All Vehicles
You must have at least 1 supporting document:
All Vehicles 1970 and Newer
Federal Certification Label Required
It must be affixed to the driver side door or jamb area.
Motorcycles: This label is usually located on the fork near the handlebars either on the left or right.
Trailers: The label could be anywhere depending on the type of trailer.
This label will contain the VIN and a statement that the vehicle complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
If it is missing or illegible, only the DMV or CHP can verify the vehicle.
In addition to the door label, the VIN must also be in at least 1 other location on the vehicle (Frame, Dashboard, etc).
All Vehicles 1969 and Older:
The federal certification label (vin label) is not required.
However, at least 1 vin location is required (Dashboard, Frame, Etc.)
____________________________________
All Vehicles 1968 and Newer
Emissions Label:
Vehicles 1968 and newer year models should have an emissions label either under the hood (Cars, Trucks), on the frame (motorcycles), or driver side door area (Heavy Duty Vehicles).
The DMV does not prohibit licensed vehicle verifiers from verifying a vehicle if the emissions label is missing.
Per the instructions in the handbook, licensed vehicle verifiers do have to document if it is missing, damaged, etc.
If you have a salvaged vehicle - you must bring the vehicle to the DMV.
The DMV will likely refer your vehicle to the CHP for the SVIP (Salvaged Vehicle Inspection Program).
This is your only option.
Vehicles imported into the USA that were not designed according to US Federal Standards must be verified by the DMV or CHP.
Licensed vehicle verifiers cannot verify Armored Vehicles.
These must go to the CHP only.
If you've purchased a vehicle from a dealership and you've paid cash or are financing, you should be able to obtain either a Temporary Registration Card from the dealership, or a copy of the Title/MCO from the lender for VIN verification.
Let them know that the CA DMV requires it for VIN Verification.
If you've purchased a vehicle from a private seller or inherited a vehicle without the following documents - you will have to go to the DMV to see what your options are.
1. Title 2. Registration Card 3. MCO.
In many cases if you have a vehicle with no ownership documents the DMV will provide you with the paperwork to complete the Diligent Effort process.
According to the DMV, "The diligent effort process satisfies the application requirements for supporting documents, including the seller’s odometer disclosure."
Once the DMV reviews your paperwork and starts processing your application (REG 343)
they will determine if your vehicle must be referred to the CHP or if you can hire a licensed vehicle verifier to travel to the vehicle for vin verification.
If referred to the CHP the DMV will use the RDF code 9 which will display;
REFERRED TO CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL FOR INSPECTION. IF THIS IS A REVIVED TOTAL LOSS VEHICLE, A CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL INSPECTION CERTIFICATE (CHP97C) IS REQUIRED BEFORE THE APPLICATION CAN BE COMPLETED.
If the DMV is authorizing licensed vehicle verifiers to verify your vehicle they will use RDF code 5 which will display:
VERIFICATION OF VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER BY A PEACE OFFICER, AN AUTHORIZED EMPLOYEE OF DMV, OR A LICENSED VEHICLE VERIFIER.
See all of the DMV RDF Codes here:
No vehicle verifier can verify a vehicle that is incomplete or unassembled. They also cannot verify individual parts (like a car chassis without a body).
If your motorcycle has had an engine change then only the DMV and or CHP can verify it.
If your motorcycle is titled in California but the registration has been removed from the DMV database due to non-payment - Only the DMV or CHP can Verify it.
Licensed vehicle verifiers can only verify motorcycles that are coming into California with a current non-California title, registration card, or MCO.
Copyright © 2025 S R Hill Vehicle Verifier - All Rights Reserved.
Vehicle Verifiers are licensed by the CA DMV but they are not the CA DMV.
Powered by Get Vin Verification
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.