VIN Verification in California

The 2 biggest difference between the DMV/CHP, AAA and private VIN verifies is price and convenience:

• CHP does NOT charge for their service, however, you will need to make an appointment to be seen. In addition, they will not perform a VIN verification on just any vehicle or trailer. To be seen by the CHP you must have a referral prior to making an appointment. In addition, they do not travel unless it is a special circumstance, such as a large commercial unit, or where there are multiple units at one location. They are usually the ones that do the more complicated situations because they are highly trained.

• DMV does NOT charge a fee for their service, however, they do NOT travel. They can perform a VIN verification on salvage or junked vehicles.

• AAA charges a membership fee, so for you to be seen by them, you must be a member. In addition, they stay away from complicated ones, such as older cars, or cars with no records, or anything that has to do with dealerships. They cannot perform VIN verification on salvage or junked vehicles.

• Private VIN verifiers do charge a fee for their service, but out of all of the options, they are the most convenient, and fast. They cannot perform verifications on salvage or junked vehicles.