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Maryland VIN Lookup & Vehicle History

Avoid costly surprises with a quick Maryland VIN Search

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: JM1BPBJYXN1519045

Browsing dealerships in Baltimore or considering a private sale in Annapolis? With over 4.9 million registered vehicles on Maryland roads, it's crucial to know a vehicle's history.

FAXVIN's comprehensive Maryland VIN check tool gives you instant access to vital vehicle information, from accident history to title status. We make it simple to verify critical details before you buy and help you confidently navigate Maryland's dynamic used car market.

Check a Maryland VIN

Just like DNA reveals a person's genetic history, a vehicle identification number (VIN) check uncovers a vehicle's story. In Maryland, those 17 characters contain key details about the specifications, equipment, and history of any vehicle. FAXVIN makes accessing this crucial information effortless – you can uncover a vehicle's past right from your computer or phone.

We prioritize your privacy and security. Every Maryland VIN check through our platform is conducted with complete confidentiality to ensure your search history remains private.

With FAXVIN, you have options. Start with our free basic check or access our detailed paid reports when you need more comprehensive insights. The process is simple: enter the 17-character VIN in our secure lookup tool, and within moments, you'll have the information you need. So, what exactly do our reports cover?

Free VIN Check

A free Maryland VIN check provides essential baseline information about any vehicle. Our complimentary service includes basic specifications like make, model, year, country of manufacture, transmission type, and engine details. While this gives you a foundational understanding, it doesn't include a comprehensive history.

Advantages

  • Instant access to basic vehicle information;
  • No cost or financial commitment;
  • Quick overview for initial research;
  • User-friendly interface;
  • Available 24/7.

Limitations

  • Limited historical data;
  • Basic specifications only.

A paid Maryland VIN check delivers an extensive vehicle history report that reveals crucial details about a car's past. This comprehensive report arms you with the information needed to make confident decisions about your potential purchase. What does it cover?

  • Accident history;
  • Odometer readings and potential rollback alerts;
  • Title brands and registration history;
  • Vehicle theft records and recovery status;
  • Flood, fire, and hail damage reports;
  • Previous usage (taxi, rental, police, etc.);
  • Lien and loan information;
  • Maintenance and service records;
  • Number of previous owners (ownership transfers);
  • Safety and emissions inspection results;
  • Manufacturer safety recalls.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive vehicle history access.
  • Professional-grade reporting.
  • Secure and verified information.
  • Clear analysis of findings.
  • Mobile-friendly format.

Considerations

  • Requires a fee for full access.
  • Data updates depend on reporting agencies.

VIN Verification and History

In Maryland, the titling and registration process includes identity and safety checks to ensure vehicles match official records and meet safety standards. You must obtain a Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate from a licensed station; inspection results are recorded electronically in the Maryland Safety Inspection System (MSIS) and used during titling.

If a vehicle identification number is missing, illegible, or altered, the owner must apply to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) for an assigned or replacement VIN using form VR-198. The MVA will advise on any required inspections before issuing an assigned VIN.

Buyers should use official channels to confirm details like title status and accident history. This helps ensure compliance with Maryland law, protects against stolen vehicles, and reveals hidden defects for better purchasing decisions.

In Maryland, the safety inspection certificate remains valid for 90 calendar days from the date it’s issued. After that window, a new inspection is required to complete titling or registration.

Maryland Counties

To check a title's status in Maryland, you can request a vehicle record from the MVA. The record provides details such as current title status, any liens, and ownership history, subject to the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).

Steps to Obtain a Vehicle Title Record

  1. Complete a Request Form: Fill out the MVA Request for Record (Form DR-057). You can download it from the MVA's website.
  2. Submit the Form: Mail the completed form to the MVA's Title File Unit at the following address:
    MVA
    Title File Unit – Room 202
    6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E.
    Glen Burnie, MD 21062
  3. Contact MVA Customer Service: For assistance or to request forms, contact the MVA Customer Service Center at (410) 768-7000.

While the MVA provides official records, FAXVIN offers a faster, more comprehensive alternative. Our Maryland VIN check service can instantly deliver not only current title status but also broader vehicle history, including accident records, damage reports, open recalls, and theft history. This detailed report helps you make informed decisions without the wait time associated with traditional MVA requests. Plus, our service checks for maintenance and service records that might affect your purchase – all accessible through a simple online search.

Maryland law requires new residents to title and register their vehicles within 60 days (MDOT MVA guidance) of moving to the state.

