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VIN Verification in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa residents who need a VIN verification are not limited to having to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles. For your convenience, there are more suitable alternatives that make it a lot easier to satisfy the California Department of Motor Vehicles requirements for registering your automobile, truck, trailer, or off-highway vehicle. In this article, we will answer some of the most common questions when it comes to getting your VIN verification done in Costa Mesa.

What is a California VIN verification?

A VIN verification is a California DMV physical inspection required to get your out of state automobile, truck, trailer or off-highway vehicle registered in the California DMV database. This inspection is documented on the REG31 / VIN verifier form shown below.

reg 31 form

What does a vehicle verifier look for when doing California VIN Verification?

A vehicle verifier follows the REG31 form from top to bottom, and fills out the sections as they go along. Some of those items that are required to be documented are:

  • The vehicle year, make, and model

  • The VIN

  • The VIN location

  • The number of wheels

  • The number of axles

  • The license plate on the vehicle

  • The fuel type the vehicle uses

  • The status of the US Federal Certification Label

  • The emissions label

  • The Odometer reading.

Here are a few photos of what we saw on this 2017 Lamborghini Huracan.

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Why do I need a California VIN verification?

The VIN Verification process does exactly as it says: to verify the vehicle identification number of the vehicle. A vehicle identification number is a unique number that identifies the vehicle – no two vehicles should have the same VIN. This process ensures that the vehicle actually exists (not just on paper), and second, that the vehicle identification number on the vehicle itself matches what is on the title or supporting documents.

To obtain a VIN verifier’s license is inexpensive and relatively easy – the training to become a verifier is minimal, however, the task that ASAP vehicle verifiers perform is very important in protecting the public against theft, fraud, and any other type of illegal activity some people want to try to do. It’s a preventative measure to facilitate catching activity that is fraudulent or avoiding an honest mistake. I would like to consider us as a gatekeeper against fraud & preventer of mistakes.

VIN verifier & DMV registration service
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CHP

Where Can I Get a California VIN verification?

With each option that is available to you to get a SoCal VIN verification there are benefits and drawbacks that you must be made aware of before you choose which is more suitable to you:

  1. Quick VIN Verification:
    1. Pro: We are mobile. We are friendly. We are fast. We are predictable. You set the time and place – and we are there. Licensed vehicle verifiers keep you away from the DMV – and stay home, or at any place you’d rather be, than the DMV.
    2. Con: We do have a fee for this service. Furthermore, they cannot perform verifications on salvage vehicles.
  2. AAA:
    1. Pro: If you are a member, your membership includes the vehicle verifications service, along with the other services they provide.
    2. Con: The mobile VIN verification is NOT an option. Furthermore, they limit what type of units they verify, including salvage or junked vehicles.
  3. DMV:
    1. Pro: There is no cost. But you must have your paperwork in order prior to seeing them for a VIN verification – you can no longer just drive up and have a vehicle verifier inspect your vehicle. They are authorized to perform verifications on salvage and junked vehicles.
    2. Con: The mobile VIN verification is NOT an option & there is a wait to be seen.
  4. CHP:
    1. Pro: There is no cost. Their staff is highly trained to do ALL VIN verifications – including salvage vehicles.
    2. Con: You must have your paperwork in order prior to seeing them, and you must be referred to them by the CHP. They do not readily offer the mobile service option. For more information on the CHP vin verifications please read this section of my website. The mobile VIN verification is NOT an option.
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salvage-certificate-revived-salvage

What Inspections Can a Licensed vehicle verifier NOT do?

 

Private VIN verifiers are prohibited from doing a Vin inspection on certain vehicles & for certain scenarios. These are listed below:

  1. Inspections on vehicles that are to be revived salvage

  2. Inspections on vehicles that have been junked

  3. Vehicles that are 1980 or newer who do not have their Federal Safety label

  4. Motorcycles who have no supporting documents or who were in the DMV database before and fell off

  5. Gray market or direct import vehicles

CHP

What you need to know about CHP VIN inspections in California

 If you are being referred to the CHP by the DMV it’s for a specific reason. In rare situations, a CHP referral is a mistake, and the result of a misunderstanding or mistake. Here are a few of the most common reasons you’re referred to a CHP VIN inspector:
  1. You have a late model vehicle that is a revive salvaged or junked vehicle. Late model vehicles are almost always referred to the CHP for the reason that they need the expert eyes of a CHP officer. In fact, things are so different, they fill out a form that only they have access to. What they mostly look for is that this recently crashed vehicle is not being rebuilt with stolen parts from other vehicles.
  2. You have a motorcycle that has fallen off of the DMV database and have NO supporting documents.
  3. You have a motorcycle that needs an engine changes.
  4. You have armored vehicles.
  5. Your Federal Certification Label is missing or damaged.
  6. Your public VIN is missing or damaged.

