COLORADO.STATERECORDS.ORG IS A PRIVATELY OWNED WEBSITE THAT IS NOT OWNED OR OPERATED BY ANY STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCY.
close banner

Colorado VIN Lookup

state records colored logo
LOGIN
CONTACT
(303 ) 970-4780
VIN Check
  • Make
  • Model
  • Year
  • Recalls and Defects
  • And More
  • Vehicle Specs
  • Vehicle Details
  • Public Records
  • Vehicle Identification Number

VIN Lookup in Colorado

A Colorado VIN lookup is a procedure used to obtain information about a vehicle using the vehicle’s VIN. The VIN lookup process is similar to a Colorado license plate lookup which provides inquirers with vehicle specifications, accident and repair history, and the car’s possible market value.

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in Colorado is a factory-issued identity code used to identify a particular automobile. In Colorado, a VIN is assigned to every automobile by its manufacturer. It is used to identify a particular vehicle make's unique features and specifications, and vehicle manufacturers also use it to differentiate vehicles of the same model they produce. Per C.R.S. 42-12-203, VIN is required for vehicle registration in Colorado.

How is a VIN Number Used?

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is used for identifying a vehicle for all documentation and registration purposes. Other uses of a VIN in Colorado include

  • The VIN can be used to track the location of a vehicle.
  • A vehicle’s VIN can be used to track the owners of a specific vehicle model when manufacturers have a cause to recall the model.
  • Buyers could use a VIN to make warranty claims if a vehicle did not perform as promised by the manufacturer.
  • vehicle manufacturers can use VIN to ascertain if any warranty claim on a vehicle is valid.
  • law enforcement agencies can use the VIN to identify and/or track a stolen vehicle.
  • VIN are used for automobile title and license plate registration in Colorado
  • A buyer of a used vehicle can use the VIN to find out about the vehicle’s history (such as previous owners, service records, accident, and insurance coverage)
  • Auto dealers may can the VIN to provide a vehicle's information to a prospective buyer.
  • The VIN can be used to identify safety information and service records that Auto repair garages can use to discover repairs a vehicle may need.

Who Issues a Vehicle's VIN Number in Colorado?

Generally, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is usually assigned to a vehicle by its manufacturer from the point of production. However, pursuant to C.R.S. 42-12-202, the Colorado Department of Revenue (through the Division of Motor Vehicle) can issue a Colorado Assigned Vehicle Identification Number. Colorado Assigned VIN may be issued to a rebuilt vehicle, a vehicle with multiple VINs, or a vehicle without a VIN.

The Division of Motor Vehicles can also assign a special Vehicle Identification Number to any vehicle whenever no VIN is found on the vehicle's title alone. If a vehicle identification number has been removed, changed, altered, or obliterated, a VIN may be assigned by the Division of Motor Vehicles (see C.R.S. 42-12-202). The Division of Motor Vehicle determines where to affix Colorado assigned VIN on the vehicle. Colorado-assigned VIN can be used for all vehicle registrations. The Colorado Assigned VIN may be issued to collectors' vehicles such as kit cars, street-rod vehicles, and Special mobile equipment

How Many Digits are in a VIN?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains seventeen (17) digits. Only vehicles manufactured by a commercial manufacturer before 1981 may have a VIN with less than 17 characters. Hence, a vehicle with a VIN containing seventeen (17) alphanumeric characters simply implies that it was manufactured after 1981. The characters in a VIN code connote the various characteristics of the vehicle it is assigned to. In Colorado, the meaning of these characters is as follows:

  • The 1st character refers to the country where the vehicle was built
  • The 2nd and 3rd characters refer to the manufacturer of the vehicle
  • The 4th to 8th characters represent the features of the vehicle. These include the vehicle’s brand, engine capacity/type/size, and model
  • The 9th character denotes the security code that identifies the VIN as being authorized by the manufacturer
  • The 10th character refers to the model year of the vehicle
  • The 11th character indicates the particular plant which assembled the vehicle
  • The last six (6) characters (from 12th to 17th character) are the vehicle's serial numbers.

How to Find Your Car’s VIN Number

Generally, Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) are encoded on different parts or locations of a vehicle. Usually, vehicle owners can find the VIN of their vehicle’s dashboard where it meets the windshield, by the driver’s side door pillar. The VIN may also be found on the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) that comes with a new vehicle. Vehicle insurance cards, vehicle titles, and registration are other documents that also contain the VIN of a vehicle.

