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Indiana VIN Check & Vehicle Report

Get Vehicle History Reports for any Indiana vehicle

A VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, is a 17-digit code that serves as the car's unique identity.
For most vehicles, you can find the VIN on the front driver's-side interior dashboard or the driver's-side doorpost. Alternatively, it may appear on the vehicle's insurance and ownership documents. Example: JTDS4MCE7NJ095881

An Indiana VIN check is a reliable way to see the full story behind any vehicle in the state. Every car, truck, RV, trailer, or motorcycle comes with a history, and a vehicle identification number (VIN) is the gateway to discovering it.

Whether you're buying a used car or simply verifying its details, FAXVIN makes it easy. Use our VIN lookup to access essential information with confidence.

Indiana VIN Lookup

In Indiana, every vehicle sold must have a unique 17-character VIN. Vehicles from the 1981 model year onward use this standardized format under federal rules.

This 17-character code provides key details:

  • The first three characters (WMI) identify the manufacturer and the region/country of manufacture;
  • Other positions describe attributes such as body/series, restraint system, engine, a check digit, model year, assembly plant, and the serial number.

If a vehicle's VIN plate is missing, altered, or the number is unreadable, treat it as a red flag that may indicate tampering. Older vehicles (pre-1981 model year) can legitimately have shorter, non-standard identifiers.

To stay on the safe side, use FAXVIN's Indiana VIN search report. It provides crucial details about a car's past and helps you make smarter buying decisions. We offer both free and paid options.

Free VIN Report

A free Indiana VIN check is the perfect starting point to verify basic information–only the VIN is needed. Our free VIN check service provides:

  • Make and Model: Confirm the year, make, and model for accuracy.
  • General Specifications: Learn about original safety features, tire specifications, body style, and other essential details.
  • Trim Information: See OEM trim data, including engine type, transmission, and package details.
  • Manufacturing Location: Identify the country where the vehicle was produced.
  • Engine and Transmission Details: Access basic engine and drivetrain specifications and transmission type.

Comprehensive Vehicle History Report

For a complete picture of the vehicle's past, the paid Indiana VIN check report includes many more details, such as:

  • Accident History: Reported crashes and damage assessments.
  • Title History: All title changes and brands (e.g., salvage, rebuilt, junk) for ownership transparency.
  • Odometer Readings: Mileage verification and potential rollback alerts.
  • Manufacturer Recalls: Open recalls and defect logs to spot unresolved safety or performance issues.
  • Lien and Loan Information: Outstanding liens that could complicate ownership transfer.
  • Theft and Recovery Records: Whether a vehicle was reported stolen and if it was recovered.
  • History of Use: Prior commercial use (e.g., taxi, police, rental), where available.
  • Maintenance and Service History: Records of repairs and routine servicing.
  • Natural-Disaster Damage: Any history of flood, hail, fire, or other environmental damage.

FAXVIN CarRank scores vehicles from 0–100 based on their history; higher numbers indicate better condition.

IN VIN History

In Indiana, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) uses VIN verification as part of title and registration workflows. Vehicles coming from out of state must undergo a physical VIN inspection before they can be titled in Indiana. This can be completed at a BMV branch or by law enforcement using State Form 39530.

Using official channels like the BMV for an Indiana VIN check helps confirm a vehicle's identity and title status (e.g., brands and liens) from state records. For accident history and broader events, pair this with a comprehensive FAXVIN/NMVTIS-based report.

Indiana VIN Inspection: Who Does It, How Much, What to Bring

In Indiana, a VIN inspection can be completed at any BMV branch or BMV-certified provider at no charge, or by a law-enforcement officer who may charge up to $5. Bring a printed State Form 39530 (Physical Inspection of a Vehicle or Watercraft) and the vehicle or trailer itself so the inspector can verify the VIN plate. If a police officer performs the inspection, they will complete and sign State Form 39530 for you.

  • Where: Any Indiana BMV branch / certified provider (free) or police (up to $5).
  • Form: Print and bring State Form 39530.
  • Purpose: Inspector verifies existence and condition of the VIN plate.

Tip: Print the form in advance. If a police officer performs the inspection, ask them to complete and sign State Form 39530 on site.

Lake & Porter Counties: As of September 2025, Indiana still requires vehicle emissions testing (Clean Air Car Check) every other year to renew registration in these two counties. A 2025 state law directs IDEM to evaluate alternatives that could change this requirement–please verify current status with Clean Air Car Check or IDEM before you renew.

How to Check Title Status

Indiana Counties

Title status reflects the legal standing of a vehicle's title, indicating brands that may affect value or road legality. A “clear” title has no brands or unresolved liens; branded titles may reflect severe damage (e.g., salvage, flood) and can impact value and insurability.