Here’s a list of some of the most common reasons you’re referred to the CHP by mistake:

  1. It is common for rookie vehicle verifiers to automatically refer you to the CHP when they don’t know how to proceed. As an example, how to determine the year of an early model vehicle, such as a 1959 Chevy Impala. There are ways to verify the year of these vehicles, but when a rookie doesn’t know how to look it up, they make it “simple” and refer you to the CHP.
  2. They don’t know that this particular early model vehicle doesn’t have a secondary VIN.
  3. They don’t know that the engine & VIN number are one in the same for an early model vehicle.
  4. CLICK HERE FOR A MORE EXTENSIVE WRITEUP ON CHP VIN VERIFICATIONS
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Requirements to Register an Out of State Vehicles in California

In addition to offering verification services for your vehicles we are closely associated with a registration service called Quick Auto Tags – call them to get your car licensed & titled. Listed below are some of the other requirements & documents you will need to complete the DMV registration process in California after your vehicle has been VIN verified for your non-resident vehicle:

  1. Your out-of-state title, MSO (manufacturer’s statement of origin), or registration card (if you’re only registering your car).

  2. For all gas-powered & some diesel-powered vehicles, you must get a smog check.

  3. For commercial vehicles, pickup trucks (this includes small pickups, like El Caminos) you must get a California Weight-master Certificate.

  4. For all cars, trucks, coach trailers, and most PTI trailers a VIN verification.

  5. PTI trailer exception: If you have a brand new trailer that falls within the permanent trailer category, and it has an MSO, and it was purchased out of state, you will not have to get one.

  6. Reg 343 form for ALL vehicles or trailers.

  7. Reg 4017 form for trailers that fall under the PTI (permanent trailer) program

Other Reasons I May Need a California VIN verification?

The VIN verification process is mostly used for bringing in vehicles that are not in the DMV database into the DMV system, however, it is also used for other reasons by the DMV and other entities such as the IRP program. Below I will list a few of those scenarios:

  1. Vehicle was in a tow yard, the tow yard initiated a lien sale, the owner of the vehicle has recovered their vehicle from the tow yard but there is a lien authorized on file. To lift the lien authorized the DMV uses the VIN verification process to confirm that the registered owner has recovered their vehicle and has physical possession of the vehicle once again.
  2. You have a large commercial truck registered through IRP (international registration program).
  3. Your vehicle is being converted from one type of vehicle to another (change in body type model). An example of this is would be: you have a 2021 Ram 3500 that is registered as a pickup, but now you put a camper shell on it, and it is now a pickup mounted camper (PM) changing it into an automobile.
  4. Your vehicle has fallen off of the DMV system and it needs to be re-introduced into the DMV system. (Our parent company Quick Auto Tags is a license registration service and can help you out with this).
  5. The VIN on my car does not match the VIN on my title – this is a simple fix that the California verification process can fix this.
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Verifying Multiple Vehicles

Some individuals or companies may have multiple vehicles that they need to get a vehicle verification on. For this scenario, by far, the #1 solution is to have a mobile VIN verifier come to your location and get all your VIN verification done. Call us to make an appointment: 714-627-9211

how much does a vin verification cost

How much does it cost to get a California VIN verification?

The costs associated with getting a VIN verification depend on whether you want a mobile VIN verification or if you are willing to drive to the respective businesses to get it done. Below are the costs associated with each of the aforementioned places:

  1. Quick VIN Verification – at our VIN verify place: $35 – mobile, licensed vehicle verifiers come to you: between $67-$147 in Orange County
  2. AAA – at their VIN verify place – it is included in their membership, they do not service non-members
  3. DMV – no cost
  4. CHP – no cost
How Do i Schedule an Inspection Appointment with one of Quick VIN Verifications VIN verifiers?
  1. Call 714-627-9211
  2. Visit our website and schedule it here
  3. Email us here
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What Forms of Payment Do You Accept?

Quick VIN Verifications accepts cash, check, Zelle, Venmo, credit cards or debit card.

Can You Help Me with My Motor Vehicle Transaction?

Our parent company is a licensed registration service – so if you have questions that go beyond the VIN verification inspection then you can call Quick Auto Tags @ 951-409-9091.

Quick VIN Verification – Orange County

Tel: 714-627-9211

Costa Mesa (/ˌkstə ˈmsə/Spanish for “Table Coast”) is a city in Orange County, California. Since its incorporation in 1953, the city has grown from a semi-rural farming community of 16,840 to an urban area including part of the South Coast Plaza–John Wayne Airport edge city, one of the region’s largest commercial clusters, with an economy based on retail, commerce, and light manufacturing. The city is home to the two tallest skyscrapers in Orange County.[6] The population was 111,918 at the 2020 United States Census.
Physical Locations to Get a VIN Verification Done by a Licensed VIN verifier in Orange County California(If You Don't Choose Quick VIN Verifications):

Santa Ana CHP – 2031 E Santa Clara Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705

Westminster – 13200 Goldenwest ST, Westminster, CA 92683

 

