Illinois VIN Lookup

Purchasing a used car is usually more attractive to many residents of Illinois due to the cheaper prices when compared to brand-new cars. The average price of a used car in Illinois is estimated at $35,217. More than 740 used car dealers make the purchase of pre-owned cars accessible to Illinois residents.

While buying a used car allows buyers to save on funds, it comes with its risk as some dishonest dealers cook up schemes to scam unsuspecting buyers. Although the state has a lemon law, it does not extend to used cars, meaning that the responsibility of ensuring the legitimacy and reliability of used cars falls on the shoulders of buyers.

Consequently, buyers need to conduct comprehensive evaluations, including Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) lookups, to uncover any potential issues such as prior accidents, title discrepancies, or unresolved recalls.

Why Performing an Illinois VIN Check Is Important

Purchasing a used car is a cost-effective way to own a vehicle, but it comes with potential risks, especially when dealing with private sellers or dealerships. Uncertainties about the car’s history and the transfer of ownership can make the process challenging. Also, the number of vehicle thefts and the frequency of auto fraud in Illinois may make potential pre-owned car buyers reconsider their options. Recently, the state reported 38,649 motor vehicle thefts, reflecting a theft rate of approximately 307.57 incidents per 100,000 residents. Also, per auto fraud, Illinois had 161.1 reported incidents per million residents.

Therefore, conducting a VIN check is one crucial way to mitigate the risks associated with buying used cars. The Illinois vehicle code makes it mandatory for vehicles operating on the state's public roads to be registered with the state's DMV. Failing to register a vehicle with the state may result in penalties, including fines and potential impoundment of the vehicle.

During a vehicle's registration with the state, several details are collected about the vehicle and its owner and maintained in a database. Performing a VIN check allows you to access some of the information in the database and other information reported and recorded over the history of the vehicle's use.

Details that may be accessed in a VIN lookup include information about a vehicle's registration and title history. This includes data on previous ownership, accident history, and any reports of theft. By accessing this information, buyers may avoid purchasing vehicles with undisclosed issues or those that have been reported stolen.

How To Perform an Illinois VIN Check

You may perform an Illinois VIN check using the following resources:

Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Title Check:

Illinois does not provide a free VIN check service. However, you can check the status of a vehicle title by entering the 17-digit VIN in the Title and Registration Status Inquiry page of the Illinois Secretary of State website.

The NHTSA VIN Decoder:

The NHTSA VIN Decoder provides vehicle safety details including manufacturer recalls, safety ratings, engine specs, model info, and the vehicle's country and plant of manufacture. Use the full or partial VIN to get results.

NICB VINCheck:

The NICB VINCheck service helps identify stolen or salvaged vehicles. By entering the VIN, you can check if the vehicle has been reported stolen or declared a salvage vehicle. This tool helps detect potential fraud or hidden issues when purchasing used vehicles.

Free vs. Paid VIN Check Services in Illinois

While free VIN check services such as those offered by the NHTSA and NICB allow anyone to perform a VIN lookup, the information revealed using such free services is generally basic. Typically, you only get limited vehicle information, manufacturer recalls, and theft records.

However, to obtain a more comprehensive history report of a vehicle, paid VIN check services like iSeeCar, Carmart, and GoodCar are recommended. These premium services offer valuable insights into the history of a vehicle, including information such as:

• Full accident and damage history
• Odometer readings and potential rollback alerts
• Title branding, such as salvage, rebuilt, or flood damage
• Service and maintenance records
• Previous ownership details and usage history (private, fleet, or rental)
• Market value estimates and comparable vehicle pricing

What Used Car Scams Are Common in Illinois?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety, with 79,000 cars discovered with rolled-back odometer readings, Illinois ranks as the fifth-highest state in the United States for odometer scams. Similarly, the Illinois Secretary of State warns residents looking to purchase used vehicles to exercise caution amid the rise in fraudulent car purchases in the state.

The advisory issued from the office of the Secretary of State follows a recent incident involving an Illinois car buyer. The individual believed they had purchased a used vehicle from a wholesale dealer with an odometer reading of 80,000 miles. However, it was subsequently revealed that the seller had rolled back the odometer from over 200,000 miles and had intentionally failed to disclose significant mechanical issues with the vehicle.

Commonly used car scams perpetrated in Illinois include:

Curbstoning:

Unlicensed dealers pose as private sellers to sell damaged or salvaged vehicles while avoiding consumer protection laws.

Title Washing:

Fraudsters alter or remove branding from a vehicle’s title to hide past salvage or flood damage.

Odometer Fraud:

Sellers roll back the odometer to falsely reduce mileage and increase the car’s value.

VIN Cloning:

Stolen cars are given legitimate VINs from similar vehicles to avoid detection.

Hidden Defects:

Sellers conceal mechanical or structural issues, sometimes using temporary fixes to deceive buyers.

Fraudulent Payment Methods:

Scammers request unconventional payments, such as wire transfers or prepaid cards, making refunds or legal action difficult.

To protect yourself from used car scams, take the following precautions:

• Obtain a properly signed title at the time of purchase to ensure a legitimate transfer of ownership.
• Verify that the seller is the rightful owner by checking their identification against the title documents.
• Ensure any outstanding lien on the vehicle is fully paid off before completing the transaction.
• Inspect the title documents for signs of tampering, such as erasures or alterations.
• Confirm that the vehicle’s wear and tear align with its age and recorded mileage.
• Review the vehicle history report from sources such as GoodCar to check for past accidents, title issues, or odometer discrepancies.

