TEXAS.STATERECORDS.ORG IS A PRIVATELY OWNED WEBSITE THAT IS NOT OWNED OR OPERATED BY ANY STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCY.
close banner

Texas VIN Lookup

state records colored logo
VIN Check

  • Make
  • Model
  • Year
  • Recalls and Defects
  • And More
  • Vehicle Specs
  • Vehicle Details
  • Public Records
  • Vehicle Identification Number

VIN Lookup in Texas

A Texas VIN lookup is a service with which interested persons can obtain information regarding the history of a vehicle using its VIN number. While a VIN lookup typically provides vehicle-related information, a Texas license plate lookup also provides information regarding the vehicle’s owner.

With a VIN lookup, requestors will be able to obtain the following information regarding a vehicle:

  • The make, model, and year of the vehicle

  • The vehicle's registration status

  • The name and address of the registered owner

  • The lienholder information (if applicable)

  • The vehicle identification number (VIN)

  • The date of the last registration renewal

  • The date of the last safety inspection

In order to access this information, the requesting party will typically be required to provide:

  • The VIN of the vehicle

  • The license plate number of the vehicle (if relevant to the type of search)

In Texas, VIN lookups can be conducted through the Department of Motor Vehicles which processes requests using the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). The database provides title information culled from various US states. The U.S. Department of Justice also provides a list of approved providers with which requestors can process VIN lookup queries. These providers are expected to provide reports that meet federal requirements for a fee.

The provisions for the use of VIN numbers on Texas vehicles are specified in the Texas Transportation Code and TRANSP § 501.158 provides for the seizure of vehicles that do not satisfy these requirements or have had their identification number altered.

What is A VIN Number In Texas?

The VIN is made up of 17 characters (digits and capital letters) that act as a unique identifier for the vehicle. Each character has a specific meaning, and together they provide information about the vehicle's make, model, year, country of origin, manufacturer, and more. In Texas, VIN numbers are referenced on the title and registration of a vehicle. It is typically assigned to every motor vehicle when it's manufactured.

How is A VIN Number Used?

The VIN is used by the automotive industry to identify individual vehicles and investigate recalls. It can also be helpful in determining a vehicle's history, such as whether it has been in any accidents.

Who issues a Vehicles VIN Number in Texas?

VIN numbers are generated by vehicle manufacturers to uniquely identify each vehicle. The process of generating a VIN number is regulated by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and all vehicles manufactured must have a 17-character VIN.

The first three characters of a VIN number are known as the "World Manufacturer Identifier" and identify the country, region, or final assembly point of the vehicle. The fourth through eighth characters of a VIN number are known as the "Vehicle Descriptor Section" and describe the make, model, body style, and engine type of the vehicle. The ninth character of a VIN number is known as the "Check Digit" and is used to verify the accuracy of the VIN number.

The last eight characters of a VIN number are known as the "Vehicle Identification Sequence" and contain information such as the vehicle's production plant, production date, and serial number.

How To Find Your Car’s VIN Number

A car's VIN number is typically located on the dashboard, on the driver's side. However, it can also be located on the doorjamb, on the engine, or in the trunk. If it is not found on the car itself, the user can also check the car's title and registration documents.

How to Conduct a Texas VIN Lookup

A Texas VIN lookup may be conducted through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) website. The site lists a number of Approved NMVTIS Data Providers with which interested persons can find important vehicle condition and history information. Alternatively, a VIN lookup may be conducted through the state DMV. The requesting party may contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles in person or via mail, to request the history of the vehicle of interest. However, the requestor may be required to pay a fee to cover the cost of the request, as well as furnish the department with the VIN number of the vehicle. Interested members of the public may also conduct a Texas VIN lookup using the National Insuarance Crime Bureau VINCheck Lookup tool. To use online checker, requestors only need to enter the VIN number of the vehicle being researched.

How Do I Look Up A VIN Number For Free In Texas?

To lookup a VIN number for free in Texas, requestors may use the NICB VINCheck Lookup tool. Requestors are only required to provide the VIN number of the vehicle of interest for their request to be processed.

What is A VIN Inspection In Texas?

A VIN inspection is a physical examination of a vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number) to verify that it matches the paperwork associated with the vehicle. The inspection helps to ensure that the vehicle has not been stolen, involved in a serious accident, or otherwise tampered with.

