VIN Lookup in South Carolina

In South Carolina, a VIN Lookup is a process used to obtain information regarding a vehicle by analyzing its VIN. A vehicle identification number (VIN) is a distinctive identification number issued to a vehicle by its manufacturer after production. A VIN lookup, much like a South Carolina license plate lookup, is useful for vehicle owners, potential buyers, and law enforcement agencies in accessing information about a vehicle.

The South Carolina Code of Laws mentions acceptable and non-acceptable practices with regard to VIN and the retribution for any attempt to alter, hide or destroy the identification number of a vehicle.

How is a VIN Number Used?

A VIN serves several purposes in South Carolina, some of which include the following,

A VIN can be used to check details about a vehicle, its brand, and its specifications.
It can be used to check the history of a vehicle, its insurance, possible damage, accidents, whether or not it has a lien on it, or if the vehicle was stolen.
A VIN is also used to track vehicles (by manufacturers in the case of a vehicle recall and law enforcement in the case of theft).
It is essential data in regards to vehicle registration, getting insurance for a vehicle, or warranty claim.

Who Issues a Vehicle's VIN Number in South Carolina?

A vehicle’s identification number is normally issued by its manufacturer in South Carolina. In a situation where a VIN was not assigned to a vehicle or the VIN can not be made out from the parts where it appears (because of the age of the vehicle) and there is an absence of proper documentation (title, insurance, etc), a new VIN can be assigned by the law enforcement agency.

How Many Digits are in a VIN?

A South Carolina VIN is usually made up of 17 digits. Every session of a vehicle identification number represents a specific information, about the vehicle. The VIN tells,

The first three digits (represented by numbers or the alphabet) give information about the manufacture of the vehicle, the place it was manufactured, the name of the manufacturer, and the division number of the manufacturer.
The next section which is about 5 digits, tells the specification of the vehicle, the model, the make, physical features, the vehicle series, the engine size, the year of manufacture, etc
The last digits is the number allocated to the vehicle by its manufacturer.

How to Find Your Car’s VIN Number

The vehicle identification number of a car is usually encrypted on different parts of the car and can be found on the documents of the car. Members of the public who want to find the VIN of a car can check,

The dashboard by the driver's side
The side door of the driver's seat.
The body of the engine.
On some occasions, the VIN can be found in the well of the car wheels.
The title of the vehicle or the insurance certificate.

If one does not find the VIN on any part of the car, one can contact the manufacturer of the model of the vehicle directly or reach out to a law enforcement agency.

How to Conduct a VIN Lookup in South Carolina

Those who would like to conduct a vehicle identification number lookup in South Carolina can use the online services provided by the government on the state’s web page. One can also check the national motor vehicle title information system web page to look up the history of a vehicle. The platform provides a link to different government-approved online service providers where one can carry out a search.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is another site where an inquirer can do a VIN lookup to access information about the accident history of a car.

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

Individuals interested in carrying out a VIN number lookup for free in South Carolina can check the website of the Department of Motor Vehicles using the inquiry search tool provided on the web page. Please bear in mind that only those who have subscribed account with the South Carolina government can access information provided on the database. One can subscribe for a lien inquiry, history of a vehicle title, or license plate inquiry.

A researcher can also search for a VIN number for free on the National Insurance Crime Bureau home page using the VIN search tool.

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

A VIN can be decrypted using a VIN decoder. As has been mentioned earlier, a vehicle inspection number contains information regarding the manufacture of a vehicle and its specification/description. The VIN can also be used to access important information about the history records of a vehicle.

There are several tools that can be used to decode a VIN, these tools are made available by different service providers online. Generally, one would need to provide the VIN number and the year the vehicle model was produced. For example, The United States Department of Transportation provides a vehicle identification number decoder tool on the homepage including a guide on how to navigate the tool. This tool can also be used to access a vehicle's history from the database.

If an inquirer uses any of the private sites that offer this service to do a VIN check, one can reach out to the manufacturer of the vehicle to verify the information provided on the site.

