Hawaii VIN Lookup

Buying a used car is an excellent choice to save money on your initial purchase. However, it is not always an easy decision. There are only 63 used car dealerships in Hawaii, and prospective buyers might invest as much as $23,290 in buying a used vehicle. While Hawaii's Lemon laws provide specific protections for individuals who acquire used cars, assuming the manufacturer's warranty remains in effect, buyers of used vehicles that lack warranty coverage typically face limited or no protections.

To this end, it is always best to conduct thorough research about the car and dealer before making a purchase. One effective way to do this is by performing a VIN lookup. This lookup provides essential information about the car's history, including accident reports, recalls, inspection records, liens, and other important details.

Why Performing a Hawaii VIN Check is Important

A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code assigned to a vehicle that serves as its identifier. Performing a Hawaii VIN check is a proactive and smart step when buying a used car on the islands. This check provides important information about the vehicle’s history, helping you make a smart decision based on Hawaii's driving conditions. When you do a Hawaii VIN check, you can find key details such as:

• Title Verification: In Hawaii, all vehicles must be duly titled with the Division of Motor Vehicles. Failure to do this may result in penalties, including a fine of up to $1,000. With a VIN check, you can discover whether the car is salvaged, rebuilt, or has a clean title. This information affects the car's value, insurance, and registration status, ensuring that you make an informed decision.
• Odometer Verification: Besides verification of title and registration, a VIN check offers detailed mileage information, allowing you to assess the vehicle's overall wear and tear. By examining the recorded mileage against the vehicle's age and maintenance history, you can identify any discrepancies that might indicate potential tampering.
• Accident History: A VIN check helps determine if a vehicle is safe and structurally sound, which is particularly important on Hawaii’s challenging routes.
• Flood Damage History: Due to Hawaii's susceptibility to floods, it is crucial to conduct a VIN check to determine if the vehicle has experienced any flood damage. A VIN check will reveal if the car has suffered flood damage.
• Theft Checks: Hawaii has a car theft rate of 75 per 100,000 inhabitants. A VIN check can reveal whether a car has ever been reported as stolen. This ensures you do not have to deal with the legal implications of driving a stolen vehicle.
• Ownership History: A VIN check offers comprehensive details about a vehicle's ownership history, including the number of previous owners and the length of time each owner kept the car. By conducting a thorough VIN check, you can ensure you purchase a used vehicle from a legitimate seller, reducing the risks of falling victim to auto fraud.

How To Perform a Hawaii VIN Check

A VIN check displays key details about a vehicle, including the vehicle's title status, ownership history, accident history, and mileage report. Common ways to perform a VIN check in the state include:

Hawaii Department of Transportation:

The Hawaii Department of Transportation allows each county to manage vehicle registration, titling, and motor vehicle inquiries. In Honolulu, for instance, you can check vehicle information by entering the last four digits of the VIN. The check provides the title issue date, title recipient, and any lienholders involved.

The NHTSA VIN Decoder:

The NHTSA VIN Decoder provides valuable safety information, such as manufacturer details, model year, production location, engine specifications, safety features, and recall information. It supports both full and partial VINs for lookup.

NICB VINCheck:

The VINCheck service from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) helps verify if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged. You must provide the full VIN, and searches are limited to five per day.

Free vs. Paid VIN Check Services in Hawaii

Generally, government agencies provide free VIN checks. A free VIN check provides basic data about a vehicle and may not be detailed enough to help you make informed decisions when buying a used car. As such, you might need to use a paid third-party website to obtain comprehensive vehicle information when purchasing a used car. Consider platforms like GoodCar, AutoCheck, Carmat, and Carfax, which offer premium VIN services for a fee. These platforms can provide you with the following information:

• Title details
• Title brands
• Ownership records
• Vehicle specifications
• Accident history
• Odometer/mileage verification
• Rebuild records
• Inspection records
• Service and maintenance records
• Safety defects and recalls
• Sales history
• NHTSA crash test ratings

What Used Car Scams Are Common in Hawaii?

While buying a used car in Hawaii, you may be dealing with a scammer who takes advantage of unsuspecting customers. In 2022, a Kaneohe man was scammed nearly $10,000 in a used-car purchase with a forged title. The implication of buying a vehicle with a forged title in the state is that the victim will be stuck with a vehicle they cannot legally drive. Some commonly used car-related scams in Hawaii include:

Forged Documents:

This typically involves selling a car with one or more fake documents that render the vehicle useless to the buyer. Due to the state's lack of a statewide title verification portal, scammers often sell vehicles with forged titles.