How Do I Check the Status of My Vehicle's Title in Illinois?

A vehicle title status check is important if you want to verify the validity of the current status or confirm lienholder information.

To check the title status, visit the Title and Registration Status Inquiry page on the Illinois Secretary of State website. Enter the VIN in the designated field and click the submit button to initiate the search. The results will display the current title status and any lienholder information.

If needed, you can also contact the nearest Illinois Secretary of State Facility or call the SOS office toll-free at 1-800-252-8980.

How To Register a Brand-New Car in Illinois

All vehicles purchased in Illinois must be registered with the state in a process managed by the office of the Illinois Secretary of State. If your vehicle was purchased from a licensed Illinois dealer, the dealership will complete the necessary paperwork for you. At the dealership, you will be required to sign the title and application or complete a power of attorney form, permitting the dealership to sign on your behalf.

However, if you did not purchase the car from a dealership, you will be required to follow these steps to complete the titling and registration process:

• Obtain the title from the seller
• Start your Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) transaction online: Visit the Electronic Registration and Title page of the Illinois Secretary of State website to initiate your application
• Gather your documents and choose a payment method: Gather the required documents such as the original title and proof of insurance. All presented documents must be original copies as no photocopies are accepted. Also, payment for title and registration fees may be made using a check or money order made payable to the Illinois Secretary of State, while payment for taxes may be made using a check or money order made out to the Illinois Department of Revenue. Note that cash is not accepted for mailed-in transactions.
• Submit your application and payment by mail or take it to a DMV facility: Visit a DMV Facility in person to finish your transaction. Alternatively, completed forms, supporting documentation, and payment may be submitted by mail to:

Illinois Secretary of State
501 S. Second St., Rm. 055
Springfield, IL 62756

Be aware that the ERT System allows you to complete and print an Application for Vehicle Transactions (VSD 190). To complete your transaction, you are required to take your completed application, supporting documentation, and payment to your local Secretary of State facility within seven days.

What Are the Requirements for Registering a New Car in Illinois?

Illinois has over 10 million registered vehicles, making it one of the states in the nation with a high volume of vehicle registrations. To title and register a car in the state, the following are required:

• Application for Vehicle Transaction (Form VSD 190): This is printable from the ERT system online.
• Proof of Illinois residency
• Original title
• Proof of car insurance
• Tax form
• Odometer disclosure statement
• Payment for applicable fees:
  • Title fee: $20-250
  • Registration fee: $151 to $164, depending on the type of vehicle
  • Vehicle use tax: varies based on the vehicle's value and purchase type
  • Additional fee: $251 annual EV fee (applicable only to EVs)

In Illinois, vehicle registration renewal is required annually. Every year, you need to renew your vehicle's registration by its expiration date to ensure it remains legally registered. Typically, you will receive a renewal notice from the Illinois Secretary of State's office before the expiration date.

You may renew your vehicle registration online, by mail, via the touch-tone phone system (866-545-9609), or in person at a Secretary of State facility.

To renew your car registration in Illinois, you will need:

• Current registration card or renewal notice
• Proof of Illinois residency (if updating address)
• Proof of auto insurance
• Emission Test Certificate (if applicable)
• Payment for applicable fees:
  • Annual registration fee: $151 (base fee for a standard passenger vehicle)

Does Illinois Mandate Vehicle Inspection?

Illinois does not require statewide vehicle safety inspections. However, certain counties mandate emissions inspections every two years for vehicles once they reach four model years old, as per the Illinois Vehicle Emissions Inspection Law (625 ILCS 5/13C). These counties include Cook, DuPage, and Lake, as well as St. Clair, Monroe, Madison, Will, McHenry, Kendall, Kane, and others. Typically, vehicles with even-numbered model years are inspected in even years, while odd-numbered model years are inspected in odd years.

Certain vehicle types are exempt from emissions inspections, including:

• Electric vehicles
• Antique and custom vehicles
• Diesel-powered vehicles
• Vehicles with a model year of 1967 or older
• Government-owned military vehicles
• Motorcycles and motorized bicycles
• Farming and husbandry equipment

While Illinois does not mandate regular safety inspections, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification is an integral part of the emissions testing process. Inspectors ensure the VIN matches official records to prevent fraud and ensure accurate vehicle identification. Odometer readings are also recorded during emissions inspections to track mileage and vehicle condition.

How Do I Get a Replacement VIN in Illinois?

A VIN replacement may be necessary due to several reasons, such as when the original VIN is damaged, altered, missing, or removed. Although the Illinois Secretary of State does not offer specific steps to apply for a replacement VIN, consider visiting your local Illinois SOS office for guidance on the VIN replacement process.

The process may involve completing certain forms and a VIN inspection. The VIN inspection may be completed by a law enforcement officer or an authorized Illinois State Police officer. Other documents such as proof of ownership, photo identification, and documents related to the history of the vehicle may be required. In addition, the Illinois SOS office may require payment before your application can be approved. If the application is approved, you will be issued a replacement VIN.

Does Illinois Require a VIN Inspection for Out-of-State Vehicles?

VIN verification is required before an emissions test may be conducted for a vehicle in Illinois. Hence, if an out-of-state vehicle requires emissions testing, a VIN inspection will be needed. If discrepancies are found with the VIN during this inspection, the vehicle may be rejected for emissions testing until the issue is resolved.