Free VIN checks: NICB VINCheck, NHTSA recalls, and what they miss
NICB VINCheck is free and shows theft and salvage records from member insurers, up to 5 searches a day. NHTSA shows recalls for free. Neither is a title history: no state title brands, no odometer readings.
Step 1: free VIN check
VIN
What each free check shows
| Option | Cost | What it shows |
|---|---|---|
| NICB VINCheck | Free, 5 searches a day | Theft not recovered, and salvage or total loss records from member insurers |
| NHTSA recall lookup | Free | Open safety recalls for that exact VIN |
| Our VIN check (this page) | Free | Year, make, model, engine, plant, and recalls for the model year |
| Our title check | $9.99 | NMVTIS title brands, odometer at title changes, total losses, junk and salvage yard reports |
How our title check works
Enter the VIN
Type the 17 characters from the windshield, the door sticker or the title.
Get the free basics
Year, make, model, engine, where it was built, and safety recalls for that model.
Text us for the full title check
We text you a payment link. Your report comes back in the same chat.
It comes from NMVTIS, the national title database that states, insurers and salvage yards report to. We get it through an approved provider.
Sources
Prices and features from each company's own site and public sources, checked Nov 2, 2026. We have not bought their reports. Check their site before you buy.
Not affiliated with Carfax, AutoCheck, Experian or any other company named here.
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Questions
Is NICB VINCheck really free?
Yes. It's run by the National Insurance Crime Bureau and allows 5 searches per day from one connection.
NICB found no records. Is the car clean?
Not always. It shows only what member insurers reported. It does not show state title brands or odometer readings.
Can I see title brands for free?
Not usually. NMVTIS reports are sold by approved providers, each at its own price. Most cost about $10 to $20 one time. Ours is $9.99.
Does NHTSA show title history?
No. NHTSA shows the car's details and safety recalls. Title records live in NMVTIS and state DMVs.
Check a car now
Type the VIN for the free details and recalls, then text us for the title check.
Check a VINNMVTIS does not have every car, and some states report late. A clean report is not a clean car. Have a mechanic look at it before you pay.