How to Conduct a VIN Lookup by License Plate in South Carolina

In South Carolina, one can obtain ones driving records or the driving records of another person (with their permission) using a license plate number. The South Carolina Department of Motors provides a driver’s record search tool on its website. The VIN information of a vehicle can be accessed from this record. The inquirer would need to provide a social security number, date of issuance of license number, and date of birth.

What is a VIN Inspection in South Carolina?

A VIN inspection involves confirming that the vehicle inspection number on a vehicle is the same as the VIN registered. In South Carolina, a VIN inspection is usually carried out by an authorized verifier/inspector, a law enforcement agent, or a highway patrol officer

Although VIN inspection is not required in South Carolina, it is advised that one does one especially if,

Major alterations are made to a vehicle
The vehicle was purchased and shipped from overseas.
The VIN on the vehicle does not match what is on the papers of the vehicle.
There are issues regarding the vehicle's insurance or there is a lien on the vehicle.

To do a motor vehicle safety inspection in South Carolina some of the information that one would need to provide are,

Vehicle title/proof of ownership
A license
Other documents, insurance, or tax receipt. etc.

How Much is a Vehicle Inspection in South Carolina?

Generally, the fee for a vehicle inspection in South Carolina depends on the type of car to be inspected, the age of the car, the make/model, the type of inspection to be carried out, and the service provider. A vehicle inspection can cost from $13 - over $100.

Although South Carolina is one of the states that does not require a vehicle inspection, it is advised that one takes their vehicle to be inspected for safety and maintenance sake.

What is a Vehicle Inspection Report in South Carolina

A vehicle inspection report in South Carolina is a record of the condition (external and internal) of a vehicle after it has been checked. One would know the parts of the vehicle that need repairs or replacement. A vehicle inspection would make it possible that a vehicle is kept in good condition for the duration of its use. One would need to provide the VIN of the vehicle to carry out an inspection.

What Does a Vehicle History Report Contain?

A vehicle history report is a document that gives an overview of the details and conditions of a vehicle that has been in use for a while. A vehicle history report contains,

Names of previous owner(s)
Title, insurance, and lien.
Details of registration
Reading on the odometer.
Records of damages, accidents, repairs, or replacement (where it applies)
A recall (where applicable).

How to Conduct a VIN Verification in South Carolina

Members of the public who want to conduct a VIN verification can do so on the South Carolina DMV web page. One can do a title or registration search under the vehicle owners’ option to verify if the VIN on the body of the vehicle is the same as that which appears on the document. Some private sites including the web page maintained by the manufacturers of vehicles allow vehicle owners to verify a VIN.

One can also verify a VIN with a law enforcement officer or any authorized personnel or company that offers this service.

Can I Lookup My Vehicle Specs by VIN Number?

Yes. Usually, the VIN code number gives information about the specifications of a vehicle. One can use a VIN decoder tool to decode the VIN and access the specifications of the vehicle. These can be done using any of the online options available to check a vehicle’s specs using the VIN number.

Can I Check My VIN Number Online in South Carolina?

Yes, although the easiest way is to check the body of the vehicle. Several options are available for accessing the VIN number of a vehicle online as has been aforementioned. Members of the public can select one of the online services to check a particular vehicle's VIN number.

Can You Track a Car by VIN Number in South Carolina?

Yes. A vehicle identification number is needed to track a car in South Carolina. For instance, in the case of finding a stolen vehicle or a vehicle involved in a theft, or a recall by the manufacturer. The VIN number can be used to access the history report of a car. Using the history report, one would know where a car was registered, serviced, or repaired or any other vital information, from the oldest to the most recent.

Can You Tell Engine Size by VIN Number?

Yes. Part of the vehicle specifications of a vehicle decodable from a vehicle identification number is the size of the vehicle’s engine. The 8th digit in the code is usually the size of the engine code. One can use a VIN decoder to decipher the engine size for a particular vehicle or contact the vehicle manufacturer.