The vehicle identification number became federal law on January 1, 1969 and was changed to the current format of 17-characters on January 1, 1980. A VIN holds a lot of information regarding that vehicle. It not only holds the production information, but it also holds the information of past and current owners. The State of Florida provides a wide array of motor vehicle services online, one of those services being online VIN verification.
Locate the vehicle's VIN found on the lower driver's side windshield or on the vehicle information placard inside the door jamb.
Log onto the Internet and direct your browser to Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' website. (See References.)
Select "Motor Vehicle Check" from the drop-down menu next to "Handle it Online."
Enter the VIN in the text box titled "Vehicle Identification Number" and click "Search." All of the VIN verification information appears on the next page.
