Car Thefts » Vehicle Identification Number

Vehicle Identification Number

There are two searches you should do when buying a car: one against the VIN and one against the name of the business or individual selling the car. You may wish to search the names of any previous owners as well.

The VIN is the identification number the manufacturer affixes to the vehicle, usually on the dashboard. The VIN should be obtained directly from the vehicle - the VIN on the vehicle permit may be incorrect.

If there is any difference between the two numbers, a search should be done against both. A searcher may select an identical VIN search or a similar VIN search. The identical VIN search will disclose only those registrations that set out the exact VIN searched. The similar VIN search will disclose registrations with a VIN that the Personal Property Security Registration (PPSR) system determines is similar, in addition to registrations with the exact VIN.