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The ultimate guide to 

 Licensed Vehicle Verifiers

In California. 


We are going to help you understand what a California Licensed Vehicle Verifier is, what they can do, and how to tell if you are selecting the correct service when looking for a CA DMV Vin Verification (Vehicle Verification).

When the CA DMV requests a vin verification for a vehicle registration, people will sometimes find websites that advertise as "Vehicle Verifiers" or "Vin Verifiers" who sell virtual or online "Vin Check" or "Vehicle History Reports" that are not accepted by the CA DMV for VIN Verification purposes.

If the CA DMV is requesting a Vin Verification or Vehicle Verification what they want is a completed form called the REG 31. 

The CA DMV form REG 31 can only be completed by the CA DMV, Peace Officers, California Licensed Vehicle Verifiers, authorized auto club employees, or the CHP.

A physical examination of the vehicle and registration documents is required before the REG 31 can be completed. 

There are businesses licensed by the CA DMV that are also called "Vehicle Verifiers" or "Vin Verifiers" that provide mobile-to-you vin verifications and can complete the REG 31.

We want to help you tell the difference so that you can make more informed choices when looking for a California Licensed Vehicle Verifier near you who can perform vin verifications. 

Don't forget to check out our "Quick Guides" for easy to read facts.

We also have examples of companies that offer licensed CA DMV vin verifications towards the bottom of this page for your convenience. 

Click the + sign next to each question for more detailed information about vehicle verifiers/vin verifiers in California. 
What are California Licensed Vehicle Verifiers?

A California Licensed Vehicle Verifier is any person who is licensed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles to perform Vehicle Verification Duties also called VIN Verifications. 

They must first obtain a special permit before performing verifier procedures. 

Once licensed and bonded, they can complete and certify the CA DMV REG 31 form (Verification of Vehicle - Vin Verification).

The REG 31 can only be certified after a physical inspection of the VIN on the vehicle and supporting documents. 

 

Do I have to use a Licensed Vehicle Verifier?

Only if you want mobile service. Licensed Vehicle Verifiers often provide old-fashioned house calls.  They can go to your barn, office, jobsite, house, etc.  This is good for you if you do not want to or just cannot take your vehicle to the CA DMV. 

The CA DMV does perform VIN Verifications but you must bring the vehicle to them. 

Sometimes a vehicle must be towed to the CA DMV for VIN verification and it's easier to hire a California Licensed Vehicle Verifier to travel to the vehicle instead. 

 

 

What can Licensed Vehicle Verifiers verify?

California Licensed Verifiers can verify almost every type of vehicle that requires registration with the CA DMV.

Cars, Trucks, Vans, Busses, Motorcycles, RV's, Commercial Vehicles, Cranes, Trailers, Golf Carts, and more. 

They cannot verify any vehicle with a revived salvaged title or a vehicle that is 1970 and newer that is missing the federal certification label. 

They are also prohibited from verifying Armored Vehicles and most Military Vehicles.  

Are CA DMV Vin Verifications the same as an online Vin Check Report?

No they are not the same. 

A CA DMV Vin Verification is a physical inspection of a VIN on a Vehicle and Registration Documents. 

It is a procedure that can only be performed by the CA DMV, a California Licensed Vehicle Verifier, CHP,  a Peace Officer, or authorized Auto Club employees. The CA DMV form that is required to complete a VIN Verification is called the REG 31 Verification of Vehicle.

An online Vin Check Report / Vehicle History Report  is not a CA DMV VIN Verification. 

Depending on what website or company you might do a Vin Check/Vehicle History Report through determines the kind of information that will show on the report such as: Vehicle Brand History (if salvaged, last state registered, and other misc data).

These reports are not accepted by the CA DMV for a VIN Verification although they could have some useful information for some people or businesses. 

For more information on VIN Checks please see the  NICB VIN CHECK website here:

https://www.nicb.org/vincheck 

The NICB is the National Insurance Crime Bureau and has a simple Free VIN Check and links to other verified companies that provide paid Vehicle History Reports. 

 

Quick guide: Vehicle Verifiers in California.

