Los Angeles Vehicle Identification Number

Something that is bound to come up in all your vehicle’s documents is the Vehicle Identification Number. Los Angeles residents, like all citizens of the United States, are required by law to report the identification numbers of their vehicles to the DMV. The DMV maintains a complete database of all the cars in a given area, and this information is used in a variety of ways. It helps keep a record of the number of cars on the road, the manufacturers and the types of cars as well.

Renewing your car’s registration annually requires the use of the Vehicle Identification Number. Los Angeles residents need to report the last 5 digits of the number to the DMV, along with their current address. Failure to renew your vehicle’s registration results in a penalty, possibly a suspension of your license and even criminal action.

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17 digit code that contains all the information about the manufacturer of the car, the year the car was made, and a unique number assigned to the engine or chassis. These numbers are used by local law enforcement agencies while investigating crimes and are used by emergency officials in trying to identify the victims of a car crash for instance. Individuals who own boats or vessels have an equivalent identification number called the Hull Identification Number (HIN), which follows the same rules as those for vehicles.

Carrying documents which reflect inaccurate information about your vehicle is a serious offense, and is often charged as a misdemeanor, which can even result in a penalty of time in prison. Car-owners across the United States are always recommended to make sure their car’s documents are accurate and carry the correct VIN.

When purchasing a second-hand car, it is recommended that you use check for the VIN and ensure it is consistent across all documents. Otherwise, you will be implicated if anything goes wrong. In order to avoid landing yourself in a difficult situation, it’s a good idea to check and make sure everything is in order.

Making sure that your car’s VIN is in order can’t be underscored enough.