VIN Lookup in Arkansas

A VIN lookup in Arkansas is a procedure whereby the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is examined to obtain information about the vehicle history and the person in lawful possession of the car. Like the Arkansas license plate lookup process, a VIN check provides inquirers with a comprehensive vehicle report featuring maintenance history, recall history, and related details relevant to determining the market value of a vehicle.

According to the Arkansas vehicle law, VINs must be designated to vehicles after manufacture. A VIN helps in the scrutiny of cars that can pose a danger to other motorists. Private individuals, certified law enforcement officers, and other organizations can conduct VIN checks.

What is a Vehicle Identification Number in Arkansas?

A Vehicle Identification Number in Arkansas is a unique 17-digit code that consists of alphabets and numbers and is used to identify motor vehicles. In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sets specific safety standards for motor vehicles, such as ensuring that each motor vehicle contains a VIN with 17 characters. They are also in charge of ensuring that these standards are enforced.

In Arkansas, the codified laws §27-14-2211 states that no person is allowed to destroy or modify the Vehicle Identification Number or other distinct number or identification stamp of a motor vehicle. Vehicle owners must also not stamp any serial or other number upon a motor vehicle except one assigned by the Office of Motor Vehicle. The Arkansas penal code specifies that any violation of the use of VIN will be deemed a Class C felony.

How is a VIN Used?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is used for various purposes. The primary goal is to identify vehicles. However, it can also be used for other reasons:

To identify the car's owner (using the vehicle owner's name and address).
To give information on the unique specifications of the vehicle, such as the manufacturer, make, model, trim level, and year it was built.
Examine current or past theft records (whether the motor vehicle has been stolen).
To know the number of past owners registered under a vehicle.
To determine if there is an open recall from the manufacturer.

A VIN check can track parking tickets, warranty claims, insurance claims, registrations, etc. It can also show previous accidents, car crashes, or repairs carried out on the car.

In rare cases where a car does not have a VIN, car owners have to contact the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office for a reassigned VIN, assuming they pass the condition required to get a state VIN.

Who Issues a Vehicle Identification Number in Arkansas?

The manufacturer of the vehicle usually allocates a VIN. The manufacturer stamps the VIN on a metal plate, prints it on a sticker, and attaches it to the car at the time of production.

However, anyone who wants to validate their VIN or get a reassigned VIN can contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA).

How Many Digits are in a VIN?

A VIN comprises 17 characters, both in capital letters and figures. However, older vehicle models carry 16 digits because the system was not standardized then. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the VIN is required to be 17-digit. Each character or group of characters provides valuable information about the vehicle.

An example of a VIN is 4Y1SL65848Z411439. The VIN is divided into three sections which are:

The first three digits are classified as the World Manufacturer Identification Number (WMI). The first character of the VIN shows the country the vehicle was manufactured. The second character identifies the manufacturer. The third character shows what type of vehicle it is (car, bus, SUV, or truck). These three digits make up the WMI.
The next four digits on the VIN make up the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS). The 4th to 8th character shows the model type, body type, engine, drive type, and restraint systems.
The remaining ten digits fall under the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS). The 9th character shows the authenticity of the whole number. It is the check digit or vehicle checksum that ranges from zero to nine. The 10th character shows the model year of the vehicle. There are 30 characters approved for this position, excluding a few digits. The 11th character shows the code planted by the manufacturer. It is used to identify the plant location where the vehicle was manufactured. The 12th to 17th characters are known as "The Serial Number". It shows the number of cars during production.

How to Find Your Car's VIN Number

Manufacturers encode a VIN in different parts of a car. Here are the following parts vehicle owners can find their VIN numbers:

Dashboard: Vehicle owners can find their VIN number near the windshield, around the driver's side.
Driver-side door: This is on the B-pillar of the car. Car owners can find it once they open the driver-side door near the door latch. It is located at the bottom of the door frame and is engraved in metal.
Rear wheel: The VIN is usually above the rear wheel.
Front of the engine block: The VIN can be located by opening the hood at the front of the engine. It is close to the container that holds the windshield fluid.
Spare tire: The VIN can be located on the spare tire or in the space the spare tire is kept.
Hood: The VIN is located below the hood of a vehicle, near the engine.
Boot: The VIN can be found when the spare wheel is lifted in the boot.
Front Grille: Sometimes, manufacturers print the VIN number under the vehicle's front grille. This might only sometimes be the case.
Legal documents (registration paper, car's title, insurance documents): Vehicle owners can find their VIN without their vehicle present using essential documents such as insurance policy, car title records, and insurance card.

