What is the way to look up a VIN?

Look at the sticker on the driver's side door jamb, or search the corner of the driver's side dashboard to find the vehicle identification number of a car or truck. The VIN is always on the vehicle's title and vehicle insurance policy paperwork.

The VIN is a unique number placed on any motorized vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, semi trucks and boats. Before buying a pre-owned vehicle, buyers can input the VIN into a national database, to view a vehicle's history and recall information.

Some of the information disclosed on a vehicle's history:

• Registration and title information
• Total accident history
• Completed repairs and service history
• Damage to the frame or structure or previous water damage
• Airbag safety information
• Odometer information
• Recall information

Expect to pay a small fee to access a full VIN history report.