VIN Lookup in Mississippi

A VIN lookup in Mississippi refers to the process of obtaining information about a vehicle's specifications using its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Like a Mississippi license plate lookup, a VIN lookup would provide information on the make, model, vehicle's accident, repair history, and year of production.

Mississippi Codified Laws §63-25-5 specifies the provision for using VIN for all vehicle owners in Mississippi. This law mandates the designation of VINs to motor vehicles manufactured in the state and establishes penalties for concealing, modifying, and tampering with the VIN.

Interested parties may conduct a VIN lookup through the Motor Vehicle Services of Mississippi Department of Revenue or by using reliable online third-party alternatives in Mississippi.

Users may conduct a VIN lookup for any of the following reasons:

Retrieve accident records: VIN lookup would reveal a vehicle's involvement in an accident and the extent of the damage. A VIN lookup also shows the car's recall history.
Prevent fraud and deter thieves: VIN lookup helps prevent potential buyers from falling victim to purchasing stolen vehicles. It also helps enforcement agencies track stolen cars.
Validate ownership: The VIN lookup provides a list of all the owners from the previous one to the current owner ones. Ownership validity helps potential buyers and insurance companies determine the owner and previous owners.

It is important to note that information obtained through third-party sites is only as reliable as the source. These sites may need to provide vital or accurate information. Interested parties may visit the Motor Vehicle Division with a copy of their VIN for a lookup.

What is a Vehicle Identification Number in Mississippi?

The VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. The VIN is a 17-digit code, a combination of capital letters and numbers used to identify automobiles. It serves as the car's fingerprint; hence only one vehicle can have the exact VIN in Mississippi.

A VIN displays the car's unique features, such as its serial number and model specifications. The VIN allows car owners to access their vehicle history report, which reveals essential details for motor vehicle safety such as the country of origin, manufacturer, engine size, year of production, vehicle type, and trim level. The VIN is usually on the owner's manual, the dashboard on the driver's side, and sometimes on the engine. In Mississippi, law enforcement agencies use the VIN to track, identify and locate a stolen vehicle. VIN also tracks recalls, ownership history, registrations, and warranty claims.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Admission (NHTSA) defines the VIN standard format and ensures they are adequately enforced. The NHTSA issued the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 115, specifying the structure and location of the VIN. In Mississippi, the Penal Code states the punishment for altering the VIN on a vehicle.

How is a VIN Number Used?

Interested parties use the VIN Number for the following reasons:

Vehicle registration: The DOR uses the VIN to maintain proper records of the vehicle and issue ownership documents to the car owners.
Insurance coverage: Insurance companies use VIN to check information on a vehicle and its associated risk to quote a rate.
Vehicle recalls: Manufacturers identify and issue recalls with the VIN. Car owners also use the VIN to check if their car has a recall history and if the manufacturer fixed the problem.
Prevent vehicle theft: Law enforcement agencies use VIN to track, locate, and recover stolen vehicles.
Warranty claims: Car owners use the VIN to check if the car is under the protection of the manufacturer. The VIN would allow the manufacturer to provide appropriate support.
Vehicle history report: The VIN provides the vehicle history report, which includes the accident history, the vehicle's past owner, insurance, and warranty claim or theft claim.

Who Issues a Vehicle's VIN Number in Mississippi?

The manufacturer issues the vehicle's VIN at the date of production. Most vehicles have their VIN stamped on the passenger door opening or onto the engine bay. The VIN is often repeated in other places on the car. All manufacturers have distinct codes, and cars produced by the same factory have their production sequence.

However, in Mississippi, an interested party who wishes to get an assigned or replacement VIN, for whatever reason, must apply to the Mississippi Department Of Revenue (DOR). After the user submits an application with the necessary documentation, the department will start the registration procedure and set up a vehicle inspection time.

How Many Digits are in a VIN?

A VIN consists of 17 characters which are a combination of capital letters and numbers that provide unique identification for every vehicle. Every digit in the VIN is intentional and serves the purpose of indicating specific parts of the car.

1FTBE553FTB677559 is an example of a 17-digit VIN, which is into three sections:

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI): The first three digits of the VIN make up the WMI. The first digit identifies the country of origin or where the vehicle was assembled. The second digit specifies the manufacturer. The third digit identifies the make of the brand. The first three digits combine to indicate the manufacturing division.
The Vehicle Descriptor Section (the five characters after the WMI falls under this section): The fourth character defines the model, while the fifth character indicates the trim level. The sixth character describes the body style, while the seventh character shows the installed safety equipment. Finally, the eighth character represents the engine code.
Vehicle Identifier section (The last nine characters of the VIN fall under this section): The ninth character is a check digit, which validates the accuracy of the VIN. The tenth character represents the model year, while the eleventh character is the factory's car code. The final six digits are the unique car's serial number which the vehicle receives on the assembly line.

