Ohio VIN Lookup

The growth of the used car market in Ohio has meant that an increasing number of car buyers in the Buckeye State are opting for pre-owned cars over brand-new vehicles. The state has approximately 1,025 statewide car dealerships and the average price of a used vehicle in Ohio stands at $32,267. Notwithstanding the uptick in used car purchases, buying a pre-owned car comes with peculiar risks and car buyers must look to protect themselves from such risks.

To protect car buyers, Ohio enacted a lemon law. However, the law primarily protects consumers who buy new vehicles. Only limited protection is available to used car buyers. If a pre-owned car remains under the original warranty provided by the manufacturer or a dealer provides a specific warranty, used car buyers may then enjoy certain limited protection under the lemon law. Specifically, the Ohio Lemon Law requires that a used car have less than 18,000 miles and must have been purchased within one year of its original delivery date for the car to be covered.

Considering the limited coverage available to used cars under the Ohio Lemon Law, it becomes important for buyers to exercise due diligence when purchasing a used car. Conducting a comprehensive Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) lookup may reveal critical information about the vehicle's history, including past accidents, title issues, and maintenance records. This process helps ensure transparency and avoid common pitfalls that may be associated with used car purchases in Ohio.

Why Performing an Ohio VIN Check Is Important?

Performing an Ohio VIN check is a crucial step when considering a used car purchase. This is because there are a lot of scammers looking to sell stolen cars and other used car frauds perpetrated by dishonest dealers and private sellers in the state. In the last year, Ohio reported 31,647 motor vehicle thefts, reflecting a 6% increase from the previous year. This figure equates to approximately 975 thefts per 100,000 residents. Although the state does not provide official figures on auto fraud rates per 100,000 residents, the uptick in vehicle theft numbers suggests anyone looking to buy a pre-owned car must take necessary precautions to avoid buying stolen vehicles.

According to Section 4503.11 of the Ohio Revised Code, vehicles driven on the state's public roads and highways must be registered with the state. This ensures that the state possesses information on all vehicles driven on its roads. Operating an unregistered vehicle is illegal and can result in penalties, including fines and possible impoundment of the vehicle.

Performing an Ohio VIN check ensures you can access publicly available information on cars registered in the state. VIN check resources typically connect with official databases to provide vehicle history to requesters.

A VIN check provides detailed information about a vehicle's registration and title history, helping potential buyers identify discrepancies that may indicate a stolen or fraudulently altered vehicle. This process verifies the legitimacy of the vehicle's ownership and ensures that the title is clean and free from liens or salvage records.

How To Perform an Ohio VIN Check

To perform a VIN check in Ohio, you must locate the 17-character VIN serial printed on your vehicle and choose a reputable VIN check service to conduct the lookup. Official government sources that you may use to perform a VIN check include:

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle VIN Search:

To use this service, visit the vehicle title search page of the Ohio BMV Online Services website. Enter the VIN in the designated search field and select the search button. The results page will provide details about the vehicle's title status, including ownership history and lien information.

The NHTSA VIN Decoder:

To use this service, visit the NHTSA's VIN Decoder page. Enter the full or partial VIN serial in the designated field and select the search button. Review the detailed specifications of the vehicle, including make, model, body style, engine type, recalls, safety ratings, and manufacturing details. This information helps you confirm whether the vehicle's features match the description provided by the seller.

The NICB VIN Check:

To use this service, visit the NICB VIN Check service page. Provide the VIN serial in the required field and select the search button. The results will help you determine if the vehicle has been stolen, recovered, or declared a salvage car.

Free vs. Paid VIN Check Services in Ohio

While government and nonprofit websites such as the Ohio BMV, NHTSA, and NICB offer free VIN check services, you typically get basic vehicle information from them. The information available from such free services includes basic title status, limited vehicle specifications, stolen alerts, and recall notices.

If you need an in-depth report about a vehicle's history, you should consider using the premium VIN check service offered by third-party sites such as CarMart, iSeeCars, and GoodCar. These services provide detailed vehicle history reports, which are useful for used-car buyers in Ohio. The information typically included in the reports includes:

• Accident History: Records of past collisions and damage
• Title Information: Salvage, rebuilt, or flood titles
• Odometer Readings: Verification of mileage accuracy
• Ownership History: Number of previous owners and usage
• Recall Information: Open recalls and safety issues
• Service and Maintenance Records: Insights into how well the vehicle was maintained
• Lien and Loan Information: Whether the vehicle has outstanding financial obligations
• Theft Records: Whether the vehicle was reported stolen

What Used Car Scams Are Common in Ohio?