Cloned Vehicle Scams:

This involves using a legally registered VIN to hide the identity of a stolen or salvage vehicle.

Curbstoning:

Unlicensed dealers posing as private sellers to illegally sell used cars for a profit.

Odometer Rollbacks:

Altering a vehicle's odometer to make it appear less used and increase its market value.

Used car scams are common and can cause serious financial losses and legal problems for buyers. To avoid becoming a victim of a used car scam in Hawaii, consider these steps:

1. Have a clear idea of what you want to buy and plan your purchase ahead of time.
2. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
3. Conduct a VIN lookup. Use reputable sites like GoodCar to conduct a VIN check.
4. Request and review all documentation.
5. Get a written warranty.

How Do I Check the Status of My Vehicle’s Title in Hawaii?

Hawaii does not have a statewide portal for checking vehicle title status. Instead, each county manages its own vehicle titling and registration. To check the status of your vehicle’s title, you will need to visit your local county’s Department of Motor Vehicle website. For example, you can use the Honolulu Motor Vehicle Inquiry Portal in Honolulu City and County.

To check your vehicle’s title, enter the last four digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and your full driver’s license number. This service is free and helps identify potential issues with the vehicle, such as mechanical problems, accidents, or title discrepancies. Keep in mind that the process may differ in other counties, so it’s best to check with your local DMV for specific instructions.

How To Register a Brand New Car in Hawaii

All vehicles in Hawaii, including brand-new cars, must be registered, and these registration records must be updated annually. Hawaii does not have a statewide Department of Motor Vehicles. Each county government manages Vehicle Registration. It is important to note that each county’s licensing and registration department has specific registration regulations. For instance, when you buy a new vehicle in Honolulu, the dealer will probably have it registered and licensed for you. However, you must register your brand-new car if this service is not provided. To register your brand-new car anywhere in the state, you must first determine your local county’s registration requirements. However, vehicle registration in the state typically involves the following documents:

• A completed and signed Application for Registration form. If the vehicle is registered to a company, a notarized letter of authorization will be required.
• A signed and notarized Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO).
• Odometer disclosure statement
• Hawaii Safety Inspection Certificate
• A bill of lading or shipping receipt that shows the date arrived.

Your local licensing and registration department will determine the application fees at the time of registration.

Does Hawaii Mandate Vehicle Inspection?

Per §19-133.2.3 of the state's code of rules, most vehicles, including trailers and semi-trailers, must be inspected and certified every 12 months. Vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds without a GVWR without a Department of Transportation exemption are inspected under the motor carrier program they belong to.

The inspection involves examining several crucial components of the vehicle, including exterior body items that ensure structural integrity, brakes, bumpers, and the exhaust system that regulates emissions. Additionally, inspectors will verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and associated labels, check license plates for compliance, and confirm the validity of proof of insurance. A certificate of inspection will not be granted if the VIN displayed on the vehicle does not correspond with the VIN on the out-of-state vehicle’s insurance card.

How Do I Get a Replacement VIN in Hawaii?

If your VIN is missing in Hawaii, the first step is to contact your local licensing and registration department. They are responsible for handling VIN issues and can guide you through the necessary procedures. It’s essential to inquire about the specific requirements, such as forms to fill out or documentation to provide, like proof of ownership or identification. Additionally, ask about the typical timeline for replacing your VIN, as this can vary depending on local processes. Being well-prepared will help ensure a smoother experience when replacing your VIN.

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

While no specific laws mandate VIN inspections for out-of-state vehicles in Hawaii, anyone who brought in an out-of-state vehicle for use must take the vehicle to any Hawaii Safety Inspection Station. Components to be inspected include body items, brakes, bumpers, exhaust system, VIN and labels, license plates, and insurance. VIN verifications are typically done to ensure that the car's VIN matches the provided documentation and that the vehicle complies with relevant regulatory standards.

A certificate of inspection will not be issued if the VIN on the vehicle is not the same as the VIN on the out-of-state vehicle's vehicle identification card. Note that an application for vehicle registration can only be made after inspection completion.