The vehicle identification number (VIN) is composed of 17 characters (digits and capital letters) that act as a unique identifier for the vehicle. A VIN displays the car's unique features, specifications and manufacturer.
The VIN can be found in a couple of places including on the car's registration label (1), on the compliance plate in the engine bay (2) or on the passenger side windshield (3), or on one of the door posts (where the door latches when it is closed) (4). See the image below:
A serial number search for a motor vehicle will have one of two results:
Note: “Registrations” in this context refers to registrations of security interests on the PPSR, i.e. the registration number is the PPSR registration number, NOT the number plate of the vehicle.
Search certificates contain three main elements:
The first section of your search certificate includes the details of your search, including your search number and search certificate number.
Your search certificate number will allow you to access your original search result or certificate at a later date.
The search criteria shows the information you entered for the original search. If you receive an unexpected result, or the details about the vehicle in the NEVDIS data don’t match the vehicle you searched, double check that you entered the correct serial number.
In the event that your search returns no registrations, a note will be included on your search certificate and the next section will be the NEVDIS data.
Should your search return one or more registrations, the details of these registrations will be included on your search certificate. This includes registration details, collateral details, secured party details, address for service and history summary.
NEVDIS data is provided by the state motor registries and other government agencies and may include vehicle description, vehicle registration (plate) information, stolen and written off status. This data is maintained by NEVDIS and transmitted through to the PPSR on request; it is not stored or maintained by PPSR.
NEVDIS results may include:
Note that NEVDIS does not provide vehicle identification information for a vehicle that was never road registered.
Should you have any queries about the accuracy of stolen vehicle information or the accuracy of any other vehicle information, please contact CarHistory.
If a motor vehicle search by serial number reveals no registrations found (no encumbrances), then if the vehicle is bought or leased on the day of the search or the next day, the purchaser or lessee will usually take the vehicle free of encumbrances. Exceptions to the usual rule apply in certain circumstances.