New Mexico VIN numbers are used to track the life of a car. A VIN number lookup report can tell a vehicle owner about the history of a vehicle and is an excellent way to check for problems with a car. Also, knowing the history of a vehicle is beneficial when shopping for auto insurance. You will better know how much you can expect to pay given the condition of the vehicle.

Residents can get a VIN history report through a professional online service, by mailing the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), by appearing in person at the MVD office, or by faxing a form to the MVD office in Santa Fe.

How to Conduct a New Mexico VIN Number Lookup Online

Ordering a VIN report online is the quickest way to get a vehicle’s history. When motorists order a VIN number check online they receive the most up-to-date history of a vehicle, in real time. The online service provides detailed, comprehensive information about a vehicle, which state ordered history checks do not. With an online VIN code lookup, vehicle owners will get information about the vehicle’s:

• Safety.
• Recalls and defects.
• Accident history.
• Title information and sales history.
• Theft status.
• Odometer reading.
• Insurance reports.

How to Request a New Mexico VIN Code Lookup in Person

Ordering a VIN number check at an MVD office will take a significantly longer amount of time than ordering online. New Mexico VIN searches are conducted by a certified VIN inspector. In most cities, you need to make an appointment with the MVD office ahead of time. If there is anything suspicious about the VIN, such as the numbers are not the same in all areas of the car, or if the VIN on the dashboard is damaged or unreadable, you may be required to take it to a law enforcement agency. There is a fee for each VIN number search and each appointment. These fees are normally much higher than fees charged by online services. Furthermore, you will have to wait to receive your report.

How to Request a New Mexico VIN Lookup by Fax

To receive partial VIN history information, you can make requests by fax. The New Mexico MVD allows you to fax a request form to the MVD office in Santa Fe. You will first have to get the correct form either from the NM MVD website or by picking one up at your local MVD office. There is no one VIN history report that will provide comprehensive information on a vehicle. The different types of report that motorists can order include the following:

• Vehicle Registration Application
• C.I.C. (National Crime Information Center) Certificate of Clearance
• VIN Request for Vehicle Identification Number Verification
• Odometer Disclosure Statement
• Release of Lien

How to Request a New Mexico VIN Lookup by Mail

VIN history reports can also be requested by mail. The same forms available for faxing can be used for making mailed requests.

Those who request a VIN number check by mail must keep in mind the extra time necessary for postal service. Requests made by mail and fax must be entered by hand and will also take longer to process.

VIN number lookups through national services is another option for motors who want a history of their car. Two services that are available are:

• Department of Justice’s National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) – Through this organization, a vehicle owner can find information about the vehicle’s title, odometer data and limited information about vehicle damage.
• National Insurance Crime Bureau – This organization can provide more damage report including flood damage.

What info is in a New Mexico VIN history report?

As stated above, ordering your looking up VIN number reports from the online service is the most comprehensive and efficient way to get a vehicle’s history. The state does not offer one comprehensive report for a car owner. Using the online service provides a report with in-depth information about a vehicle’s history including (but not limited to):

• Vehicle specifications.
• Original window sticker.
• Title information.
• Odometer reading.
• Recall notices from the manufacturer.
• Towing records.
• Theft.
• Inspection history.
• Accident reports.

Why would I need to perform a VIN check in New Mexico?

Looking up VIN numbers when buying a used car prevents problems later on. Whether a buyer purchases a car from a dealership, an independent auto sales company or an individual, the full history of the vehicle may not be known. It can be helpful to know how many times the vehicle has been sold, if there have been any insurance claims made on it, or if the manufacturer has issued any service bulletins or recalls on it. If you already own a vehicle that you purchased as a used car, checking the VIN report can alert you potential issues with the car.  VIN reports are very useful when an owner tries to sell a vehicle, as well. Providing a prospective buyer with a comprehensive vehicle history report, will build trust and give the buyer more confidence in their buying decision.

How do I locate my vehicle’s VIN number?

You will need to know how to check your VIN number in NM before ordering your vehicle history report. The VIN number is engraved in different areas of your car, and also found on stickers in places. The following are a few areas where you can find your VIN number:

• Dashboard close to the windshield
• Left side inner wheel arch
• Machined area on the front of the engine
• Driver’s door or post on passenger side
• Steering column
• Guarantee and Maintenance Book

Owners of used cars should check VIN numbers in as many locations on the vehicle as they can to make sure all the numbers match. Any mismatched VIN number could signal problems of theft or major repairs.

Vehicle History Report Fees in New Mexico

The fee for a vehicle record report is $75.