VIN Lookup in Minnesota

A VIN lookup in Minnesota involves running a check on a vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for details regarding the registered owner and history of the vehicle. This is usually done by the car owner, prospective buyer, law enforcement agency in the case of a theft or robbery report, and other interested parties. It is similar to a Minnesota license plate lookup which provides vehicular information based on a car's license plate.

Per Minnesota Vehicle statute section 84.799, off-road vehicles must have a manufacturer's VIN stamped in letters and numbers on any part of the vehicle for easy identification. Identifying numbers, as covered in sec.168A.01 MN statutes, refer to the numbers and letters on a vehicle to identify such vehicles. Typically, VINs are assigned by the vehicle manufacturer or affixed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and Vehicle Services, which performs the same as the Department of Motor Vehicles in other US states.

Anyone who needs to conduct a VIN lookup in Minnesota should start by visiting the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and Vehicle Services website or third-party aggregate websites.

When someone is looking to purchase a secondhand vehicle, they need to know the history of the vehicle such as: whether the vehicle has been in an accident, has a vehicle lien, or some other internal issues which the seller may not like to divulge. A VIN lookup acts as an ID to provide the necessary details that the driver or buyer needs, including vehicle manufacturing date, vehicle specification, engine model, etc.

Purchasing a fairly used vehicle can be a risky move for the user. However, the VIN report may provide much assurance that the seller may not. Moreso, the VIN history report is beneficial for both the seller and the buyer in several ways:

To avoid becoming a victim of vehicle fraud (this is considered a felony in Minnesota)
VIN lookup reveals the title state of the vehicle
Accurate details of the vehicle's odometer could save one from purchasing a rolling-back odometer
VIN lookup may reveal the damage history of the vehicle (including repairs, accidents, and technical issues)
Access to details regarding the previous drivers of the vehicle
VIN lookup reveals personal information about the registered owner of the vehicle and past drivers (if any)
Helps to confirm that the seller is the real owner of the used vehicle

Anyone that tampers with or completely removes the vehicle identification number is considered a VIN fraud. In Minnesota, VIN fraud in Minnesota is considered a felony.

What is a Vehicle Identification Number in Minnesota?

Typically, vehicle manufacturers assign a unique code of numbers and letters called a VIN to each vehicle in Minnesota. The identification number is used to state law enforcement agencies, secondhand car buyers, and the state in general; to track the vehicle's history, including past ownerships, theft, damage history or lien checks, and vehicle registration details.

How is a VIN Number Used?

A vehicle's VIN serves the following functions:

To track down important vehicle history information, including previous owners, service records, and accidents.
Law enforcement agencies can use the VIN to identify stolen vehicles.
To order a vehicle history report.

Who Issues a Vehicle's VIN Number in Minnesota?

A Vehicle VIN number is typically issued by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. The DPS provides and attaches VIN plates for several vehicles. VINs are assigned to all models of vehicles including:

Small trailers ( 3,000 pounds or less)
Semitrailer
Collector's vehicle (with a classic, pioneer, or street rod license)
Truck-tractor, road tractor, or farm truck

How Many Digits are in a VIN?

Following the regularization of the automobile system in 1981 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Vehicle Identification Numbers are made up of 17 characters assigned by the car manufacturer to an individual vehicle. VIN in the past, varied in length from 11 to 17 characters. At a glance, the VIN looks like a series of random letters and numbers. However, the characters contained in a VIN (names and numbers) are structure code that holds a unique meaning of identification for a vehicle.

For example, 7HGBH41JXMN109186 is a 17-digit VIN. Each digit holds a meaning:

The first digit represents the country of origin where the vehicle was manufactured. VINs that bear 1,4 and 5 originate from the United States.
The second digit represents the manufacturing company
The third digit identifies the vehicle type: car, truck, bus, etc.
The remaining digits often represent the Vehicle Descriptor Section which talks about the engine size. Body style, vehicle series, and type
The 10th digit of the VIN represents the vehicle's model year. You got World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

How to Find Your Car's VIN Number

The VIN can appear in several locations in the car. This includes:

The front of the engine block. One can easily find this by opening the hood and looking at the front of the engine
The front of the car frame, close to the windshield washer fluid container
The rear wheel well directly above the tire
The driver-side doorjamb, underneath the inner view of the side-view mirror
Car dashboard
The driverside doorpost, not too far from the seatbelt return and near the mark where the door latches
Car's registration or title papers
Insurance Papers
In front of the steering wheel

Depending on the model of the vehicle and the manufacturer, the vehicle's VIN may appear in several other locations in the car.

How to Conduct a VIN Lookup in Minnesota

A vehicle history search is often recommended for anyone who needs to purchase a car. Members of the public who need to conduct a VIN lookup in Minnesota can do so through several means: either in-person at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and Vehicle Services, through the mail, or online. The DPS is usually the first point of call for drivers who have enough time to wait in line or days for the result to come through the mail. However, aggregate third-party sites offer VIN lookup services at a nominal fee.

