Guides
What a VIN tells you - and what it doesn't
How to read all 17 characters, where to decode one free, and why mileage, accidents and ownership are not in the number at all.
How to verify a DeepSearch result using its sources
Check a DeepSearch claim against its linked source, confirm the subject and date, test independent corroboration, and record a verdict.
People often ask
Where does the vehicle data come from?
Specifications, recalls, and safety ratings come from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) - official, public government data. Every detail links back to its source.
Does this include accident or title history?
The core report covers factory specs, open recalls, and safety ratings from NHTSA. Title, accident, odometer, and theft history come from separate vehicle-history providers and are shown only where that data is available.
What is a VIN and where do I find it?
A VIN is the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number unique to each vehicle. Find it on the dashboard near the windshield, the driver's-side door jamb, or your registration and insurance documents. It never contains the letters I, O, or Q.
Is this a vehicle background check?
It surfaces public vehicle information only. DeepSearch is not a consumer-reporting agency and this is not an FCRA report - don't use it for credit, insurance, or eligibility decisions.
Will the lookup always find everything?
Decoding depends on what the manufacturer encoded in the VIN and what NHTSA has on file. Older or imported vehicles may decode with fewer details. Missing fields simply mean the data isn't available, not that something is wrong.