How to Check Your Vehicle Registration Status

To view registration details such as expiration dates or recent changes, Maryland vehicle owners can use MVA online resources:

  • Online Renewal & Status: Beginning the online renewal process shows your vehicle and its registration period, including expiration. Access this via the MVA's online services portal.
  • Customer Service: For specific questions about your registration or ownership changes, contact the MVA Customer Service Center. Note that personal owner information is protected under the DPPA.

Although the Maryland MVA maintains official records, FAXVIN provides a faster and more thorough solution for research needs. Our Maryland VIN lookup instantly delivers a complete vehicle profile that goes beyond basic registration information.

Benefits of a Maryland VIN Check

A Maryland VIN check is your first line of defense against scams and hidden issues. This verification helps you validate crucial details about a vehicle's past – from odometer readings to prior usage. You can spot odometer fraud, identify flood damage, and verify if the vehicle has ever been declared a total loss.

Knowing the maintenance history helps estimate future repair costs, while checking for open recalls supports safety on Maryland roads. Insurance companies may offer better rates for vehicles with clean histories, potentially saving you money over time.

Where We Source Records

Our comprehensive history reports combine data from trusted sources to provide reliable information for used-car decisions. Records may include:

  • National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS);
  • Insurance companies;
  • Auto auctions;
  • Repair shops;
  • Dealership service records;
  • Manufacturer databases;
  • State inspection and testing programs;
  • Canadian motor vehicle agencies.

All data is compiled in compliance with the Driver's Privacy Protection Act to protect personal information while providing thorough vehicle histories.

Why Should I Perform an MD VIN Lookup?

Beyond basic verification, an MD VIN check helps you make informed financial decisions. It can reveal outstanding loans or liens that could complicate a purchase or transfer of ownership. This is particularly valuable when buying from private sellers, as it confirms they have the legal right to sell the vehicle.

For classic-car enthusiasts, a Maryland VIN check helps verify authenticity and assess true market value. Reports also track registration history across states to reduce the risk of title-washing schemes. This knowledge gives you negotiating power and helps prevent costly legal issues after purchase.

Make Confident Decisions with Our Vehicle History Reports!

Looking to buy a used vehicle in Maryland? Don't take chances with your investment. FAXVIN's Maryland VIN search tools give you the complete picture you need to make a confident purchase. Our detailed VIN check uncovers essential information about a vehicle's past, from accident history to ownership records. For even more peace of mind, use our Maryland license plate lookup to verify additional details. With FAXVIN's research tools at your disposal, you can approach your next used-car purchase with confidence.

Additional Resources for Drivers

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Due to privacy laws (DPPA), Maryland does not disclose prior owner information to the general public. To request owner or vehicle records, you must have a permissible purpose or the current owner's written authorization (e.g., a signed authorization letter or a power of attorney), a subpoena or court order, or other DPPA-permitted documentation. Such requests are made to the MDOT MVA using Form DR-057 (Request for Motor Vehicle Administration Records).

How Can I Look Up VINs for Free in Maryland?

FAXVIN's free VIN decoder provides basic details such as make, model, year, trim, and engine specifications. For a complete history–including title brands, lien status, odometer readings, and other records–you can upgrade to a paid report.

How Do I Perform a Lien Check on a Maryland Vehicle?

First, review the physical Maryland title–any active lien is printed on its face. You can also order a FAXVIN report that includes reported lien status and title brand information. For official confirmation from the state, request a Maryland title record from the MDOT MVA (owner authorization or another DPPA-permitted basis is required), and ask the seller to provide a Maryland Notice of Security Interest Filing or a lien-release letter from the lender.

How Do I Identify a Salvaged Vehicle with a Maryland VIN Check?

A FAXVIN report flags state title brands such as Salvage and Rebuilt. In Maryland, once a previously salvaged vehicle passes the required safety inspection, the MVA issues a corrected title marked "Rebuilt Salvage." Brand and total-loss information is sourced from NMVTIS (which aggregates data from state title agencies, insurers, and junk/salvage yards) and other trusted databases.

How Can I Perform a Free VIN Search for a Vehicle Registered in Maryland?

Locate the 17-character VIN and enter it into FAXVIN's free lookup to see core specifications (make, model, year, and manufacturing details). Use this as a quick first step before purchasing a full history report.

Free vs. Paid Maryland VIN Check – What's the Difference?

Free checks return basic specifications only. Paid reports include comprehensive history such as title brands, lien status, odometer readings, theft/total-loss data, and often accident and service records–key details for informed buying.

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)

6601 Ritchie Highway,
Glen Burnie, MD 21062
(410) 768-7000
1-800-950-1682 (toll-free)

https://mva.maryland.gov/