The requirements for conducting a VIN lookup in Minnesota include

A driver's license
Proof of ownership or title
Full name of the vehicle owner
A VIN number
And a nominal fee.

A VIN lookup may reveal more information and details one needs before selling or purchasing a vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides data on recalls and registered complaints of road users against the specific vehicle. Salvage title, flood, and hail damage are necessary title brands to check for through a VIN search. Some sites also offer free VIN lookups.

How Do I Look Up a VIN Number for Free in Minnesota?

Most VIN checks in Minnesota are carried out at a nominal fee. The DPS even has a displayed fee chart for interested individuals who wish to look up a VIN number. Regardless, interested parties may look up a VIN number at no cost through the VINCheck tool provided by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Requestors only need their VIN number to get details about the state of certain vehicles before selling or purchasing such.

How to Use the VIN Decoder to Do a VIN Number Check

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides an online VIN decoder tool for anyone who needs to do a NIN number check. The VIN decoder allows members of the public to identify specific information encoded in the VIN number of a particular vehicle.

Typical, the 17-character code of a vehicle's VIN (or redundantly, NIN number) provides necessary details one must know before selling or purchasing a vehicle, such as a vehicle manufacturer, model, year, and country of origin of the vehicle. Additionally, the NHTSA's VIN decoder provides information regarding the vehicle's plant of manufacture and build plant. These details can altogether be used for recall notices, title brands, and other necessary details in the event of a suspected felony.

On the NHTSA's VIN decoder, simply enter the full or partial 17-character code into the appropriate field including the vehicle's model year. The decoder will automatically provide a comprehensive report of the needed data about the vehicle. One can either export as PDF or print the VIN decoder report.

Asides from the NHTSA-free VIN decoder tool, other third-party companies also offer VIN decoder tools and services at a nominal fee. One can also get a free VIN decoder on the website of some automakers. It is worth mentioning that provided information on the websites may or may not be completely accurate depending on the database that provides the result. NHTSA for example gets its results from the vehicle manufacturer. Thus, it is best to ask for the assistance of an expert or contact the vehicle manufacturer directly.

How to Conduct a VIN Lookup by License Plate in Minnesota.

During vehicle license plate registration, the Minnesota Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DVS) links the license plate numbers of the vehicle with the VIN. Thus, anyone who wishes to conduct a VIN lookup by license plate in Minnesota should send a vehicle record request through the official website of the Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicle Services. To facilitate the process, one may be required to submit the vehicle's license plate number, model, and make of the vehicle

What is a VIN Inspection in Minnesota?

A VIN inspection is the process of authentication often carried out by a trained, certified employee (inspector) of the MN Department of Transportation or the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), registered owners of commercial vehicles, and licensed commercial vehicle dealers, commercial vehicle repair or service technicians. A VIN inspection is done annually to ensure that the VIN number on the registration papers of a vehicle is the same as the one on the location of the vehicle's VIN. The vehicle inspector will request the vehicle's proof of ownership first.

Every commercial vehicle (any vehicle that weighs over 26,000 pounds, transports hazardous materials, and at least 16 passengers) must schedule an annual VIN inspection and display a valid safety inspection decal issued by the inspector. Commercial vehicles include trucks, tractor-trailers, limousines, charter buses, etc. Non-commercial vehicles may carry out a smog chain check. The VIN inspection is usually scheduled online or in person at the office and carried out by an authorized vehicle inspector from the Special Transportation Service (STS)

First, the inspector will look for the driver's vehicle decal. No vehicle is allowed to provide special transportation service until it has been inspected and displays a valid decal (usually renewed yearly). First-time vehicle inspections will receive their decal once the vehicle passes the inspection. The vehicle decal must be located on the lower left of the windshield – driver's side.

The inspector will write the following in the vehicle inspection report:

The make and year of the vehicle
Vehicle's license plate number
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
MnDOT decal details
Vehicle fleet number (if applicable)
STS vehicle identification

The inspector will look out for the following on the inside of the vehicle:

Overall cleanliness
Critical light indicators
Emergency/Parking brake
Seat belt
Required signage (No smoking sign, complaint sign, fire extinguisher in trunk)

The MN DOT inspector will check for the following on the exterior of the vehicle (exterior front, driver's side, rear, passenger's side, engine compartment, and under the vehicle:

Front end steering
Front end lights
Wipers
Horn
Windshield
Bumper
Wheels
Tires
Brakes
Mirrors
Doors
Windows
Seat securement
Turn signals
Hazard lights (emergency flashers)
Brake lights
Reverse light
License plate light
Fluid levels
Battery securement
Battery posts
Hoses, wiring, and belt
Worn, loose, damaged, or missing parts
Leakage on the steering, suspension, fuel, and frame

