VIN Inspection Required by State (2026)
Most states require a VIN inspection before issuing a title for a vehicle previously registered in another state. The table below shows the requirement, who performs the inspection, and the typical cost for all 50 states and DC.
Data sourced from official state DMV and motor vehicle agency websites. Last verified: May 2026. Each row links directly to the source.
Methodology
Each state entry was researched against the official state DMV or motor vehicle agency website listed in the Source column. A state is marked Required when its DMV explicitly states that a VIN inspection or VIN verification is needed before a title is issued for a vehicle previously registered in another state. A state is marked Not Required when the DMV explicitly states no VIN-specific inspection step exists — though other inspections (safety, emissions) may still apply. States where the official guidance is silent or ambiguous are shown as Not specified / varies.
VIN Inspection Requirements — All 50 States + DC
| State | Required? | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Required | AL DMV |
| Alaska | Required | AK DMV |
| Arizona | Required | AZ DMV |
| Arkansas | Required | AR DMV |
| California | Required | CA DMV |
| Colorado | Required | CO DMV |
| Connecticut | Not Required | CT DMV |
| Delaware | Required | DE DMV |
| District of Columbia | Not specified | Verify with state DMV |
| Florida | Required | FL DMV |
| Georgia | Required | GA DMV |
| Hawaii | Required | HI DMV |
| Idaho | Required | ID DMV |
| Illinois | Not Required | IL DMV |
| Indiana | Required | IN DMV |
| Iowa | Required | IA DMV |
| Kansas | Required | KS DMV |
| Kentucky | Required | KY DMV |
| Louisiana | Required | LA DMV |
| Maine | Required | ME DMV |
| Maryland | Not Required | MD DMV |
| Massachusetts | Not Required | MA DMV |
| Michigan | Required | MI DMV |
| Minnesota | Required | MN DMV |
| Mississippi | Required | MS DMV |
| Missouri | Required | MO DMV |
| Montana | Required | MT DMV |
| Nebraska | Required | NE DMV |
| Nevada | Required | NV DMV |
| New Hampshire | Required | NH DMV |
| New Jersey | Required | NJ DMV |
| New Mexico | Required | NM DMV |
| New York | Required | NY DMV |
| North Carolina | Required | NC DMV |
| North Dakota | Required | ND DMV |
| Ohio | Not Required | OH DMV |
| Oklahoma | Required | OK DMV |
| Oregon | Required | OR DMV |
| Pennsylvania | Not Required | PA DMV |
| Rhode Island | Required | RI DMV |
| South Carolina | Not Required | SC DMV |
| South Dakota | Required | SD DMV |
| Tennessee | Not Required | TN DMV |
| Texas | Required | TX DMV |
| Utah | Required | UT DMV |
| Vermont | Required | VT DMV |
| Virginia | Not Required | VA DMV |
| Washington | Required | WA DMV |
| West Virginia | Required | WV DMV |
| Wisconsin | Required | WI DMV |
| Wyoming | Required | WY DMV |
Note data is shown for out-of-state vehicle titling. Requirements differ for vehicles already titled in the same state. Always confirm current requirements with your state DMV before submitting paperwork.
State Notes
Who: Alabama MVD or law enforcement officer
Cost: Varies by county; typically $5–$15
Required when titling a vehicle previously titled in another state. Performed at county probate court or MVD office.
Who: Alaska DMV inspector or law enforcement
Cost: Included in title fee (~$15)
VIN inspection required before Alaska title is issued for out-of-state vehicles.
Who: AZ MVD office or authorized third-party inspector
Cost: $4 (MVD); ~$10–$25 (third-party authorized inspector)
Out-of-state vehicles require a VIN inspection at an AZ MVD office or authorized third party before titling.
Who: Arkansas DFA Motor Vehicle Division or law enforcement
Cost: Included in title fee
VIN inspection required when titling a vehicle previously registered out of state.
Who: DMV employee, CHP officer, or licensed vehicle verifier (REG 31)
Cost: $0 at DMV office; ~$35–$75 for licensed vehicle verifier
Out-of-state vehicles require a California VIN verification (REG 31) performed by a DMV employee, CHP officer, or licensed vehicle verifier.
