Kansas VIN Lookup

Buying a pre-owned vehicle is often a more economical option to own a vehicle. However, affordability should not overshadow the importance of caution. In Kansas, where the average cost of a used car is $24,357 and there are about 267 used car dealers, buyers need to be vigilant and proactive when making a purchase.

Unfortunately, Kansas does not provide lemon law protection for used car buyers. Consequently, buyers are liable for any undisclosed defects at the time of purchase. Thus, it is essential to do your due diligence before purchasing.

One of the most effective ways to mitigate potential risks is by conducting an exhaustive Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) lookup before finalizing any purchase. A VIN lookup can reveal essential details regarding a vehicle’s history, including accident reports, recall notices, existing liens, inspection records, and any other relevant information.

Why Performing a Kansas VIN Check Is Important

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code that serves as a vehicle's personal ID, providing key insights into its history, features, and condition. Whether you are buying a new or used car, conducting a VIN check is essential to avoid potential risks and make an informed decision. A Kansas VIN check provides access to key details, such as:

• Registration and Title Verification: Conducting a VIN check helps authenticate a vehicle’s registration status, confirm its title, and ensure the seller has the legal right to transfer ownership. Under the 2023 Kansas Statutes Annotated Chapter 8, Section 127, all vehicles operating within the state must be properly titled and registered with the Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles. Failure to register a vehicle can result in penalties including fines of up to $500.
• Title Brands: A VIN check is essential for verifying a vehicle’s title brand, providing insight into its history, condition, and potential risks. Title brands such as “salvage,” “flood damaged,” “junk,” or “rebuilt” often signal that the vehicle has suffered significant damage and undergone major repairs.
• Auto Fraud Prevention: Auto-related fraud makes up three percent of all fraud cases in Kansas, highlighting the need for caution when buying used cars. A VIN check can help identify fraudulent title changes, reducing the risk of falling prey to scams.
• Odometer Verification: A VIN check helps verify a vehicle’s official odometer reading. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that over 450,000 vehicles are sold annually with tampered odometers, leading to an estimated $1 billion in losses for buyers. Conducting a VIN check is an effective way to avoid these scams and ensure that you pay a fair market price for a used car.
• Theft Checks: When purchasing a vehicle in Kansas, it is essential to check its history, especially given the state's car theft rate of 239.5 per 100,000 residents. A VIN check can reveal whether the car has been reported stolen, helping you avoid the legal and financial risks associated with buying stolen property.

How To Perform a Kansas VIN Check

In Kansas, various state and federal agencies offer resources for conducting VIN checks. These include:

Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles:

The Kansas Department of Revenue Division of Vehicles allows you to verify a vehicle’s title and lienholder information by submitting a Request for Access to Vehicle Records form along with the required fees. Access is strictly regulated and granted only for authorized purposes, including investigations related to safety, emissions, theft, and recalls.

National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS):

The NMVTIS is a national database for vehicle title information. Although it does not provide free reports, it serves as a resource for approved data providers. You can access NMVTIS data through authorized providers, some of which offer reports for little or no cost.

NICB VINCheck:

The NICB VINCheck service helps you verify if a vehicle has been reported as stolen or salvaged. A full VIN is required, and the tool allows only five searches per day.

The NHTSA VIN Decoder:

The NHTSA VIN Decoder tool focuses on safety-related details, providing information on the vehicle’s manufacturer, model year, engine specs, production plant, safety ratings, and recalls. VIN checks via the NHTSA’s VIN Decoder can be done using either a full or partial VIN.

Free vs. Paid VIN Check Services in Kansas

While some government agencies and nonprofit organizations provide free VIN checks, these services may not provide all the essential information required to make a fully informed decision when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle. For a more detailed report, you may need to use a paid third-party service. Platforms like GoodCar, EpicVin, iSeeCar, and VinAudit are top choices for conducting VIN checks in Kansas.

For a nominal fee, you can access detailed vehicle history reports through these platforms that include:

• Title history
• Rebuild records
• Odometer verification
• Title brands
• Ownership records
• Vehicle specifications
• Service and maintenance records
• Accident history
• Retail, trade-in, and private-party pricing
• Inspection records
• Safety defects and recalls
• Sales history and much more!

What Used Car Scams Are Common in Kansas?

