Owning and maintaining a vehicle in India is common, and it's often necessary to know the complete details of a vehicle by its number. This can be for various reasons, such as purchasing a second-hand car, verifying vehicle details, or even for personal curiosity. The Indian government has made it relatively easy to obtain vehicle information through several online portals and mobile applications.

How to Check Vehicle Age by Chassis Number

To check a vehicle's age online using its chassis number, follow these steps:

Open the website: VIN Details.
Use the chassis number to check the vehicle's age.
Enter your vehicle's VIN or chassis number in the "Enter Your VIN" field.
Click on the search icon to retrieve the VIN details.
The website will display the vehicle's age, which helps determine how old the vehicle is. The registration date might change with ownership transfers, but the chassis number encodes the vehicle's manufacturing date.

How to Check Vehicle Details Online

Using VAHAN Portal

The VAHAN portal, developed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, provides a centralized database to check vehicle details. Here’s how to use it:

Visit the VAHAN Portal: Open your browser and go to the VAHAN website.
Enter Vehicle Number: Enter the vehicle registration number in the given field.
Captcha Verification: Complete the captcha verification process.
Get Vehicle Details: Click on the "Search Vehicle" button to retrieve the vehicle details.

The VAHAN portal provides information such as the owner's name, vehicle class, registration date, and more.

Using mParivahan Mobile App

mParivahan is a mobile application launched by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to provide easy access to vehicle information. Follow these steps:

Download mParivahan App: Available on both Android and iOS platforms, download and install the app from the respective app stores.
Open the App and Select “RC Status”: Open the app and select the “RC Status” option.
Enter Vehicle Number: Enter the vehicle registration number in the provided field and click on the search icon.
View Vehicle Details: The app will display detailed information about the vehicle, including the registration date, owner’s name, and fitness certificate expiry date.

Important Details You Can Obtain

Registration Date
Owner’s Name
Vehicle Make and Model
Engine Number and Chassis Number
Insurance Details
PUC Certificate Status
Loan or Hypothecation Details

Using SMS Service

For those who do not have access to the internet, the SMS service is a convenient alternative. To use this service:

Type the SMS in the Following Format: Send an SMS to 7738299899 in the format: VAHAN [space] Vehicle Number (e.g., VAHAN DL9CAF5031).
Receive Details: You will receive an SMS with the vehicle details on your mobile phone.

Using DigiLocker

DigiLocker is another digital service launched by the government to store and access important documents. Here’s how to use it:

Sign Up or Login to DigiLocker: Visit DigiLocker and sign up or log in with your credentials.
Link Your Aadhaar: Link your Aadhaar number to access government services.
Search for Vehicle Registration: In the search bar, type "vehicle registration" and select the appropriate service.
Enter Vehicle Number: Enter your vehicle registration number to fetch the details.

Benefits of Using Online Services

Convenience

Access vehicle details anytime and anywhere.

Time-Saving

Quick retrieval of information without visiting the RTO.

Transparency

Ensures transparent and accurate information.

Cost-Effective

Free or minimal cost services compared to visiting the RTO.

Conclusion

Knowing the complete details of any vehicle by its number is a valuable asset for vehicle owners, buyers, and authorities. The Indian government has streamlined the process through online portals like VAHAN, mobile apps like mParivahan, and services like DigiLocker. These platforms provide detailed and accurate information that can help in making informed decisions and ensuring legal compliance