How to Conduct a VIN Lookup in Arkansas

Individuals interested in conducting a VIN lookup in Arkansas can use online VIN checker sites or third-party sites. A vehicle can also be checked by organizations such as

The National Insurance Crime Bureau
The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

These organizations possess essential data and details about motor vehicles.

How Do I Look Up a VIN Number for Free in Arkansas?

People interested can check a vehicle's VIN for free on the National Insurance Crime Bureau's free VIN check tool. It is provided to assist the public with several records of a vehicle's history. An individual can input a vehicle's VIN by typing it manually or taking a picture of it.

Individuals will receive information such as the model, year, and if the vehicle has been stolen. In addition, a person can only search for at most five times within 24 hours based on an IP address. Visiting the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is another way to gather information regarding a VIN.

Residents can use this service to verify the following details of a vehicle:

Accident History
Technical Specifications
Service and maintenance history
The present owner of the vehicle.
The market value of the vehicle
Warranty.

How to Use the VIN Decoder to Do a VIN Number Check

A VIN decoder translates the unique code allocated to a motor vehicle. The code comprises 17 characters and can give information about the model, year, manufacturer, and country the vehicle was manufactured.

To use a VIN decoder, follow these steps:

Input the character string into the right bar on the website or app.
After inputting it, the decoder will provide a report containing available information about the motor vehicle.

This information can be saved or printed out for future use. In addition, VIN decoders can be found online by third-party organizations. The information provided by a VIN decoder is based on the database it is sourced from. Hence, if there is a need to confirm the accuracy of the information, it is advisable to consult with an expert or the manufacturer.

How to Conduct a VIN Lookup by License Plate in Arkansas

Individuals can obtain VIN information by requesting a vehicle record report from the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The individual will be required to request a vehicle record on the Arkansas DMV website and provide information such as the model and license plate number of the vehicle to aid the request. In the past, license plates were issued by the cities. However, since 2022, license plate are now published by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

What is a VIN Inspection in Arkansas?

A VIN inspection is a procedure that ensures that the VIN on a motor vehicle matches the one on the registration papers. A VIN inspection is not required for the cars in Arkansas. Only cars transferred from a different state which have undergone significant damage shall be subjected to VIN inspection.

Different titles are issued to a vehicle depending on the damage sustained, and these include:

Salvage Title: This title indicates that the vehicle repairs would cost an amount equal to or exceeding 70 percent of the market price.
Rebuilt Title: This title indicates that the vehicle has been once categorized as salvage. However, the car has been repaired and rebuilt. To get a rebuilt title, car owners must prove to the OMV that the vehicle has been completely restored.
Parts-only Title: This registration title is also known as the "parts only" and "not for registration". This document indicates that the car has no resale value and is seriously damaged. Only parts of the vehicle are suitable for resale.
Water-damaged Title: This indicates that the vehicle was submerged or partially submerged in the water to the point that the dashboard was underwater. This title applies regardless of the cost of damage.

Vehicles brought in from out of state and didn't have one of the above titles will not be required to request an inspection. However, if a vehicle sustains massive damage in Arkansas, the car owners must obtain a salvage title.

What is a Vehicle Inspection Report in Arkansas?

A Vehicle Inspection Report is an official document that contains information about the state of a vehicle at the time it was inspected. The report includes an inspection of the inner and outer parts of the car and also the test drive. The inspection is usually conducted by a state inspector, usually an employee of.

How Much is a Vehicle Inspection in Arkansas?

The cost of a vehicle inspection could vary based on the type of vehicle inspected, the location, the brand of the car, and any additional tests needed to make the review a success.

In Arkansas, vehicles do not need to undergo emissions, safety, or VIN inspections. Only cars brought in from other states need to experience these inspections. That being said, it is a good idea to have a vehicle inspected to ensure it is working altogether.

Vehicle owners who would like to undergo a motor vehicle safety inspection can conduct a state vehicle inspection in Arkansas need to go through the online services of the local department of motor vehicles (DMV) or by searching for reliable and qualified mechanics.

However, most vehicle inspections cost between $150 to $250. Moreover, vehicles that are not successful in the review are repaired and re-inspected. Negligence to do so can result in fines and other penalties.

What Does a Vehicle History Report Contain?

