How do I perform a classic car VIN check?

Identifying the classic car VIN

On the car

There are multiple places to look for the VIN or its equivalent on the car. Most VINs for classic cars can be found in one or more of these locations:

• On the dashboard, near the windshield on the driver's side, and visible from the outside
• Inside the driver's side wheel well
• Under the steering column
• On the firewall
• On a sticker located on the driver's door edge or doorjamb
• On the driver's door hinge post
• On the driver's or passenger's side frame rail
• On major parts like the engine (though the engine may have been replaced)

You may also find other identifiers on a classic car, including car number plates, engine code ID numbers, trim tag numbers, or an ID number stamped on an axle.

Paperwork

The VIN or other unique identifier may be recorded on these documents:

• Bills of sale and other purchase records
• The vehicle's registration
• The car's title
• Insurance policies
• Maintenance records

While documentation is useful in tracing the history of a classic car, it's also important to verify that the classic car you own — or the one you're thinking about buying — matches its paperwork. Learn more about inspecting classic cars and shopping for classic cars.

What to do with a classic car VIN number

Use online services, such as Hagerty Valuation Tools, Hemmings or NICB Vin Check, to decode your classic car's VIN. Some services require a fee, so research their reputation before making a transaction.

You can learn the following about your classic car by tracing its VIN:

• Make and model
• Type of car (passenger car, truck, etc.)
• Type of engine and type of transmission
• Year of manufacture
• Location of the manufacturing plant
• Title history (including ownership, damage history, and odometer readings)

Research the classic car VIN

With a VIN or its equivalent in hand, you can further research the history of your classic car through several online and offline sources:

• National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS): This U.S. government database provides reliable information about the history of a vehicle, including title, brand, and theft data.
• State Bureau or Department of Motor Vehicles: Some state BMVs/DMVs have more information and services available at their state capital location versus the satellite office locations.
• Car clubs: Consult national clubs for high-level research and local clubs for stories, tips, and practical advice. You can also search forums and newsletters for help.
• Car shows: These events give you the opportunity to talk to knowledgeable classic car fans and experts.
• Previous owners: Ask them what they know about the car and who owned the car before them. You can also ask family members of previous owners. If you can't talk to a previous owner, talking to their family may lead to stories about the car and information about where it was driven and how it was used.

If you're researching much older cars, our classic car insurance friends at Hagerty recommend the Standard Catalog of American Cars.

Does a VIN history report affect classic car insurance rates?

A VIN history report isn't used directly to determine classic car insurance rates. Owners who have identified the classic car's VIN and made a history report are more likely to treat the vehicle as a collector item, which can be seen as a positive when insurance companies are establishing a vehicle's value or making an accommodation.