Nebraska VIN Lookup

Buying a used car is often a more economical option, but it is not without its risks. In Nebraska, it is crucial for used car buyers to exercise caution, especially since the state’s lemon law does not extend protections to those purchasing used cars “as is.” Also, with approximately 243 used car dealers across Nebraska and the average cost of a used car being $23,725, buyers need to be proactive and informed when making a purchase.

Without the safety net of lemon law protections for used cars, the responsibility falls entirely on the buyer to ensure they are not investing in a faulty vehicle. One of the most reliable ways to safeguard against potential risks is by conducting a comprehensive VIN lookup before finalizing the purchase. This VIN lookup can unveil important information about a vehicle’s history, including accident reports, recalls, existing liens, inspection records, etc.

Why Performing a Nebraska VIN Check Is Important?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character alphanumeric code that serves as a vehicle’s distinctive identifier, providing vital information about its history, features, and current status. Running a VIN check is a crucial step when purchasing a new or used car, helping you avoid potential risks and make an informed decision. When you conduct a Nebraska VIN check, you can access important details such as:

• Registration and Title Verification: According to Nebraska Revised Statutes Chapter 60 - 362, all vehicles, excluding off-road vehicles, operating within the state must be properly titled and registered with the local county where the vehicle is primarily housed. Failure to register a vehicle can result in penalties, including being guilty of a Class III misdemeanor. Conducting a VIN check helps authenticate a vehicle’s registration status, verify its title, and ensure the seller has the legal right to transfer ownership.
• Odometer Verification: A VIN check helps verify a vehicle’s official odometer reading. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that over 450,000 vehicles are sold annually with tampered odometers, leading to an estimated $1 billion in losses for buyers. VIN checks are a good way to avoid falling for these scams and ensure that you pay a fair market price for a used car.
• Title Brands: A VIN check is essential for verifying a vehicle’s title brand, providing insight into its history, condition, and potential risks. Title brands such as “salvage,” “flood damaged,” “junk,” or “rebuilt” often indicate that the vehicle has sustained significant damage and undergone major repairs.
• Theft Checks: When considering a vehicle purchase in Nebraska, it is essential to check its history, especially considering the state's car theft rate of 417.1 per 100,000 residents. A VIN check can reveal whether a car has been reported stolen, thereby ensuring that you avoid the legal and financial risks associated with buying stolen property.
• Auto Fraud Prevention: Auto-related fraud makes up three percent of all fraud cases in Nebraska, underscoring the importance of exercising caution when purchasing used cars. A VIN check can help detect fraudulent title alterations, minimizing the risk of falling victim to scams.

How To Perform a Nebraska VIN Check

In Nebraska, various state and federal agencies offer resources for conducting VIN checks. These include:

Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV):

The Nebraska DMV provides an online service center, where you can verify a car’s title and lienholder information by entering the VIN in the designated field. This VIN check provides details like the date the vehicle’s title certificate was issued, who it was issued to, and the names of its lienholders, if any.

National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS):

The NMVTIS is a nationwide database for vehicle title information. While it does not provide free vehicle reports, it serves as a resource for approved data providers. You can access NMVTIS data through authorized providers, some of which offer vehicle history reports for little or no cost.

The NHTSA VIN Decoder:

The NHTSA VIN Decoder focuses on safety-related details, providing information such as the vehicle’s manufacturer, model year, engine and transmission specifications, production plant, safety features, safety ratings, and recalls. VIN checks can be done using a full or partial VIN.

The NICB VINCheck:

The NICB VINCheck allows users to verify if a car has been reported stolen or salvaged. A full VIN is required, and users are limited to five searches per day.

Free vs. Paid VIN Check Services in Nebraska

While some government agencies and nonprofit organizations provide free VIN checks, these services may not offer all the details needed for a well-informed decision when purchasing a used car. For a more detailed report, you may need to use a paid third-party service. Platforms like iSeeCar, VinAudit, and GoodCar are top choices for conducting VIN checks in Nebraska.

For a nominal fee, you can access detailed vehicle history reports through these platforms that include:

• Title history
• Rebuild records
• Odometer verification
• Ownership records
• Vehicle specifications
• Accident history
• Title brands
• Retail, trade-in, and private-party pricing
• Inspection records
• Safety defects and recalls
• Sales history
• Service and maintenance records and much more!

What Used Car Scams Are Common in Nebraska?

When buying used cars, Nebraskans must be cautious of fraudulent schemes such as fraudulent online car advertisements, unlicensed dealers selling "lemons," and many more. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently reported a surge in virtual vehicle scams across the state, an increase in virtual vehicle scams where dealers create fake online ads with fraudulent VINs to appear legitimate. Some of the most common used car scams in Nebraska include:

Fake Vehicle Histories:

Providing fake accident reports or maintenance records to make a car appear more well-maintained and valuable than it is.

Title Washing:

Altering a vehicle’s title to remove negative labels such as “salvage” or “flood-damaged” to hide past damage and make the car appear in better condition than it actually is.

Curbstoning:

Illegally selling used cars for a profit; this is usually perpetrated by unlicensed dealers posing as private sellers.