In Texas, all vehicles must undergo a VIN inspection before they can be registered. The inspection can be performed by any licensed vehicle dealer, law enforcement officer, or authorized agent of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).

The inspection process is fairly simple:

  1. The inspector will visually inspect the VIN on the vehicle to make sure it matches the VIN on the paperwork.

  2. If the VIN is not visible, the inspector may use a special VIN decoder to identify the vehicle.

  3. Once the VIN has been verified, the inspector will complete and sign a VIN Inspection Certificate (VIC) and provide it to the vehicle owner.

The VIC must be presented to the TxDMV when registering the vehicle. Further questions about the VIN inspection process may be directed to a licensed vehicle dealer or the TxDMV.

How Much is A Vehicle Inspection In Texas?

The cost of a vehicle inspection in Texas varies depending on the type of vehicle being inspected and the location of the inspection station. However, most inspections cost between $25 and $50. Some inspection stations may also charge an additional fee for special services, such as emissions testing.

What is A Vehicle Inspection Report In Texas

A Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) is a document that records the results of an inspection of a vehicle's safety equipment and mechanical components. The VIR is required by law in the state of Texas and must be completed by a licensed inspector.

The VIR must include the date of the inspection, the make and model of the vehicle, the license plate number, and the odometer reading. The inspection must also include a check of the vehicle's headlights, taillights, turn signals, brake lights, mirrors, windshield wipers, and tires.

The inspector will also check the vehicle's horn, steering, suspension, and brakes. The engine oil and coolant levels will be checked, as well as the condition of the battery and the engine air filter.

How To Use The VIN Decoder To Do A VIN Number Check

A VIN decoder simply breaks down or decodes a VIN number into its independent components. Typically, a VIN number features information about a car, such as its make, model, year, and country of manufacture.

To use a VIN decoder, simply enter the VIN into the appropriate field on the VIN decoder service. After entering the VIN, hit the “decode” button. This will bring up all of the information associated with that particular VIN.

Here's what each character in a VIN number stands for:

  • 1st Character: Country of Origin

  • 2nd Character: Manufacturer

  • 3rd Character: Vehicle Type

  • 4th-8th Characters: Body Style, Engine Type, etc.

  • 9th Character: Check Digit

  • 10th Character: Model Year

  • 11th Character: Plant Code

  • 12-17 Characters: Production Sequence Numbers

VIN Lookup By License Plate In Texas

A VIN lookup may also be conducted using the license plate number of the vehicle of interest. Typically, a license plate lookup will provide information regarding a vehicle include its VIN number and vehicle history (in most cases). License plate information may be requested from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website or through the NMVTIS system. License plate lookups are also conducted through third-party aggregate services, however, the requestor will be required to pay a fee for the service.

Regardless of the service provider in question, the requesting party will be required to furnish the provider with the license plate information of the vehicle. In some cases, this will be alongside relevant information regarding the vehicle such as its make, model etc.

VIN Verification Process In Texas

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code that is assigned to every motor vehicle when it is manufactured. The VIN is used to identify the vehicle and can be used to track its history.

In Texas, the VIN verification process is conducted by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV).

To verify a VIN, requestors will need to provide the following information:

  • The vehicle's make, model, and year

  • The vehicle's VIN

  • The driver's license or ID number

Can I Lookup My Vehicle Specs By VIN Number in Texas?

Yes, by using a VIN decoder, interested persons can obtain their vehicle specs by VIN number. These services will typically provide detailed information about your vehicles, such as its make, model, and year. Some of these services may also offer a history report of the vehicle.

Can You Track A Car By VIN Number in Texas?

Yes. It is possible to track a car by its VIN number in Texas.

To track a car by VIN number, requestors may contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV can provide information on the registered owner of a vehicle, as well as the current location of the vehicle. However, it should be noted that the DMV will only release this information to authorized individuals, such as law enforcement officers or government agencies.

Another way to track a car by VIN number in Texas is to use a VIN tracking service. There are a number of online companies that offer this type of service, and they may offer information regarding a vehicle based on its VIN, and in some cases, this will include the location of the vehicle. These services usually charge a fee.

Can You Tell Engine Size By VIN Number?

The answer is yes, vehicle owners can tell engine size by VIN number. However, there is a bit of a process involved. First, they’'ll need to find the character in the VIN that corresponds to engine size. This will be different depending on the make and model of the car. Haven found that character, they can then proceed to use a VIN decoder to translate it into engine size.