Michigan VIN Lookup

The average price of a used vehicle in Michigan is $23,350, which is quite expensive. As a result, it is important for anyone purchasing a preowned vehicle from any of the 729 used car dealers in the state to conduct a VIN lookup. A VIN check primarily enables prospective vehicle owners to make an informed buying decision when shopping for pre-owned vehicles.

The Michigan Lemon Law offers a form of protection for individuals who purchase new vehicles that are defective and provides remedies for the failure to repair such motor vehicles. Unfortunately, this law does not apply to pre-owned vehicles unless such cars are still within the manufacturer’s express warranties at the time of purchase. Hence, it is crucial for anyone purchasing a used vehicle in Michigan to ensure proper checks are done before purchasing it, which largely includes conducting a VIN lookup.

VIN lookup in Michigan involves obtaining important information about any vehicle registered in the state using the vehicle identification number (VIN). Such information typically includes the vehicle specifications, theft records, accident history, and other vital vehicle history reports.

Why Performing a Michigan VIN Check Is Important

Performing a Michigan VIN check is important for many reasons. It primarily reveals vital information about a vehicle’s overall condition and past, which can help a person make some critical decisions. For instance, reports obtained from a Michigan VIN check can help prospective car buyers make an informed decision when shopping for a used vehicle in the state. Such reports will generally identify potential issues and disclose if a vehicle is reliable and safe to use after purchase.

Below are some of the reasons you should conduct a Michigan VIN check:

• To Identify if a Vehicle is Stolen: Motor vehicle thefts are common in Michigan. The state ranks as one of those with the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. With about 281.3 vehicle theft incidents per 100,000 residents, it is imperative for anyone purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, either from a licensed dealer or a private seller, to perform a VIN check. A comprehensive vehicle history report obtained from a VIN lookup will reveal if a car has ever been reported as stolen, which may prevent you from legal issues and financial loss.
• To Determine if a Vehicle Has Ever Been Involved in an Accident: Michigan records an average of 287,000 traffic crashes yearly, and some of the vehicles involved in these accidents undergo repairs and are put up for sale. Hence, the need to conduct a VIN check before paying for a used vehicle in the state cannot be overemphasized. It typically reveals the kind of accident a vehicle has been involved in and the extent of repairs done to put it in shape. With this information, you can determine if the vehicle is safe enough to put back on the road.
• To Uncover Odometer Fraud: Although odometer fraud is considered illegal in the United States, over 450,000 used vehicles with false mileage are sold in the United States annually. At least 40% of the used cars sold in Michigan have altered odometer readings. Car dealers generally alter or roll back vehicles’ mileage to make them appear as though they have low mileage and to artificially increase their value. Thankfully, you will find a vehicle’s accurate odometer readings in a comprehensive vehicle history report obtained from a VIN lookup.
• To Determine a Vehicle’s Registration Status and Uncover Possible Title Issues: It is important to know a used vehicle’s title information before purchasing it. Conducting a VIN lookup on any vehicle registered in Michigan will reveal its registration and title status, which may prevent you from buying a stolen vehicle or one with a salvage title. Per Act 300 of 1949 (Michigan Vehicle Code), a valid registration is required before operating any motor vehicle in the state.
• To Uncover a Vehicle’s Full History: A VIN check is a form of due diligence that helps track a vehicle’s history, including safety recalls, flood damage, ownership history, service records, and maintenance history. All of these can help determine a pre-owned vehicle’s overall condition before paying for it.

How To Perform a Michigan VIN Check

Michigan VIN checks may be conducted using several online resources dedicated to providing vehicle history reports to interested members of the public. In other instances, anyone may obtain such reports by mail or in-person at certain government agency offices.

In Michigan, you may conduct a VIN check on any vehicle registered in the state through any of the following means:

Michigan Department of State Offices (SOS):

The Michigan Secretary of State's Office offers online and mail access to vehicle records in the state. Each record costs $15, with an additional $1 for a certified copy. The records typically include vehicle title and registration details, including ownership history.

NICB VINCheck:

The VINCheck service offered by the NICB allows anyone to look up Michigan-registered vehicles using their VIN. The service provides information on theft records and salvage titles for vehicles reported as stolen or salvaged by participating NICB member insurance companies. To search, simply enter the vehicle’s full VIN and click “Search VIN.”

