How to Do a Reverse VIN Search

Reverse VIN searches, unlike reverse phone number searches, are rarely quick, free or inexpensive and often require the hiring of an investigator or investigating company to research and acquire a car's history. Here are instructions on how to quickly and inexpensively do a reverse VIN search and purchase car history reports through Carfax, an online automobile search service.

Things You'll Need

  • VIN number
  • Credit card
  • Follow the Carfax link in the Resources section.

  • Enter the vehicle's Identification Number into the "Start Your Vehicle History Search Now!" field and click the "Search" button.

  • Review the Carfax "Record Search Results" page to confirm that the vehicle description matches the make and model of the vehicle that you are researching.

  • Click the "Go" button under "Start My Order Now!" to go to the "Vehicle History Reports Order Form" page.

  • Read the "Customer Agreement" and review the sales tax information for your state as well as Carfax's refund policies.

  • Choose a single report or unlimited history in the dropdown menu and then fill out the rest of the form fields including your billing address and the type of credit card that you are using to purchase your report.

  • Review your information and then click the "Process My Order" button under "No risk--money back guarantee if not 100% satisfied" at the bottom of the form. If you do not want Carfax to contact you with additional auto-related information in the future, uncheck the related box below the button before submitting your history report order request.