AAA Laguna Hills Branch Offices – 25181 Paseo De Alicia, Laguna HIlls, CA 92653

DMV in Laguna Hills – 23535 Moulton Pkwy, Laguna HIlls, CA

 

Santa Ana CHP – 2031 E Santa Clara Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705

Westminster – 13200 Goldenwest ST, Westminster, CA 92683

 

AAA Fullerton Branch – 1450 N Harbor Blvd, Fullerton CA 92835

DMV in Fullerton – 909 W Valencia Dr, Fullerton, CA 92832

 

AAA Newport Branch – 3880 Birch St, Newport Beach, CA 92660

DMV in Costa Mesa – 650 W 19th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

 

AAA Los Alamitos Branch -3480 Katella Ave, Los Alamitos, CA 90720

DMV in Westminster – 13700 Hoover St, Westminster, CA 92683

 

AAA San Clemente Branch – 638 Camino de Los Mares, San Clemente, CA 92673

DMV in San Clemente – 2727 Via Cascadita, San Clemente, CA 92673

 

AAA Torrance Branch – 23001 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505

DMV in Costa Mesa – 650 W 19th ST, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

 

AAA Fullerton Branch – 1450 N Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92835

DMV in Fullerton – 909 W Valencia Dr, Fullerton, CA 92832

 

AAA Fullerton Branch – 1450 N Harbor Blvd
Fullerton, ca 92835

DMV in Fullerton – 909 W Valencia Dr, Fullerton CA 92832

 

AAA Huntington Beach Branch – 16160 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

DMV in Westminster – 13700 Hoover Street, Westminster, CA 92683

 

AAA Irvine Branch – 3851 Alton Pkwy Ste C, Irvine, CA 92606

DMV in Costa Mesa – 650 W 19th St, Costa Mesa CA 92627

 

AAA Whitter Branch – 16041 E whittier Blvd, Whittier, CA 90603

DMV in Fullerton – 1450 N Harbor Blvd
Fullerton, ca 92835

 

AAA Los Cerritos Branch – 18642 S Gridley Rd, Artesia CA 90701

DMV in Bellflower – 9520 Artesia Blvd, Bellflower CA 90706

 

AAA Mission Viejo Branch – 27525 Puerta Real Ste 800, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

DMV in Laguna Beach – 23535 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

 

AAA Laguna Hills Branch – 25181 Pasea De Alicia, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

DMV in Laguna Hills – 23535 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

 

AAA Laguna Hills Branch – 25181 Pasea De Alicia, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

DMV in Laguna Hills – 23535 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

 

AAA Laguna Hills Branch – 25181 Pasea De Alicia, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

DMV in Laguna Hills – 23535 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

 

AAA Laguna Hills Branch – 25181 Pasea De Alicia, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

DMV in Laguna Hills – 23535 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

 

AAA Los Alamitos Branch – 3480 Katella Ave, Los Alamitos, CA 90720

DMV in Long Beach – 3700 E Willow St, Long Beach, CA 90815

 

AAA Laguna Hills Branch – 25181 Paseo De Alicia, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

DMV in Long Beach -23535 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

 

AAA Newport Branch – 3880 Birch St, Newport Beach, CA 92660

DMV in Newport Beach – 650 W 19th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

 

AAA Tustin Branch – 13331 Jamboree Rd, Tustin, CA 92782

DMV in Santa Ana – 1330 E First Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701

 

AAA Fullerton Branch – 1450 N Harbor Blvd, Fullerton CA 92835

DMV in Fullerton – 909 W Valencia Drive, Fullerton, CA 92832

 

AAA Mission Viejo Branch – 27805 Santa Margarita Pky, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

DMV in Laguna Hills – 23535 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

 

AAA San Clemente Branch – 638 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente, CA 92673

DMV in San Clemente  – 2727 Via Cascadita, San Clemente, CA 92672

 

AAA San Clemente Branch – 638 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente, CA 92673

DMV in San Clemente  – 2727 Via Cascadita, San Clemente, CA 92672

 

AAA Costa Mesa Branch – 3350 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

DMV in San Ana – 1330 E First St, Santa Ana, CA 92701

 

AAA Los Alamitos Branch – 3480 Katella Ave, Los Alamitos, CA 90720

DMV in Westminster – 13700 Hoover St, Westminster, CA 92683

 

AAA Anaheim Branch – 420 N Euclid Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801

DMV in Westminster – 13700 Hoover St, Westminster, CA 92683

 

AAA Tustin Branch – 13331 Jamboree Rd, Tustin, CA 92782

DMV in Santa Ana – 1330 E First St, Santa Ana, CA 92701

 

AAA Chatsworth Branch – 10210 Mason Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311

DMV in Westminster -13700 Hoover Street, Westminster, CA 92683

 

AAA Anaheim Hills Branch – 5500 E Santa Ana Rd, Anaheim Hills

DMV in Fullerton – 909  W valencia Dr, Fullerton, CA 92832