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Massachusetts VIN Lookup

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VIN Lookup in Massachusetts

A Massachusetts VIN lookup refers to the process of obtaining a vehicle's information using its designated VIN. VINs are ascribed to a car per the provisions of the Massachusetts state statutes, and a VIN lookup is likened to a Massachusetts license plate lookup based on the type of information furnished to inquirers.

In Massachusetts, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is an alphanumeric code that individual vehicles possess. It gives every car a unique identity and provides essential information about its specifications, history, and background. This includes the automobile's airbag type, model year, engine size, country of origin, trim level, etc. A Vehicle Identification Number is one of the requirements drivers must produce to register their vehicles with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.

How is a VIN Number Used?

A VIN is one of the most critical pieces of information every Massachusetts-purchased vehicle has. It is referred to it as the vehicle's "DNA" or "fingerprint" because it's every vehicle's unique identifier. No two cars in the world can have the same VIN number.

Besides identifying an automobile to confirm its features, a VIN number is also helpful for these purposes:

  • Registering vehicles
  • Renewing vehicle registration
  • Obtaining vehicle insurance
  • Gathering information about a vehicle's owners
  • Confirming accident history
  • Checking recalls and defects
  • Investigating thefts
  • Ordering vehicle history report
  • Checking service records
  • Confirming a vehicle's warranty status
  • Checking a vehicle's safety ratings
  • Verifying a vehicle's manufacturing information

Who Issues a Vehicle's VIN Number in Massachusetts?

Also known as a vehicle's frame number, auto manufacturers assign VINs to motor vehicles when they're scheduled for production. However, according to Section 21 of Massachusetts General Laws, Part 1, Title XIV, Chapter 90, the registrar may demand that a vehicle obtains a state-assigned vehicle identification number before its initial registration.

A Massachusetts-Assigned Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique number allocated to any automobile purchased in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It's also an essential requirement for registering and issuing certificates of title to vehicles in the state.

Generally, Massachusetts-assigned VIN codes are issued to:

  • Vehicles with damaged or missing vehicle identification numbers
  • Replica vehicles
  • Automobiles with new motors
  • Vehicles with special constructions
  • Kit cars
  • Street rods
  • Custom vehicles
  • Glider kits
  • Homemade trailers with maximum allowable weight (gross vehicle weight rating) exceeding 3,000 pounds

Vehicle identification numbers in Massachusetts comprise an "MA" prefix and 5 digits. The Vehicle Identification Number is printed on an adhesive-backed, pressured decal with tamper-proof details. One can find a control number printed on each decal to aid accountability.

The State Police assigns and affixes Massachusetts-assigned Vehicle Identification Numbers to deserving automobiles.

How Many Digits are in a VIN?

A VIN number has 17 alphanumeric characters, each specifying something about the vehicle. The first 3 digits are the World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMI), with the first digit disclosing the vehicle manufacturer's location or country of origin. Meanwhile, the 2nd and 3rd digits specify details about the manufacturing company.

Digits 4-8 represent the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) and disclose the engine type and size. Although the ninth digit describes the vehicle, it is the "check digit" and represents the manufacturer's security code. This code verifies that the manufacturer authorized the VIN and allows computers to determine if it's a fraudulent or erroneous VIN.

The remaining digits fall under the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS). While the 10th digit discloses the model year, the 11th digit is the manufacturing or assembly vehicle's plant code. Finally, the 12th - 17th digits are the vehicle's serial numbers. A Massachusetts-assigned VIN has only 5 digits with an "MA" prefix.

How to Find Your Car's VIN Number

Individuals can find their car's VIN by checking the vehicle's registration, title, or insurance card/policy. However, asides from these, they can also locate their VINs in the following places on their vehicles:

  • The dashboard
  • Driver's side door jamb
  • Engine block
  • Windshield

How to Conduct a VIN Lookup in Massachusetts

The State of Massachusetts has several dedicated websites where individuals can check the VIN, history, and license plate numbers, etc. For instance, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) maintains a webpage for looking up how accurate a lienholder's information is, or the status of a Massachusetts vehicle's certificate of title. Massachusetts residents can also visit a DMV office closest to them to check their particular vehicle's VIN.

Individuals looking to conduct a VIN lookup in Massachusetts can also leverage government organizations' online tools like NHTSA recall, National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), and National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) websites. While the NICB website reports on stolen vehicles and automobiles with outstanding title brands, NHTSA recall website helps individuals check for recalled vehicles. Meanwhile, NMVTIS allows searchers to find various information about their vehicles.

There are also numerous third-party websites that Massachusetts residents can use to look up their VIN numbers.

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

The NHTSA, NMVTIS, and NICB provide free resources for Massachusetts residents to look up their VIN numbers. They can also use NHTSA's VIN decoder for free to look up their VIN numbers. This free VIN decoder will grant them access to specific information about the type of vehicle, model, cylinders, fuel type, engine number, etc.

Interested persons may also visit the State's RMV to unlock some information about their vehicles using their VINs for free.

Numerous third-party websites also allow Massachusetts residents to look up their VIN numbers at no cost.

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

VIN decoders are online tools that allow vehicle owners and buyers to easily and quickly access information about a particular automobile. The NHTSA is responsible for supplying the information to the searchers from the data the auto manufacturers submit to them. It's worthy of note that individuals can only do a VIN decoder lookup for automobiles manufactured since 1981. Information concerning vehicles manufactured before 1981 is limited.

