Vehicle
Identification Inspections
What is a VIN?
"VIN" stands for Vehicle Identification Number. This number is a unique
universal serial number issued to every vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer.
Within the 17-digit number are codes that indicate the vehicle's make
and model, where the vehicle was manufactured, a serial number, and
even information about optional equipment.
Does the WSP
do emissions testing as part of the VIN inspection?
No, emissions checks are not part of the VIN inspection program. It
is a separate program administered by the Department
of Ecology.
What is a physical
VIN inspection?
During a physical VIN inspection, a vehicle is physically examined at
a Washington State Patrol VIN inspection station to ensure it matches
the documentation presented to the inspector and the Department
of Licensing during a title transaction. The actual VIN plate and
sticker are also checked to make sure they are authentic and match the
vehicle's documentation. The VIN is also checked against Washington
State (WSCIC) and federal (NCIC) stolen car databases. The VIN
inspection is not for determining the safety of a vehicle or its components.
Refer to the Inspection and Trailer Requirements
 document
for further information concerning VIN inspections.
How many vehicles are inspected each year?
In 2006,
41,748 vehicles were inspected prior to being issued a Washington
State title.
What vehicles are inspected by the State Patrol?
The State Patrol performs physical inspections on vehicles that have
been rebuilt after being destroyed or declared a total loss by an insurance
company. They also will perform physical inspections as required on
vehicles reported stolen, homemade vehicles, or other vehicles without
a proper VIN, when there is a VIN discrepancy, when there is a record
dispute, when ownership is in doubt, or other special cases.
2006
VIN Specialist
of the Year
Gloria G. Leliefeld, Spokane, was
selected as the 2006 VIN Specialist
of the year in recognition of her hard
work and dedication. Gloria has been a VIN
Specialist with the WSP for 12 years.
|
Do rebuilt vehicles have to be completely repaired prior to the
inspection?
Yes. In June 2004, specific sections of RCW 46.12.030 were changed to
address citizen's responsibilities prior to obtaining an inspection.
It states in part, "A vehicle presented for inspection must have
all damaged major component parts replaced or repaired
to meet RCW and WAC requirements before inspection of the salvage vehicle
by the Washington State Patrol." The WSP will only inspect complete
vehicles.
RCW 46.80.010 (5) defines major component parts to include at least
each of the following: 1) Engines and short blocks, 2) Frame, 3) Transmission
and/or transfer case, 4) Cab, 5) Door, 6) Front or rear differential,
7) Front or rear clip, 8) Quarter panel, 9) Truck bed or box,
10) Seat, 11) Hood, 12) Bumper, 13) Fender, and 14) Airbag.
Note: If the vehicle was originally manufactured with both
a driver and passenger side airbag, both need to be replaced prior to
the inspection.
What information is needed at the time of the vehicle inspection?
When arriving for your inspection, be prepared to present the following
information:
- Picture I.D; current registration, title or Notarized Bill of Sale,
and/or copy of title sent to insurance company.
- The letter from the Department of Licensing (DOL) indicating why
you need the appointment (or knowledge it is in the DOL computer file).
- Receipts for all major component parts. Receipts for major component
parts purchased via the internet and/or e-bay will not be
accepted as original receipts. Be sure receipts are legible
and include the invoice date, invoice number, business address, and
stock number or VIN used as parts donor vehicle.
When will DOL perform the database search?
The database search will be performed after the vehicle is registered
but before a title is issued when the vehicle owner registers an out-of-state
or out-of-country vehicle in Washington. People who move into Washington
have 30 days to obtain Washington license plates. Washington residents
who purchase vehicles from outside of the state are required to register
them immediately.
What happens if a vehicle is identified as stolen?
Under the new law, if a computer database search indicates a vehicle
was reported stolen, the Department
of Licensing will notify the vehicle owner that a physical inspection
of the vehicle is required and forward the report to the State Patrol
for follow up. The vehicle owner will have 30 days to have the vehicle
inspected or the registration will be canceled and a title will not
be issued. The vehicle's record will also be flagged, preventing future
registration until the status of the vehicle is resolved.
How many vehicles are identified as stolen from VIN inspections
each year?
In 2006, 45 of the vehicles inspected by the State Patrol were identified
as stolen.
What if a vehicle does not have a VIN?
The State Patrol will continue assigning VINs to vehicles that do not
have them. The State Patrol also will issue and attach the VIN plates
to the vehicles requiring them.
Where do I go to have my vehicle inspected?
Click on the district map (right) for a list of current inspection
locations and
contact information. To view the hours of operation for any location,
please follow this Statewide
VIN Schedule
link.
Do I need an appointment to get my vehicle inspected?
Yes. Due to the high demand for vehicle inspections, the appointment
wait time can be as high as four weeks. It is not uncommon for the number
of inspections requested to increase significantly during the summer
months, so you will need to plan ahead.
Is there a fee for VIN inspections?
There is a fee collected by the Department of Licensing (DOL) or DOL
sub-agent at the time of registration. Fees
collected for the physical inspections are used to pay for state and
local highway and road improvement projects.
Resource Links:
For vehicle title and registration in Washington, go to the Department
of Licensing.
For emissions testing, go to the Department
of Ecology Emission Check Program site.
|
