Buying a New Car: How to do a complete Vehicle Number Check?

Thinking of buying a used car this year? Before you finalise the deal, there is one step you cannot skip: a vehicle number check. It protects you from scams and incomplete information in records. Getting the full vehicle information by number can help you in case of unexpected debt and legal trouble. In this blog, we have listed ways you can do a vehicle number check and why you must not skip this step.

What is a Vehicle Number Check?

It’s a simple online process by which you can use a car or bike’s license plate number to look up its official government records. By accessing the national or state-level transport authority’s database. 

The results show the vehicle’s history and legal standing. This data generally includes:

Vehicle Information by Number

This section includes the manufacturer's specifications of the vehicle.

• Make and model of the vehicle: Name of manufacturer and name of specific model
• Colour and body type: The classification like Sedan, Hatchback, or SUV
• Fuel type: Petrol, Diesel, CNG, or electric
• Engine and chassis information: Displayed partially for security reasons
• Registration and manufacturing date: when the vehicle was first registered
• Vehicle classification: Whether it’s a private non-transport vehicle or a commercial transport vehicle
• Tax details: Whether the road tax is paid or not, and its validity period

Owner details and history

It shows the details of the legal owner of the vehicle. 

• Owner’s name: It shows the masked name of the current owner, so that you can verify that the person selling the vehicle is the rightful owner

• Registration authority (RTO): The regional transport office where the vehicle was originally registered

• Registration validity: The date until which the registration of the vehicle is valid.

Legal and Compliance status

To confirm that the vehicle meets all mandatory legal requirements.

• Insurance status: To show that the vehicle has a valid insurance, and when it’s expiring.

• Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate: Validating that the vehicle adheres to necessary emission standards.

• Hypothecation status: If the vehicle is currently under a loan (hypothecated) with a bank or financial institution.

Official way for Vehicle Registration Number Search

The most reliable and safe way to get vehicle information is through government-authorised portals. Here are 3 ways you can do it by yourself.

Method 1: The Official VAHAN Portal (Website)

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways runs a website called Parivahan Sewa.

• Go to the website, and look for the menu option.
• Find the tool that says “Know your Vehicle Details” or “RC status”
• In some cases, you may need to create an account using your mobile number.
• Enter the vehicle number and search to get results.

Method 2: The mParivahan App (Mobile)

If you can’t access your computer, and still need to know the car details instantly. Then, go to the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store to download the official mParivahan app.

Select the RC (registration search) option and type the vehicle number to see vehicle details by number plate on your phone.

Method 3: The SMS method

But what happens when you are stuck without an internet connection? No need to worry, as you can get basic vehicle information by number using a simple text message.

Type VAHAN [space] Vehicle Number, and send it to 7738299899. You’ll receive basic vehicle details like the owner’s name, vehicle model, and insurance expiry.

Why must you check Vehicle Details by Number Plate?

Checking the vehicle details before purchasing is a necessary step in legal compliance and protects you from unexpected troubles down the road.

Financial and Legal Problems

The vehicle search reveals all the truth about the vehicle, and even things that the seller might be trying to hide.

• Verifies Ownership: You can cross-check the registered owner’s name and the RTO where the vehicle is registered.

• Checking loan status: If you buy a hypothecated car without the bank’s NOC (No Objection Certificate) means you also inherit the debt, and the vehicle will not be legally transferred to your name.

Scams and Blacklisted Vehicles

• Stolen vehicles: The vehicle search database is also linked with police records. So, you can prevent yourself from unknowingly purchasing and becoming liable for stolen property.

• Expired or Invalid Documents: Sometimes, sellers try to sell cars with documents that have expired or are about to expire. Before making a purchase, confirm the validity of the PUC, RC, and fitness certificate. Driving a car with expired paperwork can result in a fine or have the car seized.

Common Mistakes During Vehicle Number Check

Checking the vehicle details is a simple process, just make sure you don’t make any of these mistakes.

• Don’t trust unofficial or random sites. Only use official sites like Parivahan or reputed third-party apps like ACKO or Park+. 
• Due to privacy laws, you’ll only see a partial name of the owner. 
• The search is extremely sensitive to errors, so make sure you are correctly typing the vehicle number.

Vehicle Number Numerology

You have cleared the vehicle’s legal status, checked for loans, and verified all paperwork. But before you finalise that deal, let’s explore a fun perspective: checking your vehicle’s numerological compatibility.

After all, your car is going to become an important part of life. And its energy will affect you on a subconscious level. Riding in a car that aligns with you energetically prevents accidents and technical failure.

Numerologically, calculating the Vehicle Number is a very simple process. Note down the complete vehicle number, including the alphabet. Convert those letters into numbers, and add all numbers till you get a single digit.

Now, check the compatibility of your vehicle number with your personal numerology numbers.

After doing a vehicle number check, you can rest assured that your vehicle does not come with any technical problems or legal issues. False or incomplete information from the seller can sometimes affect your purchase and make you regret your decision. Be sure you get the vehicle details by number plate and make a confident, informed choice.

FAQs

Q1. Can I know the owner’s name using a vehicle number check?

The owner’s name is usually partially masked to confirm the owner's details while protecting their personal details.

Q2. What information can I get from a vehicle number check?

A vehicle number check gives important information like the vehicle’s make, model, and fuel type. And also legal information like insurance and PUC certificate.

Q3. What if my vehicle numerology number is not compatible with my personal number?

If the vehicle number is not compatible then you can do simple remedies like placing a yantra inside your car, or changing the colour to balance the energy.

Q4. How can I do a vehicle registration number search​ without the internet?

To do a vehicle search without the internet, simply type VAHAN [space] Vehicle Number, and send it to 7738299899. 

Q5. Do I need to pay any fees to know vehicle details by number plate​?

Accessing basic vehicle information by number through official government channels is free of charge. However, private third-party services may charge fees for more detailed report.