car and Driver, and Motor Trend, you can learn about a car’s safety rating, popularity among buyers, and performance as evaluated by experts.

Vehicle safety rating websites assess the effectiveness of vehicle safety features in shielding passengers during collisions. The NHTSA and IIHS offer comprehensive details about a car’s safety level, helping consumers to choose wisely.

Vehicle market value websites like Kelley Blue Book and NADA Guides help determine a vehicle’s market value by taking into account its brand, model, age, and mileage. This information gives a reasonable estimate of what the vehicle is worth

Virginia crash report. In 2019, Virginia had 796 crashes and 850 deaths according to the 2019 FARS report. Be careful while buying cars as some of them might have been involved in these incidents and may be available for sale.

Virginia crime report. In Virginia, car theft incidents amounted to 10,269 based on the FBI Crime Report for 2019. To ensure their safety, those who intend to purchase a used car in the state can opt for a Virginia car report to verify its legal and safety standing.

Virginia natural disasters. Primal Survivor recommends taking into account the impact of natural disasters on pre-owned cars. Severe conditions such as floods, hurricanes, and heatwaves can cause considerable damage to automobiles.

Using the Virginia VIN decoder is a sensible choice if you want a Virginia car report. This report gives valuable information about the car’s history, allowing prospective buyers to make informed decisions and choose a vehicle that satisfies their needs.

Run the Virginia VIN Check to generate a full Virginia vehicle history report.