🛠️ Physical Inspection of the VIN
California DMV regulations require Licensed Vehicle Verifiers to physically inspect the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that is permanently engraved or attached to the vehicle.
Primary VIN Locations:
- 1970 & Newer Vehicles: Typically on the dashboard, visible through the driver-side windshield
- Classic Cars (1969 & Older), Trailers, Motorcycles, and Tractor Trucks: Usually stamped on the frame or on a metal plate attached to the body
⚠️ Important for Classic Vehicles & Trailers:
VINs on older vehicles can be hard to locate. If your vehicle is 1969 or older or a trailer, you’ll need to know where the VIN is located.
We may be able to assist you by phone before scheduling an appointment, so please call us first for guidance.
Note: If we arrive on-site and are unable to verify the VIN due to its location or inaccessibility, fees will still apply.
🏷️ Inspection of Required Labels
✅ Federal Certification Label (1970 & Newer Except OHV)
Verifiers must locate the U.S. Federal Certification Label, which must:
- Be present on all vehicles 1970 and newer (except OHV)
- Match the VIN on the vehicle and supporting documents
Typical Label Locations:
- Cars & Trucks: Driver-side door or door jamb
- Motorcycles & OHVs: Frame (usually near the steering head)
- Heavy-Duty Vehicles: Door or door frame area
- Coach/CMP Trailers: Outside on the body. If at the hitch area facing the trailer, walk to the right side of the unit and look at the lower left corner. Or contact the manufacturer if you cannot find it.
🔒 Missing Label?
If the Federal Certification Label is missing or illegible, only CHP can perform the VIN verification.
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🌱 Emissions Control Label (1968 & Newer Passenger Vehicles)
Verifiers must also inspect the U.S. EPA Emissions Label (if applicable).
Label Locations:
- Cars & Trucks: Under the hood
- Motorcycles & OHVs: On the frame
- Heavy-Duty Trucks: Driver-side door area
If the label is missing:
- The verifier will mark “None” on the REG 31
- The DMV may reject your registration
- The DMV should provide a written reason for rejection on a Report of Deposit of Fees (RDF) using Reason Code Z, or on official DMV letterhead
⚠️Missing emission label?: The DMV still allows verifiers to complete the VIN verification if this label is missing. However - they could refuse to register your vehicle. If your emissions label is missing - you might want to go to the DMV to see what your options are.
❗ Important Note About Missing Emissions Labels
If your vehicle is missing the required emissions label and you still want us to verify your vehicle but the DMV ultimately denies your registration, please understand that we do not offer refunds.
Our fees cover travel time, professional verification services, and documentation, and are non-refundable once the service is performed, regardless of the DMV’s decision.
✅ Here’s how our pricing works:
- The standard service fee listed on our website is for time and travel fees and includes 1 vehicle verification at no cost.
- Additional vehicles at the same location are charged at $35 per vehicle.
📞 If you suspect your vehicle may be missing an emissions label, please contact us before scheduling your appointment. We’re happy to help assess your situation in advance. See our Pricing page for more information.
🚫 Why the Emissions Label Matters (And What You Can Do If It's Missing)
The California DMV generally requires the original emissions label to be physically present on the vehicle. However, in some cases, they may accept alternative documentation to prove the vehicle meets emissions compliance—but this is at their discretion and not guaranteed.
Acceptable alternatives (if approved by the DMV) may include:
- A Certificate of Conformity from the manufacturer, EPA, or CARB.
- A previous California Title or Registration Card, proving the DMV has already accepted the vehicle’s emissions at one point and;
- A Statement of Facts (REG 256) declaring that no changes or modifications have been made to the emissions system since the vehicle was last registered or titled in California
- Proof the vehicle was manufactured for the U.S. market and is exempt from smog (typically 1975 and older)
- Passed Smog Certificate within 90 days (1976 and newer).
⚠️ Important: The DMV's acceptance of these alternatives is not automatic nor guaranteed.
Always request that any requirement or instruction be provided in writing—either on a Report of Deposit of Fees (RDF) using Reason Code Z with clear notes, or on official DMV letterhead signed by an authorized agent.
However, if the DMV requires you to obtain and install a replacement label (if they wont accept any alternative option), and you do, we’ll return to re-verify it at no charge or at a discounted rate, depending on the situation. The label must be affixed to the vehicle prior to scheduling a return visit.
Vehicles Affected by Missing Emissions Labels:
- Cars, Vans, & Trucks: 1968 & newer
- Motorcycles: 1978 & newer
- Heavy-Duty Vehicles: 1979 & newer
- Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs): 2003 & newer
What happens if your emissions label is missing and you bring the vehicle to DMV for VIN verification but an agent refuses to verify it until you order a replacement label and won't offer any alternative options?
Well, you'll likely have to do what they require and bring the vehicle back after you obtain what they want.
Want to avoid having to physically take the vehicle to the DMV? Hire a mobile VIN Verifier!
🔎 Additional Vehicle Observations
Licensed Vehicle Verifiers are also required to inspect and record the following:
- Body Type Model (e.g., Pickup, Sedan, Van)
- Number of Axles & Wheels
- Odometer Reading
- Vehicle Dimensions (length/width for certain vehicles)
- Estimated Vehicle Weight (where applicable)
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) – required for pickups
📝 Completing the REG 31
All findings are recorded on the official REG 31 form, which is certified and signed by the licensed verifier and submitted as part of your DMV paperwork (that you must provide to DMV).