How to Find Your Car's VIN Number

Interested parties may find their VIN in the following places:

Hood: The VIN is usually located under the hood beside the car engine.
The driver's side door: There is a sticker with the VIN printed on it in this location.
Driver's side dashboard: The VIN is usually at the intersection of the dashboard and windshield.
Title and Insurance document: Car owners would find their VIN in the car's vehicle documentation or the insurance document.
Boot: The VIN is sometimes under the spare wheel on the boot.

If car owners cannot find their VIN, they should contact the car dealer or vehicle manufacturer. Users should endeavor to always keep a copy of the VIN in case of any emergency, like a stolen car or any other registration.

How to Conduct a VIN Lookup in Mississippi

Individuals who are interested in conducting a VIN lookup in Mississippi may do so with third-party-owned VIN checkers or government-owned sites such as:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) website: This site offers two free VIN check tools that allow users to decode their VIN and check for a recall. The website is quick and accurate because the information is directly from the manufacturer.
The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS): Their VIN check tool protects users from buying stolen vehicles. Their online database also helps law enforcement agencies prevent title crime.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB): They provide a free VIN lookup site that allows users to access insurance theft claims that have not been recovered. The website only allows a maximum of 5 searches within 24 hours from the same IP address.
The Motor Vehicle Service of Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR): The Motor Vehicle Service under the Department Of Revenue provides a VIN check tool. To run a VIN check through the 'Records Inquiry' on their official website. The website would provide information on vehicle title and registration, records inquiry, and online motor vehicle services. Interested parties who wish to access their site must have an account with them. Their service is a fee-based site.

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

In Mississippi, members of the public may conduct a free VIN lookup using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Their website provides two free VIN check tools, which allows users to decode their VIN and check if their vehicle has a recall history. The manufacturer of the car directly supplies the database of this system, so there are hardly any discrepancies.

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

VIN decoders are online tools that retrieve information encoded in the VIN. VIN decoders do not only read the information encoded in the VIN, but it also confirms that the VIN is valid. The online database compares the ninth character of the VIN with other characters to test the VIN validity.

VIN decoder extracts information from its data source; therefore, the information obtained from the VIN is only as reliable as its source. Also, the VIN decoder doesn't always provide a comprehensive report

To conduct a VIN number check, you can use private or government-run sites. Depending on the site, users must input the 17 digits of the VIN in full or omit some part of their VIN.

Click on 'decode' or 'submit' once the necessary information has been filled in. The decoder would retrieve the information from the database online. However, it is essential to note that not all VIN decoders are free, and some websites offer comprehensive reports for a fee.

How to Conduct a VIN Lookup by License Plate in Mississippi.

The license plate is a metal attached to the back of the motor vehicle for identification. Both the license plate and a particular vehicle's VIN are used to identify a car. Unlike the VIN, which a vehicle has for its entire life, a vehicle's license plate number can change.

The reverse license plate search uses the vehicle's license plate number and the registered state to obtain information about the car, its owner, and the VIN. With this information, users can perform the VIN check.

To conduct a VIN search or lookup using the license plate, interested parties should contact the Department of Revenue (DOR) for more information. Users may also access third parties' online databases to find records of VIN connected to the license plate. To conduct a VIN check using a license plate number, users need the plate number and the state where it was issued.

What is a VIN Inspection in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, the VIN inspection is the physical verification and comparison by a licensed inspector to confirm that the vehicle's VIN matches that of the vehicle's registration paper

The purpose of a VIN inspection is to ensure that your vehicle's title either matches the information stored in the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Service database or to prove it exists in the first place.

An authorized inspector or a member of law enforcement agencies must perform and document the inspection on an official inspection form.

The VIN inspection is conducted for a few different reasons, including:

To verify that the vehicle in possession matches the state's database.
To correct any inaccurate data on the documentation.
To add a vehicle VIN to the database.
To issue a state-assigned VIN.

How Much is a Vehicle Inspection in Mississippi?

The cost of a VIN inspection is $25.00, which can be in the form of a certified check or money order. Although, a vehicle inspection fee depends on the type of vehicle, the inspection, and the state location. In Mississippi, the Department Of Revenue clearly states the requirements for each type of vehicle inspection and their cost. For more information, contact the DOR, or visit in person during work hours.

What is a Vehicle Inspection Report in Mississippi

The Vehicle Inspection Report is an official Smog Check inspection which is a comprehensive report that provides feedback on the assessment carried out by the licensed inspector, mostly an employee from the public service agency or DOR.

Owners of motor vehicles require a state vehicle inspection when renewing registration or purchasing a new car. The inspection requirements vary by state. However, in Mississippi, owners need to reference or contact the Department Of Revenue for their guidelines for vehicle inspection.

After the inspection, the inspector generates the report, which shows the results of the inspection. If a vehicle fails the inspection, the report will show the reason, and the car owners will be required to make a repair or replacement before passing the inspection.

What Does a Vehicle History Report Contain?

A Vehicle History Report (VHR) details the vehicle's past. The report contains a range of information which includes accident damages and repair, previous owners of the car, odometer readings, recall, and other vital details.