The NHTSA VIN Decoder:

The NHTSA VIN Decoder allows users to look up Michigan-registered vehicles using their VIN to determine the vehicle's plant and country of manufacture. You can enter a full or partial VIN and click the “Decode VIN” button to obtain basic vehicle safety information along with the manufacturing details.

Free vs. Paid VIN Check Services in Michigan

Generally, free VIN lookup services are designed to provide users with basic vehicle information, which in most cases includes vehicle specifications. As such, VIN check sites like the NICB’s VINCheck and others managed by government and non-profit bodies will not provide the detailed information required to make certain decisions while purchasing a used vehicle in Michigan.

On the other hand, while most third-party VIN check services also provide users with basic vehicle information, individuals who subscribe to their premium services will always obtain comprehensive vehicle reports. Third-party sites like GoodCar, Carmat, AutoCheck, and CarFax offer premium services through which subscribers may obtain the following detailed information in a typical Michigan VIN check:

• Detailed vehicle specification, including the make, model, year, trim, transmission type, engine type, and body style
• Title records
• Title brands
• Defects and safety recalls
• Odometer readings
• Accident reports and major issues
• Market value
• Theft records
• Ownership information/history
• Service/maintenance records
• Sales history
• Salvage/junk records
• Auction records, and much more!

What Used Car Scams Are Common in Michigan?

Purchasing a used car in Michigan can be a more affordable option for a shopper. However, the thought of purchasing a pre-owned vehicle can sometimes be filled with uncertainties, considering the various incidents of used car scams within the state.

In a particular incident, a Metro Detroit car salesman, Ricardo Perez, who was fired from Plymouth dealership (Dick Scott Chrysler), allegedly scammed dozens of people across many Metro Detroit cities. According to police in Lincoln Park, Perez, who was fired from the car dealership, never told the clients about being fired. Instead, the accused kept taking deposits and allegedly selling stolen vehicles to unsuspecting buyers.

It is important to understand how used car scams work in Michigan and know how to avoid falling victim. Prevalent scams to look out for when buying a used or second-hand vehicle in the state include the following:

Curbstoning:

This involves car dealers who pose as private individuals to scam unsuspecting shoppers by skirting certain industry rules and selling vehicles with hidden problems.

Lowballing:

A car seller puts up their vehicle for sale at a price far below its actual/market value to get rid of it due to certain issues that they will not disclose.

VIN Cloning:

This involves removing the VIN of a stolen car or a vehicle with a salvaged title and replacing it with that of a legally registered and similar car.

Odometer Rollbacks:

A popular used car scam in which sellers alter a vehicle’s odometer reading to hide the gap in time between previous sales or service appointments or to sell it at a higher price.

Title Washing:

This is the illegal removal of critical information/history, such as outstanding loans and a major accident that makes a car worth less than its asking price, from a vehicle’s title to sell it at a higher price.

As a rule of thumb, to avoid falling victim to a used car scam in Michigan, be cautious of a pre-owned car deal listing that seems too good to be true. Only shop a used vehicle from a licensed and reliable dealership. If purchasing from a private seller, ensure to verify that the vehicle’s title is in the seller’s name. A VIN check on any reliable third-party VIN check services like GoodCar can help with this and other key vehicle history reports.

Furthermore, make sure to compare a car’s odometer with the odometer reading on the original title and ascertain there are no discrepancies before purchasing it. Also, comparing a car’s VIN on the driver’s door to the one stamped near the windshield for any sign of tampering is recommended. In addition, contacting a local Secretary of State Office to check a pre-owned vehicle’s VIN can be of great help.

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

You can check the status of a vehicle’s title in Michigan using the Department of State Online Services. Follow these steps:

• Launch the Department of State Online Services.

• Navigate to "Additional Services" and select "Record Sales Services."

• If you have a record lookup account, select "Log in for Record Sales." If not, select "Request Records."

• Follow the on-screen prompts to request your vehicle title records.

• Pay a $15 fee with a credit/debit card or bank/e-check for each record obtained. Additional fees apply for credit/debit card payments.

Once you obtain the title records, you can confirm the vehicle’s title status. If you are purchasing a pre-owned vehicle in Michigan, checking the title status can help prevent buying a stolen vehicle. You can also use the title status to verify lienholder information and check if there is an outstanding loan on the car.