Who: County motor vehicle office or law enforcement
Cost: Included in title fee (~$7.20 title fee)
CO requires a VIN inspection (DR 2698) for vehicles titled out-of-state. Inspection can be done at a county motor vehicle office or by law enforcement.
Who: N/A
Cost: N/A
CT does not require VIN inspections for out-of-state vehicles, but may require emission testing.
Who: Delaware DMV
Cost: Included in title fee
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles before a Delaware title is issued.
Who: Florida HSMV-authorized inspector (HSMV 82042)
Cost: Typically $10–$20; included with many title services
Out-of-state vehicles must have a VIN verification (HSMV 82042) completed before FL title is issued.
Who: Georgia DMV customer service center
Cost: Included in title fee
GA requires a VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles at a GA DMV customer service center.
Who: County vehicle registration office
Cost: Included in title/registration fee
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles at county vehicle registration office.
Who: Law enforcement officer or DMV
Cost: Typically no charge when done by law enforcement; DMV fee included in title
Out-of-state vehicles require a VIN/odometer inspection by law enforcement or DMV before Idaho title is issued.
Who: N/A
Cost: N/A
IL generally does not require a VIN inspection, but dealer-sold vehicles must pass emission testing in applicable counties.
Who: Indiana BMV branch
Cost: Included in title fee (~$15)
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles before Indiana title is issued.
Who: County treasurer's office or law enforcement
Cost: Included in title fee
VIN inspection required for vehicles being titled in Iowa that were previously titled out of state.
Who: Kansas Division of Vehicles or law enforcement
Cost: Included in title fee
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles at county treasurer's office.
Who: County clerk's office or law enforcement
Cost: Typically $5–$10
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles before Kentucky title is issued.
Who: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV)
Cost: Included in title fee
LA requires a VIN inspection at the Office of Motor Vehicles before titling out-of-state vehicles.
Who: Maine BMV or law enforcement
Cost: Included in title fee (~$33)
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles at Maine BMV office.
Who: N/A
Cost: N/A
MD does not require a VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles but requires safety inspection within 90 days of titling.
Who: N/A
Cost: N/A
MA does not require VIN inspection but requires safety/emissions inspection within 7 days of registration.
Who: Michigan Secretary of State office
Cost: Included in title fee (~$15)
Out-of-state vehicles must have a VIN inspection by a Michigan Secretary of State office before a Michigan title is issued.
Who: Minnesota DVS office or law enforcement
Cost: Included in title fee
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles at DVS office.
Who: County tax collector's office
Cost: Included in title fee
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles at the county tax collector's office.
Who: Law enforcement officer
Cost: Typically $0–$10 (law enforcement); also requires state safety inspection (~$12)
MO requires a safety inspection and emissions inspection (in applicable counties). VIN inspection by law enforcement may be required for out-of-state vehicles.
Who: Montana DOJ Motor Vehicles Division or law enforcement
Cost: Included in title fee
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles at county courthouse or DOJ MV office.
Who: County treasurer's office or law enforcement
Cost: Included in title fee
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles before Nebraska title is issued.
Who: Nevada DMV investigator or authorized inspector
Cost: Included in title fee; ~$5–$25 for authorized inspector
Out-of-state vehicles must be inspected by a DMV investigator or authorized inspector for a Nevada VIN plate assignment.
Who: New Hampshire DMV
Cost: Included in title fee
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles at NH DMV.
Who: NJ MVC agency
Cost: Included in title fee ($60 title)
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles at NJ Motor Vehicle Commission office.
Who: New Mexico MVD office
Cost: Included in title fee
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles at New Mexico MVD office.
Who: NY-licensed inspection station
Cost: $6–$21 (state safety inspection fee)
Out-of-state vehicles must pass a NY safety inspection (which includes VIN verification) within 10 days of registration. This is a safety inspection, not a standalone VIN-only inspection.
Who: NC DMV license plate agency
Cost: Included in title fee
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles at NC DMV license plate agency.
Who: County treasurer's office or law enforcement
Cost: Included in title fee
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles at county treasurer's office.
Who: N/A
Cost: N/A
OH does not require a VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles, but requires a safety inspection from a licensed Ohio station within 30 days of registration.