How to Conduct a VIN Lookup in Colorado

Interested persons can conduct a VIN lookup in Colorado by using the Colorado Department of Revenue Access portal. Only authorized users are allowed access to the portal’s database. Under the Federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), only the person named on the record can access vehicle records maintained by the Division of Motor Vehicles. Anyone who would like to access records other than theirs are required to declare their intended use of the record through a court affidavit. Alternatively, record seekers must have the owner of the record (i.e. the subject named on the record) sign off on the application form. VIN lookup in Colorado can also be conducted through the following websites:

  • National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), where vehicle history report search may be done by VIN
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which has a database sourced from manufacturer-supplied data
  • Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s Motor Vehicle Lookup portal by providing a vehicle’s model year and VIN.
  • National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)’s VINCheck portal
  • Several independent private websites also provide VIN lookup either at a cost or for free

Interested persons can also conduct a VIN lookup in colorado through an online service of the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicle. Records seekers can conduct this type of VIN lookup by submitting a request for vehicle records either in person or by mail at a Colorado DMV office.

How Do I Look Up a VIN Number for Free in Colorado?

Interested persons can conduct a free VIN number check through numerous channels provided by different government agencies. The motor vehicle lookup portal maintained by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation is a free online tool that inquirers can use to look up a particular vehicle's VIN and number for free. On the portal, an inquirer must provide the VIN and vehicle model number to conduct a free VIN lookup. The VIN lookup tool typically generates a Motor Vehicle report that will provide information about the vehicle.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) can also provide an individual with a car’s history by conducting a free VIN lookup. Through the NICB lookup, a VIN tool, an individual will know if a vehicle has been reported stolen, salvaged, or involved in an accident. However, there are limitations to the data available because it is based on reports made for insurance claims. If a vehicle was involved in an accident and the car's owner repaired it without reporting the accident to any insurance company, such an accident will not be included on the NICB database.

The MyDmv tool on the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicle website may also be used to conduct a VIN lookup using the “renew a vehicle registration” option. This works because the VIN of a vehicle must be confirmed first before an applicant can continue with the vehicle registration renewal application. Record seekers may also conduct free VIN lookups on independent private websites that provide such services.

How to Use the VIN Decoder to Do a VIN Number Check

A VIN decoder is a tool used to verify and interpret the VIN code assigned to vehicles. A VIN typically has seventeen (17) alphanumeric characters that provide information related to the various characteristics of a vehicle. These characteristics include the manufacturer, country of origin, model year of production, production assembly plant, serial numbers, and security code of a vehicle.

before selecting a VIN decoder, it is necessary to identify the pieces of information about a vehicle the decoder provides. This is because VIN decoders provide vehicle information based on specific information about their data source and configuration.

Once a particular VIN decoder has been selected, enter the 17 digits characters of the VIN in the input field on the web page or app and the model year (when required). Once entered, a report containing all available information about the vehicle will be generated. This report may be printed or downloaded for future use.

VIN decoders may be offered by the vehicle manufacturer or other approved private companies that conduct emissions testing in Colorado. This service may be free or at a cost. Record seekers need to understand the source of data and type of information provided by a particular VIN decoder before using such information for decision-making purposes.

How to Conduct a VIN Lookup by License Plate in Colorado.

A car owner can request a license record search from the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles to conduct a VIN lookup by license plate in Colorado. The license record report will contain information about the license plate and the VIN of the vehicle histories all vehicles that have been registered with the license plate number. Under C.R.S. 42-1-206 (2)b, record custodians are not allowed to grant public access to license plate records because they contain the personal information of vehicle owners. As a result, interested persons can only request a license record search for licenses they own. To conduct a license record search in person, record seekers may visit any Division of Motor Vehicles office in the county where the license plate was issued. Remotely, license records search may be done using the vehicle services tool on the website of the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles. The Colorado Vehicle Record Search (VRS) requires a VRS account.

What is a VIN Inspection in Colorado?

VIN inspection in Colorado is a process in which the Colorado State Patrol compares the VIN on a vehicle against the one on the registration documents to ensure they are the same. Other authorized law enforcement agencies may also conduct VIN inspections in Colorado.

A Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified inspector is generally responsible for conducting VIN inspections in Colorado. The Certified VIN Inspector is required to check both the Public VIN and the Discreet VIN against state and national databases. This is done to ensure that the vehicle is not on a list of wanted or stolen vehicles. A successful VIN inspection process will lead to the issuance of a Certified VIN Inspection document. In Colorado, a Certified VIN Inspection is needed for:

  • Bonded title vehicle
  • Rebuilt vehicles
  • Reconstructed vehicles
  • Vehicles assembled from a kit

A certified VIN Inspection is necessary for the registration of a salvage vehicle, vehicle purchased without a title, lost titles, or titles with incorrect information. Certified VIN Inspection costs $50 in Colorado. While VIN verification is used for vehicles without insurance records and title issues.

How Much is a Vehicle Inspection in Colorado?

Vehicle inspection in Colorado may cost the owners varying amounts depending on the model of the vehicle and the vehicle type and of inspection to be conducted.

  • An emissions test for gasoline-powered vehicles from model 1982. For 1982 model vehicles or newer cost $25. This test should be conducted every two years.
  • Gasoline-powered vehicle inspection costs $15 and must be performed annually for vehicles older than 1981.
  • the cost to conduct an inspection for diesel-powered vehicles depends on the Licensed Diesel emission Testing Station chosen for the inspection

Exemptions from emissions inspection tests exist, and automobile owners are typically informed of these through the registration renewal cards mailed to them. A vehicle may not need an emissions inspection if

  • The vehicle is 7 years old or a newer model.
  • All-electric vehicle. However, hybrid-electric vehicles will need to undergo inspection after 7 years.
  • Collector vehicles model year 1975 and older
  • Horseless carriages, farm vehicles, kit cars, and motorcycles

What is a Vehicle Inspection Report in Colorado

A vehicle inspection report (VIR) in Colorado is a form of certification given to motorists/ vehicle owners after the completion of an inspection process. The VIR document contains information regarding the condition of a vehicle and its performance on the various elements of the inspection process. When registering their vehicle in Colorado, car owners may be required to provide the original Vehicle Inspection Report. Some DMV office clerks do not accept a duplicate copy of a VIR without seeing the original copy.

What Does a Vehicle History Report Contain?

Generally, some information contained in a vehicle history report includes:

  • Basic information about the vehicle, such as; country of origin, manufacturer, assembly plant, the model, year of production, security code, engine type and capacity, and serial number
  • Information on flood damage (if any)
  • Accident and recovery information
  • Odometer reading/mileage information
  • Technical service record
  • The use of the vehicle
  • Vehicle registration records
  • Theft records

How to Conduct a VIN Verification in Colorado

In Colorado, VIN verification can be performed by any state law enforcement officer, licensed dealerships, or emissions testing location. A Verification Vehicle Identification Number Form (DR 2698) is used to conduct a VIN verification in the state. A VIN Verification can cost between $20 and $25.

Can I Lookup My Vehicle Specs by VIN Number?

Yes, vehicle owners can use their VIN number to conduct a VIN lookup to uncover details about their vehicle’s specifications. These specifications include the vehicle’s country of origin, model, the manufacturer’s information, and assembly plant details. Additionally, VIN lookup will provide a vehicle’s safety and engine-related information, such as airbags, seat belts, engine types, sizes, and capacities. Generally, car buyers are advised to lookup a vehicle's specifications before purchasing the vehicle. This enables them to properly evaluate the price of the vehicle.

Can I Check My VIN Number Online in Colorado?

Yes, car owners in Colorado can check their vehicle's VIN online using any of the methods listed below:

  • Vehicle owners can check the VIN of their vehicles on the Colorado Department of Revenue website using the Request Vehicle Record Report portal.
  • Interested persons can use the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s Motor Vehicle Lookup portal to conduct a motor vehicle lookup.
  • Most commercial manufacturers of vehicles offer VIN decoders on their websites inquirers can use to check the VIN of vehicles they produce.

Can You Track a Car by VIN Number in Colorado?

Yes, a vehicle owner may be able to track their vehicle with its VIN. When a vehicle is reported stolen, law enforcement agencies may be able to use the VIN to track the vehicle's current location.

Can You Tell Engine Size by VIN Number?

Yes, an individual can tell a vehicle's engine size by the VIN. One of the information about a vehicle's plant embedded in its VIN is its engine specification (such as its size and type). The fourth to eighth characters of the 17 digits VIN provide details about a vehicle's features as well as its engine. These details include the vehicle brand, engine size, type, and more. The engine code is specifically the 8th character of the VIN. The engine codes indicate whether the engine is diesel or gasoline powered.