In California, VIN verifications can be performed by DMV employees, CHP officers, AAA employees, and private VIN verifiers. However, it is important to note that AAA employees and private VIN verifiers are not authorized to conduct VIN verifications on salvage or junked vehicles. These specific verifications must be carried out by DMV employees or CHP officers to ensure compliance with the state’s stringent regulations and safety standards.
Standard Passenger Vehicles
- Sedans – Compact, mid-size, and full-size sedans used for everyday commuting.
- SUVs – Sport Utility Vehicles ranging from compact to full-size models.
- Coupes – Two-door cars with a sporty design.
- Hatchbacks – Compact cars with a rear door that swings upward.
- Convertibles – Cars with a retractable roof for open-air driving.
- Minivans – Family vehicles with spacious interiors and sliding doors.
- Pickup Trucks – Light-duty trucks used for personal and light commercial purposes.
- Station Wagons – Vehicles with extended rear cargo areas.
- Electric Vehicles (EVs) – Fully electric cars powered by batteries.
- Hybrid Vehicles – Cars that use a combination of internal combustion engines and electric motors.
Off-Highway Vehicles
- All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) – Four-wheeled vehicles designed for off-road use.
- Dirt Bikes – Motorcycles built for rough terrain and off-road trails.
- Side-by-Sides (UTVs) – Utility Task Vehicles that accommodate two or more passengers side by side.
- Dune Buggies – Lightweight vehicles designed for sandy terrains and dunes.
- Snowmobiles – Motorized vehicles designed for travel over snow.
- Sand Rails – High-powered, lightweight off-road vehicles specifically designed for sand dune climbing.
- Golf Carts – Small vehicles primarily used for transporting golfers and their equipment around a golf course, also used in off-road scenarios.
- Trail Bikes – Motorcycles designed for trail riding and off-road use.
- Rock Crawlers – Specialized off-road vehicles built for navigating rocky terrains.
- Amphibious ATVs – All-terrain vehicles capable of traveling on both land and water.
Motorcycles
- Sport Bikes – High-performance motorcycles designed for speed and agility on paved roads.
- Cruisers – Motorcycles known for their comfortable riding position and classic styling.
- Touring Bikes – Motorcycles equipped for long-distance travel with advanced features for comfort and storage.
- Dual-Sport Bikes – Versatile motorcycles suitable for both on-road and off-road riding.
- Standard Bikes – Motorcycles with a straightforward design, offering a balanced riding position and easy handling.
Commercial Vehicles
- Box Trucks – Enclosed trucks used for transporting goods and cargo.
- Semi-Trucks – Heavy-duty trucks designed for long-haul transportation of freight.
- Delivery Vans – Vans used for local delivery services, including parcel and package delivery.
- Dump Trucks – Trucks with a hydraulic lift bed for transporting and unloading loose materials.
- Flatbed Trucks – Trucks with a flat, open bed for transporting large or irregularly shaped items.
- Refrigerated Trucks – Insulated trucks with refrigeration units for transporting perishable goods.
- Tow Trucks – Vehicles equipped with tools and equipment for towing disabled or illegally parked vehicles.
- Passenger Buses – Large vehicles designed to transport multiple passengers, commonly used for public transportation or charter services.
- Cement Mixers – Trucks with rotating drums for mixing and transporting concrete.
- Utility Trucks – Trucks equipped with specialized equipment for various services, such as maintenance, repairs, and construction work.