Idaho VIN Lookup

Used cars in Idaho cost an average of $26,000. Therefore, buying them is a sure way to avoid breaking the bank to own a vehicle. Buying a used car is however not without its risks especially as Idaho has no lemon laws that protect used car buyers. It is important that a buyer is careful and makes all the necessary checks before committing to buying a used vehicle.

Idaho has about 235 dealers selling used cars and trust is earned so buyers have to do due diligence before trusting any car dealer. VIN checks reveal important information about a car’s history such as odometer readings, inspection reports, salvage and accident reports, insurance payments, and existing liens among others. Buying a used car without running a detailed VIN check is a sure way to fall victim to auto fraud.

Why Performing an Idaho VIN Check Is Important?

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of a car is a 17-character code that is unique to a car. It is assigned to a car and is the access code to important details about the car. No two cars can have the same VIN. Performing a VIN check on a used car is therefore a smart way to avoid the heartache of being a victim of fraud. A VIN check will typically reveal the following details about a car:

• Title Brands: VIN checks reveal a vehicle’s history, present condition, and an indication of potential risks. If the title brand is written as “junk,” “flood-damaged,” or “rebuilt,” it shows that the vehicle has undergone significant damage, and caution is advised before committing to buy a used car.
• Registration and Title Verification: According to the Vermont Statutes Title 49, cars used within the state are to be registered with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). Non-registration of a car in Idaho is a misdemeanor punishable by seizure of the car and its cargo for up to 72 hours and release will only be after the presentation of proper evidence that the appropriate registration has been done. To avoid future inconveniences, VIN checks help to verify that a car’s registration is up-to-date and that a seller is authorized to sell the car.
• Odometer Accuracy Verification: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found out that odometer scams cost American car buyers about $1 billion annually. Auto fraudsters typically alter the mileage reading of a used car to increase its market value. The alarming statistics of the NHTSA should make a buyer more cautious and verify a car’s odometer reading via a VIN check. A VIN check confirms a car’s actual accumulated mileage and protects a buyer from falling for the scam of altered odometer readings.
• Auto Theft Checks: Idaho has one of the lowest car theft rates numbering about 101.6 incidences per 100,000 residents. The low incidence rate does not mean that a buyer should not be cautious, as ending up with a stolen car can lead to serious financial and legal complications that could have been avoided with a VIN lookup. VIN checks will help a buyer see if a car has been reported stolen.
• Auto Fraud Prevention: Four percent of fraud cases reported within Idaho are auto-related. This makes it an important issue to look out for. VIN checks will help you verify odometer readings, car titles and registration, forged titles, and identify stolen cars so as not to fall victim to auto fraud.

How To Perform an Idaho VIN Check

To perform VIN checks in Idaho, the online platforms of various federal and state agencies can be used. These include:

Idaho Transportation Department (ITD):

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) online portal allows anyone to verify a car’s registration details, title, insurance, lienholder information (if any), and vehicle history reports.

The NHTSA VIN Decoder:

The NHTSA VIN Decoder provides information about a car’s manufacturer, model year, production location, engine and transmission details, and other safety-related info. It works with both full and partial VINs.

NICB VINCheck:

The NICB VINCheck service helps verify if a vehicle has been reported as stolen or salvaged, including flood damage. Users are limited to five searches per day.

Free vs. Paid VIN Check Services in Idaho

VIN checks are typically free with government agencies and some nonprofit organizations. However, third-party websites offer more information about a car using their VIN lookup portals. Access to more information will help to make better choices when buying a car. Online platforms such as VinLiNK, Bumper, GoodCar, and EpicVIN offer comprehensive vehicle history reports. For a small fee, one can access the following information via these platforms:

• Inspection records
• Service and maintenance records
• Sales history
• Title details
• Ownership records
• Title brands
• Vehicle specifications
• Odometer verification
• NHTSA crash test ratings
• Accident history
• Rebuild records
• Safety defects and recalls
• Retail, trade-in, and private-party pricing, and much more!

What Used Car Scams Are Common in Idaho?

Misleading car prices, selling of “lemons” by unlicensed dealers, and fraudulent car loans are some of the car scams to be careful of when looking to buy used cars in Idaho. A class action lawsuit was recently filed against a car dealership in Idaho that sold cars to more than thirty people without providing titles. The buyers are paying car loans for cars that they do not own. Other used car-related scams in Idaho include:

Odometer Rollbacks:

Changing a vehicle’s odometer reading to make it look like it is less used to increase its market value.