A Vehicle History Report (VHR) contains the following information:

Ownership history: The VHR will provide a comprehensive report on how many persons have owned that particular vehicle. It would also give records on the location and time it was bought and sold. Using the ownership history, interested parties can make informed decisions and negotiate better prices for buying a used car.
Open recall: Manufacturer issues recall using the VIN if a part of the vehicle isn't working properly. The manufacturer bears the cost of this repair. Although as the car changes owners, it becomes difficult for the manufacturer to contact the current owner. The VHR records open recalls that the manufacturer issued that have not been repaired so car owners may contact the manufacturer for the necessary adjustment.
Mileage and odometer readings: The VHR contains reports on the vehicle's odometer. Shady car dealers may spin the odometer back to lower the mileage to increase the vehicle's selling price. If the current odometer reading shows a reading of a lower number of miles than the previous reading, that's a warning sign to buyers. The VHR helps potential buyers detect the scam.
Service and maintenance history: The VHR provides details on the maintenance and service history the car has undergone. However, not every mechanic records this particular information, especially if the car was serviced with an independent garage and not with the car dealers. Potential buyers can make decisions using the VHR to determine if the vehicle would be worth the actual price. If buyers are in doubt about the VHR service readings, they can enlist an independent mechanic to conduct an inspection.
Accident and other damages history: The VHR gathers data from law enforcement agencies, garages, motor vehicle departments, and insurance companies to create a list of accidents the vehicle has been involved in to provide a report for the vehicle owner. This doesn't usually include minor accidents but accidents that cause structural damage to the car. The VHR also records damages suffered by the car from other sources, such as fire, flood, or vandalism.

How to Conduct a VIN Verification in Arkansas

In Arkansas, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification is required for all out-of-town vehicles with title brands before they can be registered. State police officers or law enforcement officers can conduct a VIN verification.

The reason for the VIN verification is to identify vehicles and ensure it matches the information on the registration documents. This helps to prevent crimes such as vehicle theft and fraud.

For a VIN verification, vehicle owners need a copy of their vehicle and registration documents. The certified state police officer will inspect it and fill out a verification form. Once this is done, users can take the form to the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to register their vehicle.

Can I Lookup My Vehicle Specs by VIN Number?

Yes, it is possible to look up vehicle specifications by VIN number. The VIN helps users obtain information on their unique specifications. This information includes engine size, make and model, the year it was made, transmission type, and other important details.

To conduct a lookup on vehicle specifications, users need their VIN. Car owners can find their VIN on any part of their car, such as the rear wheel, dashboard, and spare type. With the VIN, users can access government-run online VIN databases such as National Insurance Crime Bureau's (NCIB) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Users can also access the manufacturer's website, and other third-party sites which provide a VIN check online tool that helps decode the VIN and provide the user with valuable information about their vehicle.

If users need more information on their vehicle specifications, they may directly contact the manufacturer or the car dealer of the motor vehicle.

Can I Check My VIN Number Online in Arkansas?

Yes, interested members can check their VIN online in Arkansas through the following means:

Arkansas DMV offers an online service that allows car owners to verify their vehicles and the registration status of their vehicles. To do this, owners would need to input their vehicle's plate number and the last four digits of the VIN.
Arkansas law requires all car dealerships to provide potential customers with a free Vehicle History Report (VHR) upon request. This report includes information on the car's title, odometer readings, accidents, and other vital data.
Several private companies offer online VIN check services for a fee. These companies typically have access to more detailed records than the DMV or car dealerships, making them a good option for those wanting a thorough history of their vehicle.

Can You Track a Car by VIN Number in Arkansas?

No, tracking a car by VIN Number in Arkansas is impossible. VINs are created to identify vehicles by their make and model, year of production, engine code, and other important information. VIN cannot be used to track a car's location in real time like a GPS.

Although the VIN can be used to get information on vehicles manufactured the vehicle history report, which shows the last location it was registered, the sales listing location, and ownership history. Vehicle owners can use this information to trace their car.

The best course of action when tracking a car's location in Arkansas is to contact law enforcement with the information obtained from the VIN. They have the capability and resources to follow the car's exact location.

Can You Tell Engine Size by VIN Number?

Yes, it is possible to tell a car's engine size by its VIN number. The eighth character of the 17-digit VIN shows the engine type while the 10th character shows the vehicle's model year. Both characters can help a vehicle owner determine the engine size.

Each character of the VIN is a well-structured code with distinct meanings. Based on engine size, here are some character and their meanings:

Character A is a small displacement, high-performance engine from 1.6L and above.
Character B stands for Medium displacement engine, i.e., 2.0L - 2.5L
Character C stands for a large displacement engine of 3.0L and above.
Character D stands for diesel engine
Character E stands for Electric motor
Character F stands for the flex-fuel engine. This makes use of ethanol, gasoline, or a mixture of both.

Another method of determining the engine size is by cross-referencing the information on the VIN with that of an online database. Knowing the manufacturer and engine size would make it easier to determine the engine size.