To use the VIN decoder to do a VIN number check on used car, individuals should simply click the "decode" button after inputting the vehicle's 17-character VIN in the VIN decoder search bar. Once this is done, the decoder will produce a report containing vital data about the specific car. These include information about the vehicle make, transmission type, production number, model, place of manufacturer, etc. Individuals can print this report for reference purposes.

How to Conduct a VIN Lookup by License Plate in Massachusetts

Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Law mandates that all motor vehicles in the state of Massachusetts undergo registration with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). After registration, the owners of the vehicles will receive Massachusetts license plates which they must display on the automobile's front and rear. A Massachusetts license plate is a tag that displays a motor vehicle's registration details for identification purposes.

Individuals in Massachusetts can use their license plate numbers to find their vehicle's VIN number. This is because public vehicle records link a vehicle's license plate number with its VIN.

As such, anyone who wishes to conduct a VIN search or lookup by license plate in Massachusetts can do so by starting a vehicle record request on the state's Registry of Motor Vehicles page. Requesters will be required to input their names, license number, and other details in the Driver History Request search bar. Massachusetts residents can also access their VIN information by doing a simple license plate search on third-party websites.

What is a VIN Inspection in Massachusetts?

A VIN inspection is a physical check carried out in an automobile to make sure the VIN number on it corresponds to the title or other ownership documentation. In Massachusetts, a VIN check and examination is part of the mandatory yearly vehicle inspection for all registered vehicles in the state. According to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, newly purchased vehicles must undergo inspection within 7 days of registration.

After a VIN number inspection in Massachusetts, the vehicle, through the Massachusetts Mass Vehicle Check program, will undergo testing for the following:

  • Brake operation
  • Emissions
  • Lighting
  • Tire wear, height, and mounting
  • Fuel tank
  • Airbags, safety belts, and other safety features
  • Window cracks and tinting
  • Horn operation
  • Steering and suspension
  • Muffler and exhaust system noise, etc

After a successful motor vehicle safety inspection, motor vehicles will receive a sticker as evidence that they passed the inspection. However, vehicles that fail the inspection will receive a "reject" sticker and a printed vehicle inspection report from an inspection station.

Note that it is a traffic violation to drive a motor vehicle without a valid inspection sticker in Massachusetts. Flaunting this rule may attract a fine and affect the amount improving motor vehicle safety owner's auto insurance rates. With their Inspection Station Locator, individuals can get an inspection at any of the state's 1,800 licensed inspection stations.

How Much is a Vehicle Inspection in Massachusetts?

It costs $35 for owners of personal use vehicles to get them inspected. However, the price of commercial inspections can be higher at inspection stations. Meanwhile, motorbike inspections must be performed at an authorized Class M motorcycle inspection station and cost $15.

Individuals whose vehicles failed the inspection may incur extra costs trying to fix them to pass a second test. However, they can take advantage of a free retest by returning the vehicles to the same inspection station no less than 60 days after the first inspection. Individuals who visit a different inspection station for a retest or fail to meet the deadline will have to pay another $35 inspection fee.

What is a Vehicle Inspection Report in Massachusetts

A Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) in Massachusetts is a document that car owners receive after their automobiles have undergone inspection in the state. Before now, vehicle owners whose cars passed or failed the inspection received printed VIR reports stating whether the vehicle passed or failed. The printed reports also included a technician's service recommendations.

Currently, however, there are no printed reports available for individuals whose vehicles passed the test. Only those whose vehicles failed the inspection will receive a printed copy of the report. Regardless, anyone who wants to see their vehicle's report can visit the Massachusetts Vehicle Check online or use their smartphones to scan the QR code on the posted put up at the site of inspection.

What Does a Vehicle History Report Contain?

A vehicle history report is a document that contains vital information about a car's past. In Massachusetts, this vehicle's history report carries the following information:

  • Title History
  • Odometer information
  • Odometer rollback
  • Previous accidents
  • Registration data
  • Liens and loans
  • Theft data

How to Conduct a VIN Verification in Massachusetts

To get a VIN verification in Massachusetts, simply visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles or a local police station with the vehicle in question. Individuals who need to verify their VIN numbers must also take the necessary paperwork like the car's registration and title along with them.

Massachusetts residents can also verify their VIN numbers by visiting the NMVTIS Research Vehicle History page.

Can I Lookup My Vehicle Specs by VIN Number?

Yes, individuals can quickly and accurately identify their vehicle specs using their VIN numbers. A VIN number can reveal a car's model, airbag support structures, transmission type, and other core specifications. All a searcher needs to do is input their vehicle's title and VIN numbers in a VIN decoder tool.

Can I Check My VIN Number Online in Massachusetts?

Yes, it's possible for vehicle owners in Massachusetts to check their VIN numbers online. Many federal government and third-party websites offer this service. Individuals can run online VIN checks for vehicle specifications, pricing details, fuel economy, theft, fraud records, recalled vehicles, etc. Note that some companies offering VIN checks may charge a fee for their services.

Can You Track a Car by VIN Number in Massachusetts?

No, individuals who want to track and recover their stolen vehicles cannot do so using a VIN number alone. However, they can use their VIN numbers to get a vehicle history report which produces vital information like sale listing locations, vehicle histories and ownership history. They can then use this information to facilitate further actions that can help them recover their vehicles.

Can You Tell Engine Size by VIN Number?

Yes, individuals can tell their particular vehicle's engine sizes using a VIN number. They can do this by decoding the 4th to 8th characters of the 17-character unique code.