Arkansas VIN Lookup

The average cost of buying a used car in Arkansas is $27,123. While this is higher than the average cost for used cars in most states in the country, residents of Arkansas can save up to $30,000 by buying a used car instead of a brand-new one. However, buying a used vehicle involves various risks, and the likelihood of being scammed is high. Arkansas Lemon Law provides some protection to consumers during the quality assurance period, known as the first 24 months following the delivery of the vehicle or within the first 24,000 miles of operation. This means that most used cars are typically excluded from this coverage. Therefore, prospective buyers must take precautionary measures to ensure they make informed decisions when acquiring a used car.

One way to do due diligence when buying a used car in Arkansas is to perform a VIN Check. VIN checks reveal essential information about a vehicle's history, including details on accidents, recalls, inspection records, liens, and other relevant facts about the vehicle's condition.

Why Performing an Arkansas VIN Check Is Important

A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to each vehicle in Arkansas. This code typically serves as the vehicle's identifier. With this code, you can look up a vehicle's history and other essential information to help you make informed decisions regarding buying the vehicle. When you do an Arkansas VIN check, you can find key details such as:

• Title Verification: When buying a used car, the vehicle is expected to be already titled. In Arkansas, you are required to register and title your vehicle within 60 days after purchase or transfer of ownership. You will be charged for breaking the law if you operate a vehicle not duly titled and registered after this period. By performing a VIN check, you can confirm the title status of your vehicle. This will help you avoid buying a used car that is salvaged, rebuilt, or has no clean title.
• Odometer Verification: Conducting a VIN check allows you to view a vehicle's mileage information and overall wear and tear. You can also compare the recorded mileage against the vehicle's age and maintenance history. This will help you identify any discrepancies that might indicate potential tampering.
• Theft Checks: Arkansas has a car theft rate of 269 per 100,000 inhabitants, which means the possibility of car theft in this state is higher than in most states. With a VIN check, you can see 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.
• Title Brand: Before buying a used car, you should be confident about its condition. A VIN check can provide details about a vehicle's condition. In Arkansas, vehicles are designated as salvage, prior salvage, damaged, or junked. These designations suggest that the vehicle is not in good condition or may have been rebuilt.
• Auto Fraud Prevention: By checking the VIN, you can find problems like rolled-back odometer readings or fake titles, helping you avoid scams.

How To Perform an Arkansas VIN Check

A VIN check in Arkansas typically provides a detailed vehicle history, including its specifications, title status, ownership record, accident and mileage records. Common ways to perform a VIN check in Arkansas include:

Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicles:

The Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicles, under the Department of Finance and Administration, offers a public portal where you can access a vehicle’s title status using its full VIN. The report includes information like the title issue date, recipient, and any lien holders.

The NHTSA VIN Decoder:

Use the VIN Decoder from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to get vehicle specifications, safety features, manufacturer data, safety ratings, and recalls. This tool supports both full and partial VINs.

NICB VINCheck:

The VINCheck service by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) checks if a vehicle is reported as stolen or salvaged. You’ll need the full VIN, and you’re limited to five searches per day.

Free vs. Paid VIN Check Services in Arkansas

While you can perform a satisfactory VIN check using a government website, you might need more information if you plan on buying a used car. As such, you should always consider using a paid third-party VIN service provider to research the vehicle you wish to purchase. Third-party VIN service providers such as GoodCar, Carmet, and AutoCheck give you access to a more comprehensive vehicle history for a small fee. These platforms can provide you with the following information:

• Title details
• Title brands
• Ownership records
• Vehicle specifications
• Accident history
• Odometer verification
• Rebuild records
• Inspection records
• Service and maintenance records
• Safety defects and recalls
• Sales history

What Used Car Scams Are Common in Arkansas?

Used car scams are common in Arkansas, and citizens lose thousands of dollars before they realize it. According to the state's Department of Finance and Administration, a prevalent used car scam involves the sale of stolen cars to unsuspecting customers. Scammers replace a stolen car's VIN with one from a similar model they found online, so when potential buyers research the car's history, they cannot tell if it is a stolen car. After the purchase, the buyer will discover it is a stolen car and that the vehicle's VIN is fake. The Department also reported that, as of May 2024, there were already 50 incidents of this scam in the state. Other used car scams in the state include:

Curbstoning:

Selling used cars without the legal authorization to do so. In most cases, the seller chooses not to get a car dealer license because they intend to sell bad or stolen vehicles.

Odometer Rollback:

Tampering with a vehicle's odometer reading to deceive potential buyers about its mileage and value.

Fake Vehicle History:

Scammers sell a used car with a doctored history because revealing the vehicle's actual history makes it less valuable to potential buyers.

VIN Cloning:

Scammers replace a stolen car’s VIN with one from a similar model found online, making the vehicle appear legitimate until it's too late.

Although the state's Department of Finance and Administration and other state agencies are working to reduce used car scams, potential buyers also have a role to play to ensure they do not get ripped off. You can avoid falling victim to used car scams by taking the following precautionary steps:

1. Be wary of any used car deal that seems too good to be true.
2. Always research the dealer and vehicle before even negotiating.
3. Review all documents about the car.
4. Use reputable third-party providers such as GoodCar to conduct comprehensive VIN research on the vehicle.
5. Avoid any cash-only purchase and do not pay before conducting a comprehensive VIN check.

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

The state of Arkansas provides a public portal where you can check the status of your vehicle title. Visit the Department of Finance and Administration’s MyDMV portal and enter the full VIN, title number, or both to begin your search.

This is a free service that returns available vehicle details, including any title discrepancies, accident history, and mechanical issues.

How To Register a Brand New Car in Arkansas

In Arkansas, you must register and title your new car within 60 days of buying it. If you do not register on time, you will face a fine of $3 every 10 days you wait, but the total fine will not exceed the annual registration fee for your vehicle. To avoid this fine, follow these steps to register your new car:

• Visit the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration MyDMV portal.
• Submit an application containing all the relevant information and documents about you and your vehicle. These documents include a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin, proof of insurance, proof of paid tax receipts, and a federal odometer statement.
• You must pay the application fees online once you submit the application and the necessary documents.
• After that, you will receive email notifications about your title and registration status.
• Once the application is accepted, you will receive your plate and registration in the mail.

For more information concerning motor vehicle registration in Arkansas, call (501) 682-8381 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday.

Does Arkansas Mandate Vehicle Inspection?

In Arkansas, there are currently no specific laws that mandate routine vehicle inspections for personal vehicles. However, if you operate a commercial motor vehicle designated explicitly for passenger transportation as a contract carrier, you must perform a comprehensive vehicle inspection at least once every 12 months. This inspection should cover essential areas such as the brakes, tires, lights, and other safety features to ensure compliance with safety regulations and maintain passengers' well-being.

How Do I Get a VIN Replacement in Arkansas?

According to state law, you can request a VIN replacement if the original number has been destroyed or is no longer legible. To initiate the process, you must contact the Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicles and explain the situation.

Typically, an inspection will be conducted to confirm that the original VIN is ineligible. Once verified, the Office of Motor Vehicles will issue a new VIN, which must be affixed to the vehicle. The vehicle must then be registered under the new VIN.

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

Yes, in Arkansas, a VIN inspection is required for out-of-state vehicles designated as salvage, prior salvage, damaged, junked, or any similar designation.

Inspections can be conducted by a certified law enforcement officer, an Arkansas State Police representative, or the Arkansas State Police in any city or county. If an out-of-state vehicle does not pass this inspection, it cannot be registered in Arkansas.