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May 26, 2016

Pennsylvania Vehicle Identification Numbers
How do you get a vehicle history in the state of Pennsylvania?

In the state of Pennsylvania, you can perform a Request for Vehicle Information through the Department of Transportation. The fee is $10.00 per vehicle unless you want a certified record which is $34.00. These forms are available only to the individual who owns the vehicle, except in certain situations, most of which involve law enforcement agencies, towed or impounded vehicles, lawsuits, or insurance purposes. It is possible to get a motor vehicle record if you have the owner’s Power of Attorney or with the owner’s permission. You should make your check or money order payable to the “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:”

Department of Transportation

Bureau of Driver Licensing

Vehicle Record Services

P.O. Box 68691

Harrisburg, PA 17106-8691

You can also research the safety of cars, car-seats and recalls by VIN and Vehicle Manufacturers by looking at the National Highway Safety Transportation Association.

One of the most comprehensive databases is the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, and one which is recommended by the state of Pennsylvania. This database is used for cars that have been in the possession of auto recyclers, junk yards, and salvage yards. Places like this are often easy prey for thieves to steal VIN numbers from cars which have been destroyed. Therefore, they are more heavily regulated by the government and the data to be reported is mandated, including:

  • The name, address, and contact information for the reporting entity;
  • The VIN;
  • The date the automobile was obtained;
  • The name of the person or entity from whom the automobile was obtained;
  • A statement of whether the automobile was crushed or disposed of, or offered for sale or other purposes; and
  • Whether the vehicle is to be exported out of the country.

You can get the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System from any number of sources on the Internet, such as:

  • instaVin;
  • vincheck.com;
  • vinaudit.com;
  • checkthatvin.com;
  • carsforsale.com; and
  • vinsmart.com.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau recommends VINcheck to verify a VIN number. VINcheck will tell you if a car has been reported stolen and has not been recovered.

Finally, there is instaVIN®, which provides the most up-to-date vehicle records that you can either download or you can get by visiting your local DMV. Your instaVIN® vehicle history and title report should include the following information:

  • Current State of Title Information;
  • Historical Title Information;
  • Disclosure of Brand History on Title:
    • Flood;
    • Salvage;
    • Odometer Rollback
    • 61 Possible Problem Events.
  • Odometer Information – when a car registration is performed in Pennyslvania an odometer reading is taken. A vehicle history report includes this reading;
  • Information on Previous Accidents – an LA vehicle history check contains accident-related information. If a vehicle has been in an accident it may affect the life and/or the safety of a vehicle;
  • Open Lien/Loan Information Including: Issuing Financial Institution – if there are any liens or loans against the vehicle then upon purchasing the car you assume the responsibility for those liens. In some states, debts such as child support can also be tied to the car, therefore, it is imperative that you make sure there are no outstanding liens against the car that you are purchasing;
  • Impound & Towing Events
  • Active Theft Data.
  • Pennsylvania DMV Record Request

    Pennsylvania’s page on the National Motor Vehicle Information Transportation Information System:

    NMVTIS

    Lemon Law in Pennsylvania

    The Lemon Law in Pennsylvania is officially called the “Automobile Lemon Law” and can be found at 73 Pa. Cons. Stat. Sections 1951 through 1963. The Pennsylvania Lemon Law covers a new motor vehicle which is self-propelled and is:

    1. Is driven upon public roads, streets, or highways;
    2. Is designed to transport not more than 15 persons;
    3. Was purchased or leased and is registered in Pennsylvania, or was purchased or leased in another state and registered for the first time in Pennsylvania; and
    4. Is used, leased, or bought for use primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.

      This includes cars which are demonstrator or dealer cars, but does not include motorcycles, motorhomes, or off-road vehicles.

    The lemon law covers any defect or condition that substantially impairs the use, value or safety of the passenger motor vehicle and does not conform to the manufacturer’s express warranty. This is referred to as a nonconformity.

