What a vehicle history report shows and why you might need one
A vehicle history report is a record of everything documented about a specific car — past accidents, title transfers, odometer readings, insurance claims, and whether it has been in a flood or major collision. You cannot order this report directly through your driver license itself, but your driver license number is one piece of information that companies use to verify your identity when you request a report.
You might want a vehicle history report before buying a used car, to check on a vehicle you already own, or to understand what information is on file about a car you have been in an accident with. The report comes from companies that collect data from insurance companies, auto auctions, repair shops, and state DMV records.
The most common vehicle history report companies are Carfax and AutoCheck. Both charge a fee for a single report, though some dealerships and insurance companies provide them for free. You will need the vehicle identification number (VIN) — a 17-character code on the car itself or in registration documents — not your driver license number, though you may be asked to provide your license as proof of identity.
Key Takeaways
- Vehicle history reports come from private companies like Carfax and AutoCheck, not from your state's DMV or driver license agency.
- You need the vehicle's VIN (17-character identification number), not your driver license number, to order a report.
- Your driver license may be used to verify your identity when you order online, but it is not the source of the report data.
- A single report typically costs between $20 and $30, though some dealerships and insurance companies offer them at no cost.
- The report shows accident history, title transfers, odometer readings, and insurance claims, but does not include traffic violations or parking tickets.
Where vehicle history reports actually come from
Vehicle history reports are compiled by private companies, not government agencies. Carfax and AutoCheck are the two largest providers in the United States. They gather information from insurance companies (when a claim is filed), auto auctions (when a car is sold at auction), repair facilities (when major work is done), and state DMV records (title transfers and registrations).
Because these companies rely on reported data, a vehicle history report is only as complete as the information that has been shared with them. A minor accident that was paid for in cash and never reported to insurance may not appear on the report. Similarly, regular maintenance at an independent shop will not show up, but major repairs at a dealership often will.
How to order a report and what information you will need
To order a vehicle history report, go directly to Carfax.com or AutoCheck.com. You will be asked to enter the vehicle's VIN, which is a 17-character code stamped on the driver-side door jamb, visible through the windshield on the dashboard, or listed on the vehicle registration and title documents. You do not need your driver license number to search, though you may be asked to provide your driver license as identity verification when you pay.
The ordering process takes about five minutes. You enter the VIN, review a preview of what the report will contain, and then pay the fee — usually $24.99 for Carfax or $19.99 for AutoCheck for a single report. Some websites offer discounts for multiple reports. After payment, you receive the full report when ready as a PDF that you can read, print, or share.
If you are buying a car from a dealership, ask whether they have already ordered a report or can provide one. Many dealerships include a vehicle history report as part of the sale process, and some franchise dealers offer them free to customers. This can save you the cost of ordering one yourself.
What information appears on a vehicle history report
A vehicle history report typically includes the number of previous owners, whether the title is clean or has been branded (salvage, flood, lemon law, etc.), accident and damage records reported to insurance, odometer readings at various points in time, service records from participating shops, and whether the car has been recalled by the manufacturer.
The report does not include traffic violations, parking tickets, or moving violations associated with the driver. It also does not show routine maintenance at independent mechanics, only major repairs at franchised dealerships or body shops that report to the data companies. If you are concerned about a specific accident or repair, the report may confirm it happened, but it will not give you the full details — you would need to contact the insurance company or repair shop directly for that information.
Why your driver license is not the source of this information
Your driver license is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and contains information about you as a driver — your name, address, driving record, and license status. It does not contain information about vehicles you own or have owned. Vehicle ownership and history records are kept separately by the state DMV in the vehicle registration and title system.
When you order a vehicle history report, the company uses the VIN to pull data from the state's title and registration records, insurance databases, and other sources. Your driver license may be used to verify that you are the person requesting the report, but the report itself does not come from your license. The two systems — driver licensing and vehicle registration — are separate, even though they are both run by the same state agency.
Alternatives if you cannot find the VIN or need more information
If you do not have the VIN and cannot locate it on the vehicle, you can contact the seller or previous owner and ask for it. The VIN is also listed on insurance documents, loan paperwork, and maintenance records. If you have the vehicle's year, make, model, and license plate number, some dealerships can look up the VIN for you, though they may charge a small fee.
If you need information beyond what a vehicle history report provides — such as details about a specific accident, repair costs, or insurance claim amounts — you will need to contact the insurance company or repair shop directly. You may be asked to provide proof of ownership or a power of attorney, depending on what information you are requesting and your relationship to the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a vehicle history report from my state's DMV?
No. Your state DMV keeps title and registration records, but they do not compile or sell vehicle history reports. You must order from Carfax, AutoCheck, or another private company. Some DMVs will provide you with a certified copy of the title or registration if you need proof of ownership, but that is different from a history report.
What if the vehicle history report shows an accident I was not aware of?
Contact the insurance company listed on the report or the repair shop that handled the work. They can provide details about what happened, when, and how much damage was done. If you believe the information is incorrect, you can dispute it directly with Carfax or AutoCheck, and they will investigate and correct the record if warranted.
Do I need a vehicle history report to register a car or renew my driver license?
No. Vehicle registration and driver license renewal are separate processes handled by your state DMV. A vehicle history report is optional and is most useful when buying or selling a used car, or when you want to know what information is on file about a specific vehicle.
Will ordering a vehicle history report affect my credit or driving record?
No. Ordering a vehicle history report does not affect your credit score, driving record, or insurance rates. It is straightforward a record lookup and does not trigger any action by insurance companies or government agencies.
Can I order a vehicle history report for someone else's car?
Yes. You can order a report for any vehicle if you have the VIN. There is no ownership requirement to purchase a report. However, if you need detailed information beyond what the report shows, the company or repair shop may require proof that you have a legitimate reason to access that information.