A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) verification is a California DMV inspection required to register an out-of-state vehicle in the California DMV database. It's a physical inspection of the vehicle, documented on the REG31/VIN verifier form, to ensure the vehicle exists and its VIN matches the one on the title.
A vehicle verifier follows the REG31 form, documenting the vehicle year, make, model, VIN, and its location, as well as the number of wheels, axles, license plate, fuel type, US Federal Certification Label status, and odometer reading. They also identify the type of vehicle, such as commercial, automobile, permanent trailer, coach trailer, or motorcycle.
The VIN verification process ensures that the vehicle exists and its VIN matches the one on the title, preventing fraud and theft. It's a preventative measure to facilitate catching fraudulent activity, such as duplicate VIN numbers.
In addition to the VIN verification, you'll need to provide your out-of-state title, MSO, or registration card, and obtain a smog certification for gas-powered and some diesel-powered vehicles. Commercial vehicles require a California Weight-master Certificate, and some trailers need a PTI trailer certification.
The VIN verification process is used to bring vehicles not in the DMV database into the system, but it's also used in other scenarios, such as when a vehicle was in a tow yard and the owner needs to lift a lien authorized on file.
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