    The lemon law provides the manufacturer an affirmative defense if it can be shown that:

    • The alleged nonconformity does not substantially impair the use and the market value of the passenger motor vehicle; or
    • The nonconformity is the result of abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications or alterations of the vehicle by the consumer.

    If your vehicle fits the description of a lemon, then the manufacturer, its agent, or authorized dealer must repair or correct the defect or nonconformity that occurs within whichever of the following periods ends first:

    1. One year from the date of delivery of the vehicle to the purchaser;
    2. The first 12,000 miles of use; or
    3. The term of the manufacturer’s warranty.

    The purchaser must deliver the vehicle for repair to the manufacturer’s authorized service and repair facility in Pennsylvania, unless the nonconformity makes the delivery of the vehicle impossible. If the purchaser can’t deliver the vehicle for repair, they must notify the manufacturer or its authorized service and repair facility in writing (certified mail, return receipt requested is always a wise choice.) This written notice constitutes delivery of the vehicle; however, the manufacturer may service or repair the vehicle at the vehicle’s location, or the manufacturer may, at its own expense, transport the vehicle to an authorized service and repair facility.

    If the manufacturer fails to repair or correct the nonconformity (which occurred within either: the first year, first 12,000 miles, or the term of the warranty,) after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must either replace or repurchase the vehicle, depending on the purchaser’s choice.

    Pennsylvania state law presumes that the manufacturer has had a “reasonable number of repair attempts if either of the following occurs:

    1. The same nonconformity has been subject to repair three (3) times by the manufacturer, its agents or authorized dealers, and the nonconformity still exists; or
    2. The vehicle is out-of-service by reason of any nonconformity for a cumulative total of 30 calendar days or more.

    The Pennyslvania lemon law presumes that the manufacturer has had a reasonable number of repair attempts if, during the warranty period or one year from the date of vehicle’s original delivery to the consumer (whichever is early) either of the following occurs (for vehicles purchased or leased after September 21, 2009):

    1. The manufacturer, its agent, or authorized dealer has subjected the nonconformity to repair or correction three (3) or more times and has had an opportunity to cure the nonconformity, but the nonconformity continues to exist;
    2. The motor vehicle is out of service due to repair or correction for a cumulative total of 30 or more calendar days or 60 or more calendar days for a motor home; or
    3. The manufacturer, its agent or authorized dealer has subjected a nonconformity that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury to repair or correction at least one (1) time and has made a final attempt to repair the problem, but the nonconformity continues to exist.

    The above presumptions do not apply unless the manufacturer has received prior direct notification, preferably by certified mail return receipt requested, and then they must have an opportunity to fix the alleged defect.

    Arbitration or Dispute Resolution

    If your car meets the conditions of being a lemon, you must work with the manufacturer through the free mediation or arbitration procedures. This is when an impartial third party becomes involved to facilitate the process without the involvement of any attorneys. To prepare for your arbitration you should keep ALL correspondence from both the manufacturer and the dealer, including:

    • Receipts for all car maintenance and repairs;
    • Letters from mechanics;
    • Letters from the manufacturers, dealers, and repair shops; and
    • Any additional maintenance records for the vehicle.

    Only manufacturers who have an informal dispute settlement procedure which substantially complies with 16 C.F.R. Part 703 can have a state supported informal dispute settlement procedure. The decision of the arbitration board is binding to the manufacturer, but it is not for the consumer and the consumer has the right to take the manufacturer to court if they lose in arbitration.

    The manufacturers who participate in the Better Business Bureau AUTO LINE informal dispute resolution in Pennsylvania are:

    • Audi, Bentley, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC Truck, Hyundai, Indian Motorcycle, Infiniti, Kia, Land Rover, Lincoln, Lotus, Mazda, Mercury, Mini Cooper, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, smart USA, Subaru, and Volkswagen.
    When is it time to hire a Lemon Law Attorney?

    Although the lemon laws appear to be clear, they can get confusing. When you are dealing with corporations and manufacturers it may be beneficial to have an attorney on your side. You are dealing with professional negotiators and many find it helpful to have an attorney or a professional on your side.