A title search reveals branding, ownership transfers, and possible legal claims. It ensures the car is free of encumbrances and that you're purchasing a legitimate asset.

A title-number search provides records associated with a specific certificate of title and can surface prior issues tied to that document.

To verify a vehicle's title status in Indiana, visit a local BMV office or, after creating a personal account, use online services.

With us, verifying whether a title is clear or branded is much easier. You can check title-related data using our Indiana VIN lookup tool. Based on our search, your report may indicate brands such as:

  • Junk;
  • Salvage;
  • Reconstructed;
  • Flood Damage;
  • Fire/Hail Damage;
  • Rebuilt.

To perform a title search, you will need the vehicle identification number. Please note that obtaining a full report via FAXVIN's title check tool incurs a fee.

How to Check a Vehicle's Registration Status in Indiana

Checking registration status is straightforward and helps you stay compliant with state law. Here are your options:

Online via myBMV

Contact the Indiana BMV

  • By Phone: Call 888-692-6841. For automated services, have the phone access code from your renewal notice or myBMV account and your vehicle's ZIP code.
  • In Person: Visit a local BMV branch or use a BMV Connect Kiosk to view registration information.

FAXVIN Report

Use FAXVIN to generate Indiana VIN reports that may include registration-related details where available, plus comprehensive history to support informed decisions.

Personal owner information is protected under the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and is released only for permitted uses (e.g., to the owner or authorized parties), helping safeguard personal data.

Benefits of Conducting

A VIN check is crucial when buying any vehicle: it can surface accidents, flood damage, theft records, title brands, and maintenance history–helping you avoid costly surprises after purchase.

With an Indiana VIN check, you can compare mileage to official records (to spot odometer fraud), see whether the vehicle was declared a total loss, and make a more accurate judgment about value and potential repair costs.

Trusted Sources We Use for an Indiana VIN Check

Our Indiana VIN lookup draws information from multiple authoritative sources, including the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) and state titling agencies (via NMVTIS). We also gather records from Canadian vehicle agencies, manufacturer recall databases, auction houses, insurance companies, and certified dealership service records. This comprehensive data collection helps ensure you receive accurate, up-to-date information about vehicles registered in Indiana.

Why Should I Run an IN VIN Lookup?

  • Vehicle Sale: Understand your car's history to build trust with buyers.
  • Ownership Transfer: Clarify title status and ownership for a smoother transfer.
  • Classic Car Restoration: Verify authenticity and provenance for vintage vehicles.
  • Fleet Management: Monitor vehicle condition and compliance across business fleets.
  • Trade-In Value: Use history data to support better trade-in offers.

Reliable Vehicle History Reports? We've Got You Covered!

A VIN check in Indiana is essential before any purchase or sale. It reveals the vehicle's background and protects you from fraud or hidden issues. For added research, you can also use the Indiana license plate lookup to gather more details.

Additional Resources for Drivers

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Find the Previous Owner of a Car in Indiana?

Indiana restricts personal information in motor vehicle records under the federal DPPA. However, you can request a Certified Vehicle/Watercraft Title History from the Indiana BMV (fee applies) if you qualify for a permissible-use exception or have the owner’s written consent. This certified history can include previous Indiana owners for up to ten years.

How Can I Look Up a VIN for Free in Indiana?

Use FAXVIN’s free VIN check to view basic specifications (make, model, trim, engine, and manufacturing details). Free tools do not provide protected personal data or ownership history. For comprehensive history, upgrade to a paid report.

How Do I Perform an Indiana VIN Check for Liens?

Use the Indiana BMV Title & Lien Search (IN.gov subscription and a DPPA permissible use required) or request a Certified Vehicle/Watercraft Title Inquiry. These options show official title details, including any recorded liens. Third-party reports can surface lien records but should not replace an official BMV search when you need certainty.

How Do I Identify a Salvaged Vehicle with a VIN Check in Indiana?

A paid vehicle history report will indicate title brands such as Salvage, Rebuilt, or Flood based on NMVTIS/state title-brand data and other reporting sources. Indiana BMV also advises buyers to obtain a vehicle history report from an approved provider to check for salvage or flood damage.

How Can I Perform a Free VIN Search in Indiana?

Enter the VIN into FAXVIN’s free checker to see essential specs for any vehicle. Registration, ownership, and detailed title history are restricted. For Indiana-specific title/registration information, request a Certified Vehicle/Watercraft Title Inquiry or Title History from the BMV under a permissible DPPA use.

Free vs. Paid Indiana VIN Checks — What’s the Difference?

Free checks provide basic vehicle specifications. Paid reports add depth—accident and damage records, odometer readings, title brands, recall and theft checks, and recorded liens—helping you make an informed purchase.

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)

4th Floor
100 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46204

https://www.in.gov/bmv/