Louisiana VIN Lookup

There are roughly 300 car dealerships in Louisiana selling used cars with an average price of nearly $36,000. Like many other states, the used car market is competitive, with limited inventories, inflation, and strong consumer interest elevating prices. As a result, purchasing a used car in Louisiana is a significant investment for most buyers, so they must do their due diligence to ensure they are getting exactly what they pay for.

While a lemon law exists in Louisiana, it only applies to used cars in limited circumstances, such as when a warranty exists. Therefore, Louisiana used car buyers would always be wise to consider doing a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check before purchasing a used car in the state, even from a licensed used car dealer.

A car’s VIN is the unique 17-character identifier assigned to every vehicle. VIN checks offer Louisiana used car buyers an opportunity to do a thorough background check on the car they are considering buying, revealing accident reports, inspection records, vehicle recalls, and more. Conducting a VIN lookup before purchasing a used vehicle ensures that you are making an informed purchase and protecting yourself against fraud and liability.

Why Performing a Louisiana VIN Check Is Important

Savvy used car buyers know a VIN check is critical when purchasing a used car. Louisiana VIN lookups are a great way to protect yourself from scams and gain the confidence needed to make what is, in today’s market, such a significant investment. A Louisiana VIN check may give you access to the following information about a car:

• Registration and Title Verification: Under Louisiana law, you must register your car if you are a resident within 30 days of establishing residency in the state or within 30 days of purchase if you are already a resident. The final cost will depend on the type of vehicle and the parish where it is registered, but the base fee is $94.50. Failure to register a vehicle in the 30-day window may result in significant late fees of up to 25% of the total registration cost. A Louisiana VIN check can reveal a car’s registration status and verify its title.
• Mileage Verification: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 450,000 cars are sold annually with odometers that have been tampered with. A VIN check helps to confirm a car’s mileage so you can ensure that the used car’s odometer reading is accurate. You can protect yourself from scammers abusing the used car market and ensure that the asking price is fair by performing a VIN lookup in Louisiana.
• Title Brandings: In Louisiana, a car’s title is branded to indicate an event that may affect the vehicle’s value or safety, including accidents, floods, odometer tampering, and reconstruction. This is crucial information that every buyer should know about the used car they are purchasing. A VIN check provides a critical assessment to determine if the car’s title has been branded.
• Theft Checks: Although there were only 12 car thefts per 100,000 residents across Louisiana, which is relatively low compared to other states, car theft incidents have continued to rise. This means there is an increased chance that some stolen vehicles can enter the state’s used car market. A VIN check can determine if a car has ever been reported stolen, helping buyers avoid the legal and financial headaches associated with buying a stolen vehicle.
• Auto Fraud Prevention: Louisiana experiences about 680 auto fraud cases for every 100,000 people, which means that plenty of unsuspecting buyers in the state are being scammed by bad actors in the used car market. A VIN check helps buyers avoid becoming the next victim of an auto fraud scam.

How To Perform a Louisiana VIN Check

The easiest way to perform a VIN Check in Louisiana is through the state’s Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) title verification platform. This free government service allows users to verify the validity of any vehicle title issued through the Louisiana OMV, a division of the state’s Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

To use this VIN check service, users must possess the following information:

1. Title number
2. Title date
3. VIN (last six digits)

Other governmental VIN check resources available in Louisiana include:

The NHTSA VIN Decoder:

The NHTSA VIN Decoder can provide information such as a vehicle’s manufacturer, plant location, model year, engine and transmission details, safety features, safety ratings, and recalls. VIN checks can be performed using either a full or partial VIN.

NICB VINCheck:

The NICB VINCheck service reveals whether a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged. A full VIN is required, and users can only perform this free search five times daily.

Free vs. Paid VIN Check Services in Louisiana

Although the VIN checks provided for free through these and other government agencies and nonprofits are useful, if you want to get your hands on a comprehensive vehicle history report, consider using a paid, third-party VIN check service. Used car buyers have come to rely on trustworthy platforms like AutoCheck, iSeeCars, and GoodCar to perform VIN checks in Louisiana and access detailed vehicle histories that include:

• Title information, including any brands
• Sales records
• Ownership history
• Vehicle specifications
• Mileage information
• Accident information
• Rebuild history
• Inspection information
• Service and maintenance records
• Recall information and crash test ratings

What Used Car Scams Are Common in Louisiana?

