Vermont VIN Verification For Title Loophole Explained

The Vermont VIN verification process is an essential part of the Vermont title loophole. However, this step is commonly missed by most applicants. The VIN verification requirement was temporarily suspended for most vehicles, excluding motorcycles, during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, the Vermont DMV has been increasingly requiring a VIN verification again as a requirement for the Vermont title loophole. If you’re looking to title your vehicle using the Vermont title loophole, learning the requirements of a Vermont VIN verification can help save significant time in the process.

What is a VIN?

A VIN (vehicle identification number) is a specific 17-character string of numbers and letters that uniquely identifies a specific vehicle. Every car has its own VIN, no two cars are exactly alike. The VIN is assigned to the vehicle when it’s manufactured. The VIN is typically stamped on a metal tag and is often located on the driver’s side of the dash, the door jamb, or under the hood. Most VINs are 17-characters, but this only began in 1981. Some vehicles manufactured before 1981 have a shorter 11-character VIN. This change in regulation grandfathered in vehicles pre-1981 and allows for those vehicles to still be titled, along with certain other vehicles with varying VIN length such as certain import vehicles.

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What is a Vermont VIN verification?

A VIN verification is a very important process that verifies that the VIN listed on a vehicle title is the same VIN listed on the physical vehicle. Many states have adopted a VIN verification policy when titling vehicles and this process is taken very seriously. The VIN verification can only be done by authorized individuals such as a DMV investigator, law enforcement, or another authorized agency. The reason that Vermont requires a VIN verification for the Vermont title loophole is that the vehicle is not required to physically be in Vermont. This means if the VIN wasn’t verified, the applicant can put any VIN on the official application and get a title for any vehicle. The VIN verification is put in place to protect the applicant and the DMV from fraudulent titles.

What is the difference between a VIN verification and a VIN check?

A VIN verification is an official process that involves a government official or representative inspecting the VIN of your vehicle for accuracy. If your application requires a VIN verification, this is not something that can be done online. It must be done in person with an authorized state agent.

A VIN check is a more informal process that involves checking your VIN against the NMVTIS database. Typically a VIN check is performed before purchasing a vehicle to ensure the vehicle has is not junk, salvage, non-repairable, or another permanent title brand. Both a VIN verification and a VIN check can reveal the same and similar findings, but a VIN verification requires the assistance of a government agent.

The NMVTIS is a database that contains information about salvage, junk, and other damage-titled vehicles. Vehicles in this database are not eligible for a title because they have received a title brand such as salvage or junk which deems them inoperable for use. The database is designed to protect consumers by allowing them to check the history of the vehicle they are intending to purchase or have already purchased.

The Vermont VIN verification for out-of-state residents using the Vermont title loophole has always been a requirement, simply on partial hold due to unprecedented times. As you are completing your application for the Vermont title loophole in 2022, we recommend including a VIN verification just in case. If you are submitting an application for a Vermont motorcycle title, you must complete a VIN verification. The Vermont VIN verification process ensures that the VIN on your title matches the VIN on your vehicle. Performing this step can save you significant time and help you get your Vermont title faster.