Curbstoning:

Unlicensed car dealers posing as private individuals selling their property. This is done in a bid to sell used cars for a wider profit margin.

Fake Vehicle Histories:

Presenting fake accidents, repairs, or maintenance reports to pass off the car as more well-maintained than it is.

Title Washing:

Wiping off or altering a vehicle’s title to hide its salvage or flood-damaged status.

VIN Cloning:

Duplicating VIN from an original car to another car of the same model, usually to hide the fact that it is a stolen, damaged, or salvaged vehicle.

Sadly, auto scams are prevalent in the used car market. These scams have led buyers into unplanned legal battles and great financial loss. Every potential buyer must be careful and vigilant while buying used cars in Idaho. In order not to fall victim to auto fraud, here are a few precautions to be taken:

• Know the car you want to buy - its features, average market value, and possible faults to look out for.
• Be wary of deals that appear too juicy. They just might spell trouble.
• All relevant documentation must be requested, reviewed, and verified appropriately before payment is made.
• Insist on a written warranty.
• Conduct a thorough VIN check on the vehicle using reputable sites like GoodCar before finalizing the purchase.

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

The DMV portal of the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) provides access to information about title and registration certificates. It is important to perform these checks when purchasing a used car to avoid issues with improper title transfers or fraudulent sales, which could affect your ability to use, resell, or transfer the vehicle in the future.

To check the title status, simply enter the full VIN of the vehicle into the designated field on the online portal. The system will provide detailed and accurate vehicle history. This service is free for everyone.

How To Register a Brand New Car in Idaho

A car bought from an Idaho car dealer must be registered within 30 days of delivery. You will typically need to take the following steps to register a new car in Idaho:

• Get an active insurance policy from a verified Idaho insurance agent. Idaho statutes require a minimum insurance liability of $25,000. No car can be registered without an active insurance policy.
• The DMV portal on the ITD website has a portal to register vehicles bought from an Idaho dealer. One will need to register an account with the ITD to be able to apply for registration. If the car is an out-of-state vehicle, you will need to apply in person at the DMV because the car title and VIN have to be verified first before the application for registration can begin. A one-year registration fee is $134.48
• Submit the car title, sales documents, driver’s license, and Social Security number to the assessor's office of your county DMV. Note that all registration processes can be done online.

Existing registration by the same owner cannot be transferred to a new vehicle in Idaho. Every car must have its own registration. The ITD has made it easier for people to register vehicles personally online as they are working towards a one-person-one-record system. You do not need to go through a car dealer before obtaining registration. This is to encourage transparency within the process. Note that additional fees may apply during the registration process.

In Idaho, there are over 2 million cars registered annually. This number comprises both used and new vehicles across the state. To register a new car in Idaho, you must:

• Show your state identification card to show that you are within the legal age to buy a car.
• Provide a title to show proof of ownership.
• Have your insurance information.
• Provide documents that your car has passed the safety and emissions inspection.
• Fill out the car’s registration application.

To renew a car’s registration in Idaho, the DMV portal of the ITD website offers access to this service without the need to log in. Just the plate number and the last 6 digits of the VIN are needed to renew a car’s registration. You will also be required to pay a renewal fee that is typically cheaper than that of a new registration.

Does Idaho Mandate Vehicle Inspection?

Idaho does not mandate periodic vehicle inspections for most cars. However, specific counties, such as Ada and Canyon counties, require vehicles to undergo emissions testing. This testing checks various vehicle components, including brakes, exhaust system, lighting devices, and emissions system, to ensure compliance with the state’s environmental standards.

VIN, title, and odometer verifications are conducted at the point of registration, but no further periodic inspections are required once the vehicle is registered.

How Do I Get a Replacement VIN in Idaho?

VIN replacements typically occur when the VIN has been altered or become missing due to accidents, theft, rusting, tampering, fire damage, and repair errors. To get a VIN replaced for a car, you would need to visit the Division of Motor Vehicles of the ITD with a salvage report and the car title. The salvage report or record is to verify that the extent to which the repair was done is following Chapter 9, Title 49 of the Idaho Code.

If the car is from an out-of-state dealer, the inspection would also include ensuring that the parts used in salvaging or rebuilding the vehicle are not stolen. An inspection fee of $25 is expected to be paid. Your Idaho VIN is expected to be issued after the inspection has been done and the car is certified eligible for use within Idaho.

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

VIN inspections for out-of-state vehicles in Idaho are mandatory. It is an important part of the process leading up to the registration of the vehicle. The inspection ensures that the car’s history keeps to the safety and regulatory standards of Idaho.