    Lemon Law lawyers are also helpful because:

    • Knowledge of the law – Experienced lemon law lawyers not only know they law, but they can also make educated decisions about your case;
    • Experience – Attorneys who have experience with lemon law cases in the past will be able to handle your case better;
    • Negotiating Power – Although it sounds unfair, having an attorney will help the process go faster and smoother and will help compel the manufacturer to comply; and
    • Trusted Advice – your attorney can provide you with advice and can provide you the best ways to move forward.

    To search for an attorney in Pennsylvania you can always search the Pennsylvania State Bar Association for a reputable attorney to handle your case.

    Pennsylvania State Bar Association

    Pennsylvania State Bar Lawyer Referral Service

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Photo License Center, Selinsgrove
    Department of Transportation
    1015 US-522
    1 800-932-4600
    Open until 4:15 PM

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Photo License Center, Pleasant Gap
    Department of Transportation
    812 W College Ave
    1 800-932-4600
    Open until 4:15 PM

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Drivers License Center, Wellsboro
    Department of Transportation
    Wellsboro Plaza, Route 6, 40 Plaza Ln
    1 800-932-4600

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Drivers License Center, Williamsport
    Department of Transportation
    1782 E 3rd St
    1 800-932-4600
    Open until 4:15 PM

    Tri-County Tag Services
    County Government Office
    2 Pennsylvania Ave
    1 570-743-8455

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – D L Center, Island Avenue
    Department of Transportation
    2320 Island Ave
    1 800-932-4600
    Open until 4:15 PM

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Drivers License Center, Arch Street
    Department of Transportation
    801 Arch St
    1 800-932-4600
    Open until 4:15 PM

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – D L Center, New Kensington
    Driver’s License Office
    1600 Greensburg Rd
    1 800-932-4600
    Open until 4:15 PM

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – P L Center, Huntingdon Valley
    Department of Transportation
    2022 County Line Rd
    1 800-932-4600
    Open until 4:15 PM

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Drivers License Center, Johnstown
    Department of Transportation
    563 Walters Ave
    1 800-932-4600
    Open until 4:15 PM

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Drivers License Center, Malvern
    Department of Transportation
    225 Lancaster Ave
    1 800-932-4600
    Open until 4:15 PM

    Driver License Center
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    22631 16214, 68 Clarion County Park
    1 814-226-1706

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Drivers License Center, S.York
    Department of Transportation
    2130 S Queen St
    1 717-412-5300
    Open until 4:15 PM

    Easton Driver & Vehicle Services
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    2423 Easton-Nazareth Hwy
    1 717-412-5300
    Open until 4:15 PM

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Drivers License Center, Carlisle
    Department of Transportation
    950 Walnut Bottom Rd
    1 800-932-4600
    Open until 4:15 PM

    DMV
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    4218 Manor Dr
    1 800-932-4600
    Open until 4:15 PM

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Photo License Center, Lewistown
    Department of Transportation
    13187 Ferguson Valley Rd
    1 717-412-5300
    Open until 4:15 PM

    AAA East Central Messenger
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    1375 Bucktail Rd
    1 814-834-7838

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Drivers License Center, Somerset
    Department of Transportation
    5593 Glades Pike
    1 800-932-4600
    Open until 4:15 PM

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Drivers License Center, Montrose
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    78 Grow Ave
    1 800-932-4600
    Closing soon: 3:15 PM

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Drivers License Center, West Kittanning
    Driver’s License Office
    159 Butler Rd
    1 800-932-4600
    Closed today

    Transportation Department
    Department of Transportation
    6 Berwart St
    1 570-724-4142

    Pike County Licensing
    Business Related
    115 W Harford St
    1 570-296-8574
    Closed now

    Transportation Department
    Department of Transportation
    340 York Ave
    1 570-265-2181

    Sarvey Notary Service
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    273 Allegheny Blvd
    1 814-849-0000
    Closed now

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Drivers License Center, Tunkhannock
    Department of Transportation
    600 Hunter Hwy #12
    1 800-932-4600
    Closed today

