You just found the perfect used car but wonder about its past. Who owned it? Has it been in accidents? Without knowing this information, you might feel uneasy but there’s nothing to worry about since you can find the ownership history of any vehicle with the right tools.
While many people think that a VIN can reveal the complete ownership history, the reality is a bit different. Is it possible to check the owner of a vehicle by VIN? This article explains it all!
Vehicle History vs. Owner Lookup: Are They the Same?
Many people confuse vehicle history reports with owner lookups, but they serve different purposes. A vehicle report provides comprehensive information about a car’s past, including accidents, title brand records, service records, thefts, and every single detail about the vehicle.
To perform an owner lookup, which reveals ownership records, you must first conduct an entire vehicle history check. This means you can only access ownership details after first obtaining the complete history of the vehicle.
So, while they aren’t the same, one relies on the other.
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Can You Look Up Previous Car Owners Using a VIN?
The short answer is no. You cannot find the names or personal details of previous owners solely through a VIN. The VIN is primarily a unique identifier for the vehicle itself. Due to privacy laws, it does not disclose any personal information about its owners.
However, you can determine how often the vehicle has changed hands and in which states it has been registered. To find this information, you need to get a vehicle history report using the VIN. If the VIN is unavailable, a license plate lookup can also provide a vehicle’s ownership history and a full history report.
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Are There Any Legal Restrictions On Accessing Vehicle Ownership Data?
Yes, there are several legal restrictions on accessing vehicle ownership data to protect user privacy. In the U.S., the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) limits who can see personal information from vehicle records.
Only authorized groups, like law enforcement and insurance companies, can access this data under certain conditions. If you want to view a vehicle’s owner’s data, here are the agencies you can inquire with to do so:
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
You can contact your local DMV to request vehicle ownership information. However, due to the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), personal details about the owner may be restricted. The DMV will provide general vehicle information but may not disclose names or addresses without a valid reason.
Law Enforcement Agencies
These agencies have broader access to vehicle ownership data compared to the general public. They can obtain personal details without restrictions if it’s necessary for investigations or legal proceedings.
Private Investigative Services
Licensed private investigators can access vehicle ownership records under certain conditions. They have the tools and permissions to find information that the public cannot easily access, but their services usually come with a fee.
What Are the Benefits of Checking a Car’s History?
Knowing everything about a vehicle gives you confidence in your purchase and helps you make the right decision. Some of the main benefits of checking a car’s history includes:
Easier Evaluation
When you know a vehicle’s history, you can easily estimate its actual condition and market value. Red flags like accident records, title brand records, and damages are usually clearly provided with a report, which can guide you in making the best choice and negotiating better prices.
Real Mileage
Odometer fraud is a real issue and is quite common in the market. Sellers might tamper with the mileage to inflate the car’s value. A vehicle history report shows the mileage records from various checkpoints. This data helps you confirm if the mileage matches the vehicle’s condition.
Revealed Thefts
Revealed thefts are also a critical point. You don’t want to buy a stolen car, and a thorough history report can tell you if the vehicle has been reported stolen. This information can save you a lot of potential legal issues down the road.
Information About Damages
Information about damages rounds out the benefits. Accidents can severely affect a vehicle’s value and safety. A detailed report provides insights into any accidents or damages the car has suffered. You can then assess whether the car has been repaired properly and is roadworthy enough to be on the road.
