In South Africa, you can check your car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) for free by following these steps:
- Visit the website of the South African Police Service (SAPS) at www.saps.gov.za.
- Look for the “Crime” or “Crime Prevention” section on the website. It may be located under a tab or menu titled “Services” or “Public Services.”
- Within the Crime Prevention section, search for the option to “Check Stolen Vehicles” or “Check Vehicle Status.” This feature allows you to verify if a vehicle has been reported as stolen.
- Click on the provided link or access the online portal for checking vehicle status.
- Enter your car’s VIN number into the designated field. The VIN is a unique 17-digit alphanumeric code that can usually be found on your car’s registration papers, dashboard, or driver’s side door frame.
- After entering the VIN, submit the form or request to perform the check.
- The system will then provide you with the results of the vehicle status check, indicating if the car has been reported as stolen or has any restrictions.
It’s important to note that the free VIN check in South Africa typically focuses on verifying if the vehicle has been reported as stolen. If you require more detailed information about the vehicle’s history, such as previous owners, accident records, or outstanding finance, you may need to use paid vehicle history check services provided by private companies, such as TransUnion Auto or the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA).