Minnesota VIN Lookup

Buying a used car in Minnesota can be a smart choice, especially as it generally costs less than new ones and has lower insurance premiums. However, buying used cars comes with its demerits, such as higher maintenance costs and unknown history. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution when looking to purchase pre-owned vehicles. Minnesota is home to around 421 used car dealerships, with a used car dealer rate of 7.38 per 100,00 residents. The state has one of the lowest rates for used car deals, with the average price going for about $23,120, significantly lower than the national average by 6.4% at $24,710.

Therefore, Minnesota is one of the few states that has a Lemon Law to protect buyers of used cars that are still under the original manufacturer’s warranty. Per the law, specifically Minnesota Statutes 325F.662, used car dealers may provide warranty coverage for pre-owned cars and small trucks sold in the state.

However, the law only applies to used cars sold through licensed dealerships, requiring manufacturers to honor their warranties. It does not protect purchasing used cars from private individuals. Consequently, buyers of pre-owned cars need to conduct a VIN lookup and check out the VIN reports to ensure they do not fall victim to used car scams.

Why Performing a Minnesota VIN Check Is Important

Vehicle Identification Number, VIN, is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle. It is the car’s ID, holding information such as the make, model, year of manufacture, and history of the vehicle. Performing VIN checks is essential because it provides a detailed history of a vehicle, helping you avoid scams and costly mistakes. Car owners can uncover the following after performing a Minnesota VIN check:

• Registration and Title Verification: According to Chapter 169 Section 79 of the Minnesota Statutes, every motor vehicle may be duly registered and have the state’s plate numbers to operate legally. Failure to register a vehicle in Minnesota attracts fines, fees, and driver’s license suspension. VIN checks can confirm the car’s registration history, ensuring that the car’s title is clean and that you are not buying a car with a problematic or stolen history.
• Theft History: Recent estimates show that around 153 cars are stolen per 100,000 residents yearly in Minnesota. A VIN check reveals if the car has ever been reported stolen, helping you avoid buying a vehicle with a criminal past.
• Auto Fraud Prevention: In Minnesota, about 779 fraud cases are reported yearly, translating to around 138.1 cases per 100,000 residents. By checking the VIN, you can uncover inconsistencies like altered title records or suspicious mileage figures that may indicate fraud.
• Odometer Verification: VIN lookup verifies the car’s official odometer reading. In Odometer fraud, sellers roll back the mileage to make it seem less used. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that over 450,000 vehicles are sold yearly with altered odometer readings. By tracking the VIN, you can compare the recorded mileage from various documents like the title and service records or inspection records with the current readings.
• Title Brands: Performing VIN checks reveals the title brand, a special mark placed on a car’s title to flag significant issues such as salvage, lemon, junk, flood damage, or rebuild. VIN checks reveal whether the car has been severely damaged by flood or rebuilt after a major incident.

How To Perform a Minnesota VIN Check

Performing a VIN check is a smart way to learn about a used car’s history. You can conduct a VIN check in Minnesota using state and federal resources, including:

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS):

The Driver and Vehicles Services (DVS) of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) permits VIN searches through its Search for a Vehicle tool. By entering the full VIN, users can view information on whether the title is clear, if there are any outstanding loans or liens, and confirm the vehicle’s registration in Minnesota. Additionally, you can access vehicle details, including its make, model, and recall notices.

The NHTSA VIN Decoder:

The NHTSA VIN Decoder allows users to perform VIN checks using either the full or partial VIN. The tool provides valuable data such as the vehicle’s make, model, year, safety recalls, compliance with federal standards, and manufacturer specifications.

The NICB VINCheck:

The VINCheck Lookup from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is a free service that allows users to perform a Minnesota VIN check. This service provides a report indicating whether the vehicle has been reported stolen, has a salvage title, or has been involved in fraud.

Free vs. Paid VIN Check Services in Minnesota

It is important to conduct VIN checks to learn about a car’s history before purchasing it. In Minnesota, you can conduct VIN checks for free using government resources and nonprofit websites. However, these free resources offer basic details about a car and may not give every detail about the car’s past.

Therefore, if you want detailed information about a car’s past, you may consider using paid VIN check services. Reliable web tools like Carmart, GoodCar, and CarFax offer comprehensive reports on a car’s history. Usually, they gather information from different sources to give you a complete picture of a vehicle’s history. Typically, these premium services aggregate information from multiple sources to give detailed information on a vehicle’s history, such as:

• Ownership records
• Vehicle specifications
• Registration details
• Odometer verifications
• Recall information
• Lien information
• Accident history
• Theft records
• Title history
• Title brands
• Rebuild records
• Sales history
• Maintenance and service records
• Safety defect information
• Trade-in, retail, and private-party pricing
• NHTSA crash test ratings and much more!

What Used Car Scams Are Common in Minnesota?

When buying used cars in Minnesota, it is essential to be knowledgeable about common scams that could turn a great deal into a costly mistake. Scammers use various tricks to hide a vehicle's true history. A recent report shows a used car dealership sued for fraud by the Minnesota Attorney General. The dealership sold non-certified vehicles and engaged in deceptive sales practices, including adding unauthorized vehicle service contracts to customers' purchases. Intending used car buyers can protect themselves from fraud by understanding the following common used car scams in Minnesota:

Curbstoning:

Unlicensed individuals pose as private sellers by selling cars on the street or online without proper paperwork. They often offer lower prices to lure buyers and sell cars with hidden mechanical or legal issues.

Title Washing:

Scammers alter the car’s title records to hide major damage issues, such as flood damage or salvage history.

Odometer Rollbacks:

In this scam, the mileage on the car is tampered with to show fewer miles than it has been driven to trick buyers into paying more for a vehicle that has been heavily used.

Fake Documentation Scams:

Fraudsters may sometimes create forged titles, registration papers, or maintenance records to cover up a vehicle’s troubled past.

VIN Cloning:

In VIN cloning scams, the VIN from a legally registered car is taken and used on a stolen or damaged vehicle.

"As-Is" Sales Scam:

As-is sales mean the car is sold with all its current faults, and the seller offers no warranty or guarantee.

Buying used cars does not have to be a gamble. Used car scams hurt buyers in many ways. Generally, victims of used car scams suffer significant financial losses from expensive repairs, legal fees, or outright loss of the vehicle. Therefore, it is essential to take the following precautions to avoid these scams:

• Do your research. Look up the dealer’s reputation online.
• Research the vehicle you intend to buy. Know the fair price, model, features, and options in your area.
• Ask questions about the car’s history. Document all agreements. Read the fine print on the contract.
• Be cautious if a dealer refuses to provide a history report for the vehicle.
• Get a third party, preferably a trusted mechanic, to inspect the car.
• Use trustworthy sites like GoodCar to conduct VIN checks before finalizing the purchase.

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

It is important to check your car's status if you are unsure of its history or want to verify the lienholder’s information. Verifying your car's title can help you avoid potential financial losses, especially if there is an error in the lienholder's details. A clear title report confirms that the buyer is the rightful owner and that there are no hidden claims or issues on the vehicle.

You can check the status of your vehicle title in Minnesota using the DVS Vehicle Services web tool. To access the record, enter your VIN in the search bar. There is a processing fee of about $5 to access the detailed title status report. The report will indicate if the title is clear, if it has a brand status (such as salvage or rebuilt), or if there are unresolved liens. It also provides information on whether the vehicle is properly registered in Minnesota.

How To Register a Brand New Car in Minnesota

When you purchase a brand new car in Minnesota, you must title and register it to drive it legally. Titling creates the official documents of the car, showing who owns it, while registration records the vehicle in the state’s system. The DVS, a division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, is responsible for titling and registering vehicles.

Usually, when you buy a car from a licensed dealer, the dealer typically handles the title transfer and registration paperwork. This means they will send all the necessary forms to the DVS, making the process easier. There are various fees associated with registering and titling new vehicles in the state. Generally, the fees vary by type and weight of the vehicle. Registration is valid for two years in Minnesota. In addition, some counties may charge extra fees.

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

In Minnesota, over 5.6 million cars are registered annually, making it essential for car owners to keep their paperwork up-to-date. Generally, registering and titling your new car in Minnesota requires the following:

• Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO)
• Application to Title and Register Motor Vehicle form
• Proof of auto insurance
• A valid Minnesota driver’s license or state-issued ID to verify your identity
• Bill of sale or purchase contract

There are various fees associated with registering and titling new cars in Minnesota. The title fee costs $20.50, which includes the tax and technology surcharge. Depending on the county, there is a $10 - $20 wheelage tax. It costs $8 to file for your license plates and up to $20 with local surcharges. The base registration fee is $35 and above, based on the value of the vehicle. Additionally, the state charges a $75 annual EV fee. The registration renewal is every two years, and the fees are similar to the initial costs.

Does Minnesota Mandate Vehicle Inspection?

Per Section 169.781-782 of the Minnesota Statutes, the state does not mandate regular safety or emissions inspections for passenger vehicles. However, safety and emissions inspections are required for commercial and salvage vehicles. Minnesota mandates annual inspections for commercial motor vehicles weighing above 26,000 pounds. Similarly, vehicles classified as salvage must undergo inspections to verify the VIN and check for theft or fraud before being retitled.

Although the state does not mandate regular vehicle inspections for passenger cars, certain conditions may require inspections. A vehicle inspection may be necessary to verify the VIN and ensure the vehicle’s legitimacy during the transfer of ownership. Rebuilt vehicles may also require an inspection to confirm they meet legal standards. Additionally, odometer readings may be verified to ensure the recorded mileage matches official state records.

How Do I Get a Replacement VIN in Minnesota?

The Driver and Vehicle Services issues replacement VINs in Minnesota. Several instances may warrant obtaining a replacement VIN in Minnesota, including:

• Damaged, Missing, or Altered VIN: If your vehicle's original VIN plate is damaged, missing, or has been tampered with, it is essential to get a new one to ensure your vehicle is properly identified.
• Homemade Vehicles: Vehicles built from scratch, such as a custom motorcycle, will not have a VIN. Therefore, a VIN application is required to register such vehicles to drive legally in the state.
• Rebuilt from Salvage: Vehicles once declared total losses and have been repaired would require a new VIN to show their roadworthiness.

Section 168.29 of the Minnesota Statutes specifies how to get replacement VINs. Per the law, if your vehicle's VIN is defaced, missing, or damaged, you must submit a sworn statement alongside any piece of the damaged item to the DVS. Persons applying for VIN replacement may complete the Application for Replacement of VIN form. The form is available at any of the DVS offices. You will need to pay the fees. The DVS schedules an inspection of the vehicle to determine the accuracy of the claims. If the application for a replacement VIN is approved, the DVS will issue you new VIN plates.

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

Minnesota does not require VIN inspection when registering out-of-state vehicles. However, certain conditions may necessitate a VIN verification, such as discrepancies in the vehicle documentation or if the vehicle has a salvage title.