When buying used cars, Kansans should be cautious of fraudulent tactics, including fraudulent online car advertisements, unlicensed dealers selling "lemons," and other auto-related scams. Recently, the Maize Police Department issued a warning about a scam involving a fraudulent website posing as the defunct Maize Motors dealers and claiming to sell restored classic cars while using a local phone number and the dealer’s former address to appear legitimate. This highlights the importance of verifying a vehicle’s authenticity and the seller’s credibility before making a purchase.

Some of the most common used car scams in Kansas include:

VIN Cloning:

Copying the VIN from one vehicle and using it on another car (usually a stolen or salvaged one) to mask its true identity.

Fake Vehicle Histories:

Providing fake accident reports or maintenance records to make a car appear more well-maintained and valuable than it is.

Title Washing:

Altering a vehicle’s title to remove negative labels such as “salvage” or “flood-damaged” to hide past damage and make the car appear in better condition than it actually is.

Curbstoning:

Illegally selling used cars for a profit; this is usually perpetrated by unlicensed dealers posing as private sellers.

Odometer Fraud:

Rolling back a vehicle’s odometer to make it appear less used and increase its market value.

Unfortunately, the used car market is plagued with scams like this. In most cases, these scams result in significant financial loss and legal implications for unsuspecting buyers, emphasizing the importance of exercising caution when purchasing a vehicle. You should consider taking the following steps when purchasing a vehicle to avoid falling prey to auto-related scams in Kansas:

• Have a clear idea of the type of vehicle you wish to buy, its estimated cost, and its features.
• Be mindful of deals that seem too good to be true.
• Request and review all relevant documentation.
• Insist on a written warranty.
• Use reputable sites like GoodCar to conduct a thorough VIN check on the vehicle before making a purchase.

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

In Kansas, you can verify the status of your vehicle's title through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). This is an essential step when purchasing a used car, as it helps protect against potential issues like outstanding liens or incorrect ownership information that could affect your ability to use, sell, or transfer the vehicle.

To access the title information, enter your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into one of the approved NMVTIS provider platforms. This will give you access to important details such as title history, previous branding (e.g., salvage or flood damage), and any potential discrepancies. The search is typically available at minimal or no cost.

How To Register a Brand New Car in Kansas

Once you purchase a brand new car in Kansas, you must title and register it with the local county treasurer’s office where the vehicle is garaged within 60 days of the vehicle’s purchase, the day the title was assigned to the new owner, or the day the bill of sale was completed for an antique vehicle.

Since procedures and requirements can vary slightly by county, it is best to contact or visit your local county treasurer’s office directly for further information. Also, you may contact the Kansas Division of Vehicles, Department of Titles and Registration for assistance.

Does Kansas Mandate Vehicle Inspection?

Generally, Kansas does not mandate routine car safety or emissions inspections. However, certain situations require a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection. They include:

• If a vehicle has a title from another state or a foreign country;
• If a vehicle has been reconstructed, assembled, reconstituted, or restored from one or more vehicles; or
• If the proper identification number of a vehicle is uncertain.

To complete a VIN inspection in Kansas, you must provide a signed title, government-issued identification, and relevant ownership and purchase documents. Trained law enforcement personnel from the Kansas Highway Patrol or designated local agencies typically conduct these inspections at fixed county locations. In certain cases, they may conduct inspections at the vehicle’s storage site.

Verifying the VIN and odometer is crucial to ensure the vehicle’s information aligns with state records and has not been tampered with to evade regulations.

How Do I Get a Replacement VIN in Kansas?

If your VIN is missing, damaged, altered, or if you have built a homemade vehicle or rebuilt one from salvage, you will need to obtain a replacement VIN. In Kansas, you can schedule an inspection with a Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) Motor Vehicle Enforcement (MVE) trooper (or their assistant) in your area. During the inspection, the inspector will verify the vehicle's identity, and if an alternate form of identification is found, the trooper will issue a replacement VIN.

For inquiries about obtaining a replacement VIN, you can contact the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) at General Headquarters, 122 SW 7th Street, Topeka, KS 66603, or by telephone at 785-296-6800.

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

Vehicles coming into Kansas from another state must undergo a VIN inspection if they have a valid title. The VIN inspections are conducted by trained law enforcement personnel employed by the Patrol or designated law enforcement agencies across the state. While most inspections take place at fixed locations within each county, special circumstances may allow for inspections at the vehicle’s storage location.