Helpful Facts About California Licensed Vehicle Verifiers
  • California Licensed Vehicle Verifiers must be approved by the CA DMV, have a valid Vehicle Verifier License and be bonded. 
  • California Licensed Vehicle Verifiers must physically inspect a VIN on a vehicle and compare it to the VIN on Title or Registration Documents. 
  • The CA DMV does perform VIN Verifications but a California Licensed Vehicle Verifier is your only option for mobile VIN Verification service. 
     
  • A California Licensed Vehicle Verifier is not an online vehicle history report provider. 

  • A California Licensed Vehicle Verifier is not the same as a Vehicle Inspector or Vehicle Appraiser.

  • California Licensed Vehicle Verifiers are certified to complete the CA DMV REG 31 form. 
  • California Licensed Vehicle Verifiers operate their own independent businesses and are not employees of the CA DMV.
  • California Licensed Vehicle Verifiers will advertise for a local region or a "Service Area" as their services (VIN Verifications) are offered in person (Physically).
  • California Licensed Vehicle Verifiers are also called Vin Verifiers or simply Vehicle Verifiers.  

Quick guide: Vin Verifications in California

  • CA DMV Vin Verifications are a required process on some vehicle registrations.
  • CA DMV Vin Verifications are not the same as online VIN Checks or Vehicle History Reports.
  • When the CA DMV is requesting a Vin Verification (Verification of Vehicle) they will require a REG 31 form completed by CA DMV or a California Licensed Vehicle Verifier. They will not accept online or virtual vin checks or history reports. 
  • A Vin Verification is also called a Verification of Vehicle Identification Number or simply a Vehicle Verification.  These terms are interchangeable when connected to registering a vehicle with the CA DMV.  

CA DMV Vin Verifications by Licensed Vehicle Verifiers 

We hope we have been able to help clarify the difference between vin verifications by a California Licensed Vehicle Verifier and an online VIN Check, Vehicle History Report,  Vehicle Appraiser or Inspector. 

People have been using California Licensed Vehicle Verifiers over 20 years. They have been an essential service provider to many businesses and residents throughout California and even for businesses located out of state.

Without California Licensed Vehicle Verifiers, many businesses and individuals would face extreme challenges when trying to register or have their vehicles verified for the CA DMV. 

If you are in need of a California DMV VIN verification and prefer mobile service we have found and added some companies throughout California that offer CA DMV Vin Verifications. You can also look online for other companies near you as well. 

Vin Verification Companies in California
The  listed companies below are independent businesses and are shown for informational purposes only. They are not affiliated with getvehicleverifiers.com unless otherwise indicated. You are free to contact them directly and ask about their services and pricing. You can also search the web for similar companies near you that offer the same service. 
Select your area below:
Greater Sacramento Area Vehicle Verifiers

*Get Vin Verification: Vehicle Verifiers in Sacramento County, Yolo County, Solano County, and Placer County. 

Call: (916)664-9453

 
Contact this business directly to ask about pricing or with any questions about their service. 
SF Bay Area Vehicle Verifiers

Conar Auto Registration: Silicon Valley and surrounding areas.

Call: 408-258-4000

https://www.californiacartags.com

Call them directly for pricing or to ask questions. 

Southern California Vehicle Verifiers

Rollin' Vin Verifiers:  Riverside County, Los Angeles County. 

Call: 909-206-4799

https://www.rollinvinverifiers.com

Contact them directly to see about pricing.  

 

 

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 Vehicle Verifiers | Vin Verifiers

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Learn more about vin verifications and vehicle verifiers on the CA DMV WEBSITE

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles,  Licensed Vehicle Verifiers are; (See the rest by clicking Learn More Below.)

The CA DMV Website has all kinds of information to learn about their vehicle registration process and everything else that the CA DMV does.  

They have updated their website to be more user-friendly and easier to find information. They now offer many free online services and you can now find a CA DMV Kiosk near you to complete some DMV transactions.  

Check it out! 

Learn more from the CA DMV
Licensed Vehicle Verifiers near me, verify vin near me, Vin Verifications,