All vehicles must undergo a VIN verification in Nevada in order for their owners to maintain valid ownership credentials in the state. While some states may not require this type of procedure to be completed, an NV VIN inspection is a requirement to make sure that all vehicles are properly examined and verified. In general, these inspections encompass making sure that the VIN shown on a vehicle matches the VIN outlined on a car’s ownership documents.

Therefore, it is critical for motorists to verify a VIN number in the state, particularly if they wish to maintain legal ownership rights over their vehicles. On the other hand, before visiting a local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, car owners should identify whether or not this type of inspection is necessary for their cars. In certain cases, the Nevada DMV will exempt vehicles from having to undergo a VIN number validation. To learn more about this procedure, as well as its methods and requirements, read the sections below.

When is a Nevada VIN verification required?

A Nevada vehicle verification must be completed for any vehicle or trailer that has never been titled or registered in the state before. Thus, if you are a new resident to the state, or if you were already a resident but purchased an out-of-state vehicle that must be registered in NV, you will be required to verify a VIN number through the DMV. Moreover, if you have recently purchased a new or used car and is registering it for the first time, then a VIN number inspection will be necessary before your car can be registered in the state.

Where can I go to obtain a VIN inspection in Nevada?

There are numerous car inspection stations in Nevada, as this procedure does not have to necessarily take place at an official Department of Motor Vehicles branch. The most common places for a vehicle inspection to take place include:

  • DMV inspection stations
  • Law enforcement agencies
  • DMV-approved inspection agencies

The Nevada DMV inspection stations are the most common establishments for motorists to request VIN verifications, as drivers can handle other vehicle-related issues at the same time. For example, at a DMV office, you can simultaneously verify a VIN number, title a vehicle and register it. The larger Department of Motor Vehicles branches have entirely separate buildings for VIN inspections to take place. Otherwise, these offices have designated inspection stations on the side or rear of their buildings.

In the event that a car is deemed difficult to be inspected, or if a vehicle identification number is being put into question, car owners will be referred to other DMV inspection stations that have specially-trained inspectors. An NV state car inspection can also be completed by a law enforcement officer, as well as any retailer that was authorized by the DMV.

Overall, law enforcement officers will need to provide their signatures and badge numbers on the inspection form. In addition, if a VIN verification takes place outside of a DMV station, then the address of that establishment will also need to be provided.

What to Bring to a VIN Number Verification in Nevada

A Nevada VIN verification will require motorists to bring their vehicles and driver’s licenses to an inspection station. If possible, car owners are encouraged to call in advance and verify whether or not making an appointment is necessary for the inspection to take place. While certain states require a title and registration to be brought to this procedure, that is not the case in NV.

Instead, Nevada requires the inspection of the VIN in order to title and register a vehicle. For that reason, the only necessary documents for this type of verification will be the official form provided by the DMV. This state-issued vehicle inspection form will require the following information:

  • Year, make, model and body type of vehicle.
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN).
  • Odometer reading.
  • Amount of cylinders.
  • Number of rotors.
  • Type of generator fuel.
  • Inspection station information.

The only professionals who can complete a “Vehicle Inspection Certificate” form are an authorized Nevada DMV agent or a qualified law enforcement officer. Once the inspection certificate is completed, the driver will be given an official copy. Fees may vary for a VIN verification, as third-party agencies may charge more for the inspection in comparison to the Department of Motor Vehicles itself.

Furthermore, it is important to note that the DMV accepts payment methods such as cash, checks, money orders, electronic checks and debit or credit cards. However, private establishments may have different guidelines in regards to payment methods.

What to Do After Completing a VIN Inspection in Nevada

After a Nevada VIN number validation is completed, motorists will be responsible for bringing the completed paperwork to the DMV, which will allow them to title and register their cars. Once the DMV obtains the vehicle verification certificate of completion, applicants may proceed with the registration and the titling of a car.

Last updated on Monday, March 9 2020.