The VHR has a lot of important uses, especially for potential buyers who can use it to make informed decisions and determine a car's worth. Interested users can get a VHR online or through their car dealer.

Some of the information the VHR provides includes:

Odometer Reading: This section contains information about the vehicle's current and previous odometer reading which has been reported. The odometer reading helps car owners identify if there are inconsistencies in the mileage data.
Recall: The VHR provides information on any recalls issued by the vehicle's manufacturer, the date and detail of the recall, and whether or not it has been repaired.
Ownership history: A VHR would provide reports on how many owners the vehicle had and the frequency with which the car changed hands.
Accident report: The VHR provides a comprehensive report on minor and occasionally significant accidents. It includes information on date, location and how severe the accident was.
Maintenance and Service history: This section of the VHR includes information on the location and date of major repairs and maintenance. Not all maintenance/repairs are recorded, just the major ones.
Title history: This section of the VHR reveals information about the vehicle, such as the registration history, outstanding liens or loans, the date and location of where the car was registered, and any title brand. Title brands are permanent labels/designations used to indicate that a used vehicle has sustained damage and is unsafe for driving.

How to Conduct a VIN Verification in Mississippi

In Mississippi, a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) verification is performed by a member of the Department of Public Safety. The process involves the physical inspection of the vehicle in comparison to the one documented. A VIN verification is an inspection of the year, body type, model, and all other information pertaining to the VIN.

There are several reasons for VIN verification, but the primary reason is to ensure that the correct VIN is on your vehicle and its registration papers. It is also to ensure that the correct vehicle is titled.

The certificate of title for a vehicle is a legal form that serves as proof to establish a person as the vehicle's legal owner. A car with an invalid VIN will not be eligible for a title.

In Mississippi, for the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification, the following documents are required:

Provide a valid driver's license
The original title of the vehicle
The inspection fee costs $25.00 which is usually in the form of a money order or certified check.
Provide the original copy and two (2) copies of all requested documents

Can I Lookup My Vehicle Specs by VIN Number?

Yes, it is possible to look up any vehicle specifications with its VIN. VIN lookup will provide the user with their car's specifications. Many websites such as the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NCIB), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), manufacturer website, and other third-party sites provide a VIN check online tool that helps decode the VIN and provide the user with valuable information about their particular vehicle.

Users can find the car specifications using the VIN and obtain information about the make and model, the car's country of origin, the factory where it was produced, the airbag support structures, engine and body type, engine size, transmission type, and production year.

Another option is to contact the car dealer or manufacturer of the vehicle with the VIN to provide the car's specifications.

Can I Check My VIN Number Online in Mississippi?

Yes, users can check their VIN online in Mississippi. The following options are available to vehicle owners who want to check out their VIN number online:

The Department of Revenue (DOR) offers an online VIN check tool. Interested members must have an account with the DOR before using the site. This site is not for free, and it requires a $95 yearly fee.
Some private companies also offer online VIN check tools for free and sometimes for a fee. It's important to note that their records are not always accurate and detailed.
Some federal government agencies have VIN check tools, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is part of the Department of Transportation.

Can You Track a Car by VIN Number in Mississippi?

No, it is not possible to track a car by its VIN in Mississippi. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is used to obtain information about the vehicle history report, such as the make and model, trim level, engine code, and other important characteristics. It doesn't show the current location of the vehicle.

Users can only obtain the location where the vehicle has been registered, titled, or serviced with the VIN and not the current location. To gain access to this information, users can use government-run VIN decoders or third-party sites to decode their VIN.

Vehicle owners who want to track them can report to the law enforcement agency in Mississippi. These agencies have the resources and the capability to track their car.

It is important to note that anyone who knowingly conceals or places a tracking device on the motor vehicle without the owner's consent is committing a crime.

Can You Tell Engine Size by VIN Number?

Yes, it is possible to determine a vehicle's engine size by the VIN number. The VIN comprises a 17 digit which is a combination of unique letters and numbers used to differentiate a car. Every digit in the 17-digit VIN is intentional and used to indicate a specific part of the vehicle.

Specifically, amongst the 17-digit code, the eighth character, under the Vehicle Descriptor Section of the VIN, identifies the engine size. The eighth character is usually represented in an Alphabet. Although the VIN tells the users the engine size, it doesn't denote the engine displacement.

Users can use this table to interpret the engine size:

A - represents a high-performance petrol engine of 1.6L

B - represents a high-performance petrol engine with a capacity between 2.0L to 2.5L

C - means a high-performance petrol engine with more than 3.0L capacity

D - Denote Diesel engines

E - Denote Electric vehicles

F - Denote Hybrid-fuel engines such as a mixture of gasoline and ethanol

Another method of finding out the vehicle's engine size using the VIN number is by comparing the information on the VIN decoder with the online database. Third parties and manufacturers have drawn up tables with letters on their sites. It's essential to know the engine size of your car because it makes purchasing the right engine easy.