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How to check a licensed VIN verifier in California

To check that a vehicle identification number (VIN) verifier in California is licensed, mail the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) form OL 100 and ask for a print-out of their licensee record. The fee is $5. Check before you pay. A vehicle verifier needs a license from the DMV to submit vehicle identification proof for registering a car.

Not a government website. Not legal advice.

Last checked · 7 official sources

For car owners in California: confirm that a vehicle verifier is licensed by the DMV before you pay them.

How do I check a VIN verifier's license in California?

Ask the DMV for the verifier's licensee record by mail:

  1. Download form OL 100.

    Get the Request for Occupational Licensing Information (OL 100) from the DMV. It is a PDF form on the DMV's request for information page.

    dmv.ca.gov checked

  2. Ask for a print-out of the verifier's licensee record.

    On the form, ask for a print-out of the licensee record. The fee is $5. Fees can change without notice and are not refunded, even if no record is found.

    dmv.ca.gov checked

  3. Pay by check or money order.

    Enclose a check or money order made payable to the DMV for the fee.

    dmv.ca.gov checked

  4. Mail it to the DMV.

    Send the completed form and the $5 fee to the DMV Occupational Licensing Unit, MS L224, PO Box 932342, Sacramento, CA 94232-3420.

    dmv.ca.gov checked
Get form OL 100 from the DMV

What a valid REG 31 from a licensed verifier shows

REG 31 · Verification of Vehicle
  • The verifier prints their name and their title, ID, badge or vehicle verifier license number on the form.dmv.ca.gov checked
  • They sign by hand and certify that they physically examined the vehicle that day. A stamped or typed signature is not accepted.dmv.ca.gov checked
  • Only the licensee may sign a verification done under a vehicle verifier license.dmv.ca.gov checked
  • The form has a box for where the vehicle was physically verified: the verifier's address given on the form, or another place the verifier writes in.dmv.ca.gov checked
  • They tick the box for who they are: California licensed vehicle verifier, auto club or peace officer. For an out-of-country vehicle the boxes are the DMV and the California Highway Patrol.dmv.ca.gov checked

What a licensed verifier cannot verify

  • Licensed vehicle verifiers cannot inspect revived salvage or revived junk vehicles, specially constructed vehicles, or motorcycles last registered in California whose record no longer shows in the DMV database.dmv.ca.gov checked
  • A licensed verifier may not verify their own vehicles, a motorcycle with an engine change, or an incomplete or unassembled vehicle.dmv.ca.gov checked
  • All other verifications go to the DMV or the California Highway Patrol for inspection.dmv.ca.gov checked
How VIN verification works in California Who else can do a VIN verification

Is there a list of licensed VIN verifiers by county?

No. The DMV does not publish a county list of licensed vehicle verifiers, so this page does not list any verifier or business.

The DMV's Occupational License Lookup covers business categories such as vehicle dealers, dismantlers and registration services. Vehicle verifiers are not one of its categories. dmv.ca.gov checked

Becoming a licensed vehicle verifier

  • You need a vehicle verifier license to submit vehicle identification proof to the DMV for registering a vehicle or transferring its ownership.
  • A surety bond (OL 26) or a deposit in place of a bond (OL 25E) is required.
  • Every applicant also goes through a background investigation.
Source for this list:dmv.ca.gov checked
The DMV vehicle verifier license page

Common questions

How do I check a vehicle verifier's license in California?

Mail the DMV a Request for Occupational Licensing Information (OL 100) asking for a print-out of the licensee record, with a $5 check or money order payable to the DMV. Send it to the Occupational Licensing Unit, MS L224, PO Box 932342, Sacramento, CA 94232-3420.

dmv.ca.govsource 2 checked

Can I get my money back if there is no record?

No. The DMV says its fees are not refunded, whether or not a record is found, and can change without notice.

dmv.ca.gov checked

Does the DMV publish a list of licensed VIN verifiers by county?

No. The DMV's Occupational License Lookup does not include vehicle verifiers among its business categories, so this page does not list any.

dmv.ca.gov checked

How does a licensed verifier sign the REG 31?

They print their name and their title, ID, badge or vehicle verifier license number, then sign by hand. A stamped or typed signature is not accepted.

dmv.ca.gov checked

Sources for this page

About this page

This page summarizes official California sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.

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