Purchasing a used car in Ohio requires vigilance due to prevalent scams that may lead to significant financial and legal issues. The office of the Ohio Attorney General has recently reported a rise in used car scams.

In recent incidents of auto fraud in the state, a Cleveland-based dealership came under scrutiny for tampering with odometers. The dealership allegedly altered the mileage readings on multiple vehicles, significantly increasing their market value. Similarly, a stolen vehicle ring was exposed in Columbus, where cars were sold with counterfeit titles. Buyers, enticed by seemingly exceptional deals, later realized their purchases were stolen vehicles, resulting in the loss of both their money and the cars.

Commonly perpetrated used car scams in Ohio include:

Curbstoning:

Unlicensed dealers pose as private sellers to offload vehicles without proper disclosures or warranties, often selling cars that may have hidden defects or salvage histories.

Title Washing:

Fraudsters alter a vehicle's title to remove salvage or rebuilt statuses, concealing past damages from potential buyers.

Odometer Rollbacks:

Sellers tamper with the odometer to display lower mileage, misleading buyers about the vehicle's true usage and potentially inflating its value.

VIN Cloning:

Scammers copy a legitimate Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from a legally owned vehicle and assign it to a stolen or salvaged car, making it appear legitimate.

Fake Escrow Services:

Fraudsters set up bogus escrow websites to trick buyers into sending payments for vehicles, only to disappear without delivering the car.

To avoid these scams, consider these practices:

• Verify Seller Credentials: Ensure the seller has proper licensing and a verifiable history. Be cautious of private sellers with multiple vehicle listings.
• Conduct a VIN Check: Use a reputable service like GoodCar to obtain the vehicle's history, including title status, accident reports, and mileage records.
• Inspect Documentation: Carefully review the title for signs of alteration or inconsistencies. Confirm that the VIN on the vehicle matches all provided documents.
• Professional Inspection: Have a trusted mechanic examine the vehicle for hidden issues or signs of tampering.
• Secure Payment Methods: Use established and reputable payment services. Avoid transactions that involve unconventional methods or unverified escrow services.

How Do I Check the Status of My Vehicle's Title in Ohio?

If you are unsure about the status of your vehicle's title or wish to verify the lienholder information, conducting a title status check is a recommended step. You will need to have the VIN serial and personal identification information ready to verify ownership of the vehicle.

You can conduct a title status check online using the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Title Search tool. Enter the title number and click the search button to view the vehicle’s title status.

Alternatively, you can make a formal record request to a clerk of court title office in Ohio. Please note that a nominal fee (typically around $5) may be required to obtain this record.

How To Register a Brand-New Car in Ohio

When you buy a brand-new car in Ohio, it must be titled and registered with the state. This is a mandatory process overseen by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Ohio. When the vehicle is purchased from a licensed Ohio dealership, the titling and registration process is typically handled by the dealer. Hence, all required paperwork and fees are submitted to the BMV on your behalf.

If you prefer to manage the process yourself, you may follow these steps:

• Obtain the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO): This document serves as proof of ownership for a new vehicle and is provided by the manufacturer to the dealership.
• Secure a Title: Visit a County Clerk of Courts Title Office to submit the MCO, along with a valid photo ID, to obtain an Ohio Certificate of Title. This step establishes legal ownership in your name.
• Complete the Registration: With the Ohio Certificate of Title, proceed to a local Deputy Registrar License Agency to register your vehicle. You will need to present:
  • The Ohio Certificate of Title or Memorandum Title
  • A valid Ohio driver's license, state ID, or proof of Social Security number
  • Proof of Ohio vehicle insurance
  • Payment for applicable fees and taxes.

What Are the Requirements for Registering a New Car in Ohio?