    Transportation Department
    Department of Transportation
    619 N Franklin St
    1 717-264-4171

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Drivers License Center, Mercer
    Department of Transportation
    519-B Greenville Road PA, PA-58
    1 800-932-4600
    Open until 4:15 PM

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Photo License Center, Meadville
    Department of Transportation
    16942 Patricia Dr
    1 800-932-4600
    Open until 4:15 PM

    DMV PA Driver License Center
    Driver’s License Office
    4201 Neshaminy Blvd
    1 800-932-4600
    Open until 4:15 PM

    Sarvey Notary Service
    Notary Public
    1201 E DuBois Ave
    1 814-371-1300
    Closed now

    PennDOT Photo & Exam Center
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    2101 Swede Rd
    1 717-412-5300
    Open until 4:15 PM

    PA Auto License Brokers
    Auto Tag Agency
    7376 Spring Road
    1 717-582-2400
    Closed now

    AAA East Central Messenger
    Insurance Agency
    2725 Mosside Blvd
    1 412-858-4640
    Closed now

    DMV
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    59 N 5th St
    1 800-932-4600
    Open until 4:15 PM

    Monroeville Messenger Service
    Notary Public
    2704 Mosside Blvd
    1 412-856-5890
    Closed now

    Northeast Title & Tag
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    State, 3236 PA-940
    1 570-895-1000 ext. 2006
    Closed now

    Exton Auto Tags
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    322 Lincoln Hwy E
    1 610-363-1043

    Transportation Department
    Department of Transportation
    1920 Susquehanna Trail
    1 717-848-6230

    Transportation Department
    Department of Transportation
    1586 PA-611
    1 570-424-3024

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Drivers License Center, Bridgeville
    Department of Transportation · Chartiers Valley Shopping Center
    1025 Washington Pike
    1 800-932-4600
    Open until 4:15 PM

    Messenger Service Inc.
    Notary Public
    3107 Walnut St
    1 412-567-5316
    Closed now

    Erie Erie Photo & Exam Center
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    Buffalo Rd
    1 800-932-4600

    Cranberry Messenger Service
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    20710 Route 19
    1 724-772-0480
    Closed now

    Mrs. Butterworths Auto Tags
    Auto Tag Agency
    1111 Easton Rd
    1 215-343-8247
    Closed now

    AAA East Central
    Association or Organization
    24 Pine Grove Square
    1 724-458-8930

    DMV Bedford
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    Route 30 Bedford Plaza Rd
    1 800-932-4600

    Aston Auto Tags
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    3540 Concord Rd
    1 610-494-8598

    Commonwealth Auto Tags
    Auto Tag Agency
    978 E High St
    1 610-326-3330
    Open until 4:30 PM

    PennDOT Photo License Center
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    200-, 206 W Harford St
    1 800-932-4600
    Open until 4:15 PM

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Drivers License Center, New Castle
    Department of Transportation
    973 Old Youngstown Rd
    1 800-932-4600

    PA Auto License Brokers
    Auto Tag Agency
    6483 Carlisle Pike #104
    1 717-691-6720
    Closed now

    DMV GRILLZ & JEWELRY
    Jewelry Store
    1 267-595-6660
    Open until 5:00 PM

    AAA East Central
    Travel Agency
    538 Smithfield St
    1 412-338-4300

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Photo License Center, Schuylkill Haven
    Department of Transportation
    970 E Main St
    1 800-932-4600
    Open until 4:15 PM

    Penndot-Norristown
    Department of Transportation
    2101 Swede Rd
    1 610-270-3605

    Photo Drivers License Center
    License Bureau
    812 W College Ave
    1 814-359-4446

    Beaver County Tag and Title
    Notary Public
    2580 Constitution Blvd
    1 724-384-1083
    Closed now

    Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – Photo License Center, Erie
    Driver’s License Office
    7200 Peach St
    1 800-932-4600
    Open until 4:15 PM

    Pennsylvania Tag & Title
    Attorney
    1907 Pittston Ave
    1 570-558-3824

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