Furthermore, the inspector will check the required safety equipment according to STS vehicle operating standards, this includes:

Fire extinguisher
Working cell phone or other two-way communication
Three emergency triangles
Operable or cell phone flashlight
Ice scraper
First aid kit (containing gauze pads, soft roll bandages, adhesive tape, and scissors)
Child restraint system
Extra fuse for vehicles that have an interior fuse box

Once the inspection is completed, the inspector will issue a report to the driver and hold a copy too. If the vehicle passes, a decal is issued, if there are minor issues, the provider schedules a repair for the vehicle due in 15 days, total vehicle inspection failure will require a rescheduling of the inspection.

For more details on vehicle inspection, the provided handbook of the STS will provide more helpful details and provisions for a one-time vehicle inspection.

How Much is a Vehicle Inspection in Minnesota?

Vehicle inspections are charged differently, based on the location, persons/agency in charge, and the type of vehicle being inspected, The cost of a vehicle inspection can vary depending on the location and particular vehicle being inspected. Most vehicle inspection stations charge between $199 to $300 for an inspection.

Pre-purchase of used car inspections are typically carried out by the owner and requires an intensive inspection and check of possible Minnesotan hazard of vehicle ownership before the purchase is completed. As stated earlier, vehicle inspections must be rescheduled within a 15-day window frame or the driver could be heavily fined if they fail to meet the deadline. The MN DPS has a comprehensive list of vehicle inspection sites/locations for anyone who wishes to schedule a vehicle inspection on the website.

What is a Vehicle History Report in Minnesota

A Minnesota Vehicle History Report (VHR) or Vehicle Inspection Report, offers vehicle history information including the state of the vehicle, and loose, worn-out parts of the vehicle that may need attention. MVHRs are issued by the vehicle inspector from a licensed employee of the MNSTS, smog check station, or repair facility location.

The report will include the make and year of the vehicle, the vehicle's license plate number, vehicle Identification Number (VIN), gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), MnDOT decal details, vehicle fleet number, and STS vehicle identification including the state of the vehicle's exterior and interior performance. Every commercial vehicle that carries passengers is expected to undergo a vehicle inspection. The Vehicle History or Inspection Report must be submitted to the MN DOT or the DPS.

How to Conduct a VIN Verification in Minnesota

Every vehicle in Minnesota must submit a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification before it can be registered. Typically, a VIN Verification covers the physical inspection of a vehicle carried out by the Minnesota DPS for vehicles that are coming from out of MN or no longer exist in the database. The VIN verification certifies that the number on the vehicle is the same as the one on the registration document in event of fraud or vehicle theft.

Can I Lookup My Vehicle Specs by VIN Number?

Yes, anyone can look up vehicle specs by VIN number. VIN number can deliver the vehicle specs such as recalls and history of the vehicle before purchase is completed. There are a few helpful resources for looking up vehicle specs by VIN numbers, such as the NHTSA online database and vehicle manufacturers.

Can I Check My VIN Number Online in Minnesota?

Yes, members of the public who wish to check their VIN number online in Minnesota should do so at the Minnesota DVS. The Minnesota DVS provides an e-portal service that allows owners and anyone who wishes to purchase a used car to run a check on the registration status and vehicle history of the particular vehicle.

This check is typically done with the vehicle's license plate number and the last four digits of the VIN. Upon request, members of the public may receive a Vehicle Driver's Report which certifies the state of the vehicle, title, odometer readings, accident, and the rest. VDR can be acquired in person at the DVS or by mail. Alternatively, one can run an intensive VIN number check through private companies and aggregate third-party sites for a fee.

Can You Track a Car by VIN Number in Minnesota?

Yes. In some cases, the VIN number can be used to track the location and history of a missing or stolen car. Minnesota law enforcement and car owners use VIN numbers when trying to locate missing vehicles.

Can You Tell Engine Size by VIN Number?

Yes, the eighth digit of the 17-character code of a vehicle VIN, usually represented by a letter can typically describe the engine type of the vehicle. One may find the VIN in several locations in the car, like the dashboard, front of the engine block, and driver's steering wheel including the insurance or registration papers. Typically, most people figure out their engine size through the VECI (vehicle emission control information) sticker found on the bottom of the vehicle's hood.

Each character of the VIN encodes a unique meaning. The eighth character represents a variety of interpretations that interested car owners may use to tell the engine size of their vehicle. It is important to know this, especially when trying to find the exact match for the engine type. For instance, the letter T on a 2004 Chevrolet indicates that the engine is 5.3l. Letter "A" usually indicates that the car has a small displacement, high-performance engine while a "C" means that the car has a large displacement engine.