More than 10 million vehicles are registered to operate on Ohio public roads. Ohio BMV has specific requirements for vehicle registrations in the state. To complete a registration for a new car in Ohio, you need the following for the initial titling process:

• Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin
• Bill of Sale
• Application for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle (Form BMV 3774)
• Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form BMV 3724), if applicable
• Payment for title fees ($15), and a lien holder notation, if applicable

After obtaining a vehicle title, you will need the following to register the vehicle:

• Ohio driver's license, Ohio State photo ID, or an acceptable ID
• Ohio vehicle certificate of title
• Tax ID number if the vehicle is titled in a business name
• VIN inspection document, if the vehicle is new to Ohio
• Proof of Ohio vehicle insurance
• Proof of emissions inspection
• Payment for applicable fees and taxes. These fees and taxes include:
  • $31 registration fee
  • Deputy Registrar license agency fees
  • County tax fees (if applicable)
  • License plate fees
  • $15 lien notation if applicable

The requirements for renewing vehicle registration in the state include:

• The renewal notice
• Proof of insurance
• Payment of applicable fees, such as:
  • Registration Renewal Fee: $31.00 for passenger vehicles.
  • Deputy Registrar Fee: $5.00.
  • Additional Fees: May include local taxes or specialty plate fees.

Does Ohio Mandate Vehicle Inspection?

Ohio does not require regular safety inspections for non-commercial vehicles statewide. However, commercial vehicles, buses, and certain specialty vehicles may need to undergo specific safety inspections as directed by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

On the other hand, emissions testing is required as part of the E-Check program in several counties. These counties include Lake, Cuyahoga, Medina, Summit, Lorain, Geauga, Portage, and Lorain. Vehicles registered in these counties must pass an emissions test to ensure compliance with federal air quality standards. In an emissions test, a technician will assess your vehicle's exhaust system to ensure it complies with Ohio's environmental regulations. For vehicles produced in 1996 or later, the test typically involves an on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) check, while older models undergo a tailpipe emissions test.

Per Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 3745-26, emissions inspections are typically required once every two years. The E-Check program applies to gasoline-powered vehicles that are 4-25 years old and diesel-powered vehicles that are 4-25 years old with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of under 10,000 pounds.

Note that VIN and odometer verifications are key components of vehicle inspections in Ohio. Typically, VIN and odometer verifications will be conducted before emissions testing is carried out.

How Do I Get a Replacement VIN in Ohio?

You may need a replacement VIN in Ohio for the following reasons:

• Damaged or Missing VIN: The original VIN plate or sticker is unreadable, destroyed, or missing.
• Altered VIN: The VIN has been tampered with or altered, raising concerns about the vehicle's identity.
• Homemade Vehicles: Custom-built or homemade vehicles that do not have a manufacturer-assigned VIN.
• Salvage or Rebuilt Vehicles: Vehicles that have been rebuilt after being declared salvaged and require a new VIN for registration.

To obtain a replacement VIN, you need a salvage receipt for a vehicle inspection from the state. This receipt may be obtained at any Deputy Registrar location for a fee of $50 in addition to the standard deputy registrar fee. The Ohio State Highway Patrol requires the receipt to schedule the required inspection of the vehicle.

After, locate an inspection state nearby and schedule an appointment. The salvage receipt will be required for reference when scheduling an inspection. You may access Ohio inspection station locations on the State Highway Patrol website. Note that inspections may be scheduled online or by phone. At the scheduled inspection, you will be required to provide the purchased salvage inspection receipt and original valid certificate of title. After you pass the inspection, the State Highway Patrol will present you with a completed Salvage Inspection Form (HP 106).

Next, submit a completed Application for Replacement Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to a Motor Vehicle (BMV 3713), an original valid certificate of title, and a completed salvage inspection form (HP 106) to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Title Support Section
PO Box 16520
Columbus, Ohio 43216

After the BMV receives your documents, the Bureau will submit the paperwork to the State Highway Patrol. Also, the BMV will forward the original certificate of title to the Clerk of Courts in the county specified on the BMV 3713 form. Once your application is approved, the State Highway Patrol will manufacture the replacement VIN plate and send it to the inspection station location. The State Highway Patrol will contact you to schedule an appointment for the installation of the replacement VIN plate.

Does Ohio Require a VIN Inspection for Out-of-State Vehicles?

Ohio requires a VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles being registered in the state. The VIN verification ensures the vehicle's identity and compliance with Ohio standards. This inspection is typically conducted by a law enforcement officer, an Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) representative, or an authorized agent during the registration process.