Odometer Fraud:

Rolling back a vehicle’s odometer to make it appear less used and increase its market value.

VIN Cloning:

Copying the VIN from one vehicle and using it on another car (usually a stolen or salvaged one) to mask its true identity.

Unfortunately, scams like this are prevalent in the used car market. In most cases, these scams result in significant financial loss and legal implications for unsuspecting buyers, emphasizing the importance of exercising caution when purchasing a vehicle. You should consider taking the following steps when purchasing a vehicle to avoid falling prey to an auto-related scam in Nebraska:

• Have a clear idea of the type of vehicle you wish to buy, its estimated cost, and its features.
• Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
• Request and review all relevant documentation.
• Insist on a written warranty.
• Use reputable sites like GoodCar to conduct a thorough VIN check on the vehicle before making a purchase.

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

The Nebraska DMV provides an online service center, where you can verify a vehicle’s title and lienholder information by entering the VIN into the designated field. These checks ensure there are no issues, such as unresolved liens or incorrect ownership details, that could impede your ability to use, sell, or transfer the vehicle.

You can also obtain motor vehicle records through the Nebraska DMV office, provided that your intended use complies with the exemptions outlined in the Uniform Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act. To obtain a vehicle record, complete the Application for Copy of Vehicle Record form and submit it to the DMV office, along with a $1.00 fee for each record requested.

How To Register a Brand New Car in Nebraska

Once you purchase a brand-new car in Nebraska, you must title and register it in the local county where the vehicle is primarily housed. If it is a brand-new car, you must complete the registration process and pay the applicable sales tax within 30 days of the purchase date.

• Submit your application: Either in person or by mail to your local County Treasurer’s office along with other documents like proof of financial responsibility (insurance), receipt of sales or excise tax, and a copy of the signed lease agreement (if the vehicle is leased).
• Once all documentation has been verified: And the appropriate fees are paid, you will be issued a registration certificate, license plates, and validation tabs. If you register or renew your registration by mail or online, these items will be mailed to you.
• If you are registering a commercial vehicle over 10,000 pounds or a farm vehicle over 16 tons: You must read the Truck Safety Registration Declaration form and sign the registration application, acknowledging that you have reviewed and understand the declaration.

Vehicle registrations in Nebraska are issued based on the month you purchased the car. This means your registration will expire in the same month next year. However, if you own more than one vehicle, you can choose to register them all at once for a full calendar year (January to December) or pick a month to start an annual registration period that works best for you.

Does Nebraska Mandate Vehicle Inspection?

Generally, Nebraska does not mandate routine safety or emissions inspections for vehicles. However, certain conditions require vehicle inspections, which include:

• Vehicles brought into Nebraska from out of state.
• Assembled vehicles, or ATVs and minibikes.
• Vehicles with a Salvage Certificate of Title when applying for a regular Certificate of Title.
• Vehicles without title documents.
• When applying for an Assigned Identification Number (VIN).
• When an inspection is necessary to determine if a vehicle meets Nebraska’s definition of a motor vehicle.

Inspections are conducted by the County Sheriff, who will assess the vehicle’s overall condition to ensure compliance with Nebraska’s safety and environmental standards. Key components examined include its brakes, exhaust system, horn, tires, steering, lighting devices, and emissions systems (where applicable). VIN and odometer verifications also serve to confirm that the vehicle’s details match the state’s records and have not been altered to circumvent regulations.

How Do I Get a Replacement VIN in Nebraska?

The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues new Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) to vehicles with missing VIN plates. VINs are also issued for assembled vehicles and rebuilt salvage vehicles.

You can obtain a Nebraska-assigned VIN for your vehicle by following these steps:

• Complete an Application for Assigned Identification Number form.

• Undergo an inspection by the County Sheriff’s Office for $10 to verify that no VIN has been tampered with and to confirm the vehicle’s identity.

• Submit the completed form, along with a Sheriff’s Inspection Certificate, photocopies of all ownership documents for the vehicle indicated on the application, and a $20 fee.

• Upon approval, the identification plates will be mailed directly to you, along with instructions for the appropriate placement of the VIN plate on the motor vehicle and an affidavit. The affidavit must be signed and presented to the County Treasurer at the time of application for title.

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

Nebraska requires a VIN inspection for all out-of-state vehicles before they can be titled and registered. This inspection ensures that the VIN on the vehicle matches the title document presented and verifies the odometer reading.

VIN inspections are conducted by the County Sheriff, with a service fee of $10. You must present ownership documents, such as the manufacturer’s certificate of origin. If a lienholder holds the title, you will need to contact your local county treasurer to request the title from the lienholder. For the inspection of vehicles located outside Nebraska, the State Police conducts the inspection using the Nebraska Vehicle Inspection Form (NSP455). Once completed, the inspection form, along with the $10 fee, should be submitted to the Nebraska State Patrol, Auto Fraud Division, 4600 Innovation Drive, Lincoln, NE 68521, for approval.

For more information on local inspection station locations and operating hours, contact the County Treasurer in your county of residence.