How To Register a Brand New Car in Michigan

A vehicle must be registered with the Michigan Secretary of State's Office and have an assigned vehicle title before it can be operated legally in the state. While it is not mandatory, most licensed car dealerships in the state may opt to handle the vehicle registration and titling process for brand-new car buyers.

You can register a brand-new vehicle in Michigan by taking the following steps:

• Gather all the required documents and prepare to pay the applicable fees.
• Visit the nearest branch office of the Michigan Secretary of State Office with the required documents to register and title the vehicle. While it is not mandatory, you may schedule an office visit to save time when visiting. Alternatively, you can register and title a vehicle online.
• Submit the required documents and pay the applicable registration fees. Once processed, the Secretary of State Office will send your registration sticker and license plate.

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

At least 8.5 million vehicles are registered with the Michigan Secretary of State Office, a large percentage of which are motor vehicles that run on gasoline. Generally, most passenger vehicles, vans, SUVs, and pickups need registration. However, state law exempts some motor vehicles from registration in Michigan. These include certain trailers, farm vehicles, and off-road vehicles.

The requirements for registering a new vehicle in Michigan generally include the following:

• Proof of vehicle ownership
• Original vehicle title containing the following details:
  • Date of sale
  • Seller’s and buyer’s signature
  • Sale price
  • Odometer disclosure statement to accurate odometer reading
  • Completed buyer’s and seller’s section
• Valid identity (Michigan driver’s license or ID card)
• Completed Application for Michigan Vehicle Title Form (Form TR-11L)
• Proof of Michigan no-fault auto insurance
• If the vehicle is purchased from a private individual, a signed-over title showing the vehicle’s VIN and odometer reading
• Payment of applicable registration fees. The SOS maintains a Registration Fee Calculator. However, anyone registering a vehicle is required to pay a $15 title transfer fee and a 6% sales tax. The SOS accepts payment by money order, check, cash, or debit or credit card.

In Michigan, vehicle registration is valid for one year from the month the car was registered and must be renewed afterward at a fee. Hence, vehicle owners are required to renew their vehicle registrations annually, and they can do so in any of the following ways:

• Michigan Online Vehicle Registration Renewal - Launch the SOS Online Services and follow the screen prompts. You will need your license plate number, email address, last four digits of your car’s VIN, and a bank account number or valid credit or debit card for payment. You can print the updated vehicle registration directly after completing the renewal application.
• Michigan Vehicle Registration Renewal By Mail - Mail your renewal notice (a pre-addressed return envelope is usually included at the time of delivery), copy of insurance policy (if required), and payment to the SOS at:

Michigan Department of State
Internal Services Section
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48918

• Michigan Vehicle Registration Renewal At Self-Service Station - Visit the nearest self-service station and present your renewal notice (or license plate number), the last four digits of the car’s VIN, and cash or valid credit/debit card for payment.
• Michigan Vehicle Registration Renewal in Person - Visit the nearest SOS office with your current registration, renewal notice, or license plate number and check, cash, money order, or a credit or debit card for payment. You will also need your Michigan driver’s license and proof of no-fault insurance (if applicable). While it is not mandatory, you may wish to schedule an office visit.

Does Michigan Mandate Vehicle Inspection?

No, vehicle inspection is not mandatory in Michigan. However, if a motor vehicle is deemed a salvage vehicle or is built from salvaged or scrapped parts, the vehicle owner must have it inspected. Additionally, under Section 257.715 of Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL), a vehicle may be subjected to an annual safety inspection if a uniformed law enforcement officer suspects defects in equipment or safety.

How Do I Get a Replacement VIN in Michigan?

In Michigan, you can request a replacement VIN for your vehicle if the Manufacturer’s VIN plate is missing due to theft, vehicle restoration, or body/part replacement. There could also be other reasons.

To get a replacement VIN in Michigan, complete the Application for Replacement Vehicle Identification Number Form (TR-204 Form) and submit it to the Secretary of State Office. You must specify the reason the Manufacturer's VIN plate is missing when filling out this form. In addition, you must have a Michigan police officer identify the current engine number and complete a Vehicle Number and Equipment Inspection Form (TR-54 Form), which must be submitted alongside the TR-204 Form.

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

No. A vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection is generally not required when registering an out-of-state vehicle in Michigan.