A recent car scam in Louisiana led to the arrest of a former Westwego police officer who allegedly conducted unauthorized vehicle inspections. He was charged with malfeasance in office, theft over $25,000, money laundering, and filing false public records. Car scams like this can have a chilling effect on unsuspecting used car buyers.

Some other commonly used car scams in Louisiana include:

Curbstoning:

Curbstoning is an illegal practice where an individual sells used cars without a dealer’s license, usually by posing as a private seller, to avoid fees, licensing requirements, and state regulations that protect used car buyers.

Title Washing:

This scheme removes a vehicle’s title brand to hide its stolen, damaged, or rebuilt status.

Odometer Tampering:

Odometer rollbacks are a common type of auto fraud. Scammers adjust the car’s odometer to decrease the displayed mileage to increase its market value.

VIN Cloning:

When someone copies one car’s VIN and uses it on another to disassociate the vehicle with its branded title or a stolen vehicle report, the illegal practice is called VIN cloning.

Falsifying Vehicle Records:

Scammers create fake vehicle histories using fraudulent accident reports and doctored maintenance records to make a used vehicle appear more well-maintained and valuable than it is.

These scams are prevalent throughout the country, including in Louisiana, resulting in significant losses for prospective used car buyers. That’s why Louisiana used car buyers must be vigilant when shopping around. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

1. Decide on the kind of car you want to buy and any preferred features, then get a clear estimation of its cost.
2. Steer clear of any “great deals” that are unrealistic.
3. Request and review all the vehicle’s relevant documentation.
4. Only buy cars with a written warranty.
5. Use websites like GoodCar that allow you to conduct a VIN check to obtain a full vehicle history before purchasing.

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

The OMV’s title verification system is available online 24/7, allowing Louisiana residents to access their vehicle records. To use this free service, you’ll need the vehicle’s title number, title date, and the last six digits of the VIN. Alternatively, you can visit any Louisiana OMV office in person and provide the same required information to check the status of your vehicle’s title.

How To Register a Brand New Car in Louisiana

When you purchase a vehicle from a licensed car dealer in Louisiana, they will typically handle the title and registration process and collect all sales tax, title, and license fees on behalf of the state. However, there may be situations, like buying a car from a private seller, where you must handle the process yourself. You can register a new vehicle in Louisiana through the OMV or a licensed Louisiana Public Tag Agent.

The base fee to register a brand-new car or transfer a title in Louisiana is $68.50. However, with additional fees and taxes, including a plate fee of roughly 0.002 times the sale price, a $15 recording fee, an $8 handling fee, and a $3 transfer fee, along with any local parish fees, it could cost close to $100 or more.

What Are the Requirements for Registering a New Car in Louisiana?

Louisiana has nearly 1.5 million registered vehicles, all subject to the same general title and registration process through the Louisiana OMV. Here’s what you need to register a new car in Louisiana:

• A completed OMV Vehicle Application form (DPSMV 1799)
• Proof of insurance
• A notarized bill of sale
• A signed and notarized certificate of title
• An odometer disclosure statement (vehicles less than 10 years old/trucks under 16,000 pounds)
• A completed Uniform Commercial Code Financing Statement (UCC-1) from the Secretary of State’s Office or a security agreement (if the vehicle is leased or financed).
• A copy of each vehicle owner's current, valid photo identification

The registration and license plates must be renewed every two years in Louisiana. Typically, a renewal notice is sent to the address on record from the OMV a few weeks before your vehicle's expiration date. The cost is $40.

Does Louisiana Mandate Vehicle Inspection?

Louisiana law (RS 32:1304) mandates that all motor vehicles registered in the state undergo annual safety inspections, which include checking the vehicle's exhaust system and emissions. The inspection fee is $10. By conducting a VIN check, used car buyers can ensure that the vehicle's mandatory safety inspections are current and that the vehicle is in good standing with the state.

How Do I Get a Replacement VIN in Louisiana?

To get a replacement VIN in Louisiana, you must file a completed OMV Vehicle Application form (DPSMV 1799), present the vehicle for inspection, and provide documentation such as the vehicle title. Typically, you can only request a replacement VIN plate in Louisiana if the original VIN has been damaged, destroyed, or is otherwise unreadable.

Does Louisiana Require a VIN Inspection for an Out-of-State Vehicle?

Louisiana requires all out-of-state cars registered to undergo a VIN check to verify the vehicle’s identity. The Louisiana OMV may also perform a VIN check if a car has been reconstructed or if there are any doubts about the authenticity of a vehicle's VIN at registration.