Who: County tag office or law enforcement
Cost: Included in title fee
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles at county tag office.
Who: Oregon DMV office
Cost: Included in title fee (~$98 title fee)
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles at Oregon DMV office.
Who: N/A
Cost: N/A
PA does not require a VIN inspection but all registered vehicles must pass PA safety inspection annually.
Who: Rhode Island DMV
Cost: Included in title fee
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles at RI DMV office.
Who: N/A
Cost: N/A
SC does not require a VIN inspection but requires a safety inspection upon registration.
Who: County treasurer's office
Cost: Included in title fee
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles at county treasurer's office.
Who: N/A
Cost: N/A
TN does not require VIN inspections but county clerk may request a VIN check for out-of-state vehicles.
Who: Texas-licensed safety inspection station
Cost: $7 state fee + station fee (typically $14.50–$40 total)
Out-of-state vehicles must pass a Texas safety inspection before registration. No separate VIN inspection form, but the safety inspection verifies VIN. Note: TX combined safety + emissions inspection into one program.
Who: Law enforcement or licensed dealer (TC-656 form)
Cost: Typically $0–$10
Utah requires VIN verification (TC-656) for out-of-state vehicles, performed by law enforcement or a licensed dealer.
Who: Vermont DMV
Cost: Included in title fee
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles at Vermont DMV office.
Who: N/A
Cost: N/A
VA does not require a VIN inspection, but all vehicles must pass a VA safety inspection within 30 days of registration.
Who: DOL inspector, law enforcement, or licensed vehicle dealer
Cost: Typically $0–$15
WA requires a VIN inspection by a DOL inspector, law enforcement, or licensed vehicle dealer for out-of-state titles with no VIN visible on the vehicle.
Who: West Virginia DMV
Cost: Included in title fee
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles at WV DMV office.
Who: Wisconsin DMV service center
Cost: Included in title fee (~$164.50 title fee)
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles at Wisconsin DMV service center.
Who: County clerk's office
Cost: Included in title fee
VIN inspection required for out-of-state vehicles at county clerk's office.
States That Do Not Require a VIN Inspection
The following states have explicitly indicated no standalone VIN inspection is required when titling an out-of-state vehicle. Note that safety or emissions inspections may still apply independently.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions — VIN Inspections
What is a VIN inspection?
A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) inspection is a physical check performed by an authorized official — typically a DMV employee, law enforcement officer, or licensed inspector — to confirm that the VIN on the vehicle matches the number on the title. It is used to prevent title fraud and verify that a vehicle is not stolen.
Do all states require a VIN inspection when buying a car?
No. Most states require a VIN inspection only when titling a vehicle that was previously registered in another state (an "out-of-state" vehicle). Several states — including Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia — do not require a standalone VIN inspection, though they may require safety or emissions inspections.
Who can perform a VIN inspection?
Authorized inspectors vary by state. Common options include DMV employees, law enforcement officers (often free), licensed vehicle dealers, and — in some states like California — licensed vehicle verifiers who perform inspections for a fee ($35–$75).
How much does a VIN inspection cost?
Cost ranges from $0 (when done by law enforcement or included in the title fee) to approximately $75 for a licensed third-party inspector. Most state DMV offices include VIN inspection in the standard title fee with no separate charge.
Do I need a VIN inspection if I buy a car from a private seller in the same state?
Generally no — VIN inspections are triggered by out-of-state titles, not by the transaction type. If the vehicle was already titled in your state and you are buying from a private seller in the same state, a VIN inspection is typically not required. Check your state DMV website to confirm.
What documents do I need for a VIN inspection?
Bring the out-of-state title (original), your photo ID, and the vehicle itself. Some states have a specific form — for example, California uses REG 31, Colorado uses DR 2698, and Utah uses TC-656. Check your state DMV website for the correct form before your appointment.
Can a VIN inspection fail?
Yes. A VIN inspection can fail if the VIN on the vehicle does not match the title, if the VIN plate is altered or missing, or if the vehicle is flagged as stolen in the national database. If a VIN inspection fails, the DMV will typically hold the title application until the discrepancy is resolved — which may involve law enforcement.