How to Check Vehicle Details – Step-by-Step Online Guide

"Imagine buying a car for a steal and then finding out it’s stolen. Ouch, right? That is why learning to check vehicle details is your ultimate superpower!"

India’s roads are buzzing with second-hand cars, flashy bikes, and jugaadu scooters. But behind every number plate hides a secret, sometimes a scam. Whether buying a pre-owned ride or just trying to settle a bet with your cousin over an engine’s cubic capacity, knowing how to check vehicle details is mandatory, not optional.

Let us break it down:
 

If someone buys a second-hand car for ₹3,50,000 and later realises it was impounded due to legal issues, they might lose 100% of the money. That is an instant ₹3,50,000 gone.
 

Or consider a case where the original insurance had lapsed 300 days ago; at ₹15 per day of fine, that’s ₹4,500 in extra charges plus the hassle of renewal and potential penalties.

Now multiply that by the emotional damage. Oof.
 

Total paisa + stress = not worth it.

So buckle up, because this blog is about to take you on a full-throttle ride through India’s digital vehicle records.
 

We are going full dhinchak with examples, quirky calculations, and a thoda sa tadka of Hindi to keep it lit.

"Gaadi lene se pehle, jaano uska kissa pura; warna ho jaayega bura bura!"

Why Bother Checking Vehicle Details?

“Gaadi sirf chalane ki cheez nahi, uski puri history jaan lena bhi zaroori hai!”

Knowing how to check vehicle details helps with:

For example:

 Ravi from Pune thought he got a great deal on his second-hand Honda Activa. But when the traffic cops scanned it, it was flagged as stolen. A quick check beforehand would’ve saved him the trauma and a night in custody.

The Easiest Way to Check Vehicle Details Online

“Na app download karna, na kuch puchna – bas type karo aur details mil jaayengi!”

India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways offers a free and official way to check any vehicle’s details via the Parivahan portal.

Here is how to check vehicle details online:

1. Go to the Parivahan website.
   
   
2. Click on “Informational Services” and then “Know Your Vehicle Details.”
   
   
3. Enter the registration number (e.g., MH12AB1234).
   
   
4. Enter the captcha and submit.
   
   
   

Within seconds, you will get a list including:

Calculations to Decode the Data

“Gaadi ka asli hisaab-kitaab toh details mein chhupa hota hai!”

Let’s say you want to estimate a car’s depreciation. Use this simple formula:

Depreciated Value = Original Price × (1 - Depreciation Rate) ^ Years

Example:
 

 Car bought in 2018 for ₹6,00,000
 Depreciation Rate: 15% annually
 Years: 6

Calculation:
 

 ₹6,00,000 × (1 - 0.15)^6
 

 = ₹6,00,000 × (0.85)^6
 = ₹6,00,000 × 0.377
 = ₹2,26,200

So in 2024, that car is worth approximately ₹2,26,200. Cross-checking with online valuations? Even better!

Alternative Apps and Platforms

“Tech ka sahi istemaal karo, aur scam se door raho!”

In addition to Parivahan, several government-backed and verified apps let users check vehicle details on the go:

1. mParivahan (Official App)

• Download from Google Play Store.
  
  
• Enter the vehicle number.
  
  
• View details like registration, insurance, owner, fitness.
  
  

2. VAHAN

• Go to VAHAN portal.
  
  
• Enter registration number and state.
  
  
• Useful for detailed transaction history and ownership transfers.
  
  

3. Digilocker (Government App)

• Once linked, it shows virtual vehicle documents, including RC and insurance.
  
  

Offline Method – SMS Service

“Internet gaya toh kya? Vehicle details toh fir bhi milengi!”

You can still find out how to check vehicle details without the internet. Use the SMS service:

Send SMS to 7738299899.
 

 Format: VAHAN [space] Vehicle Registration Number
 

 Example: VAHAN MH12AB1234

You’ll receive a reply with key details, such as the owner’s name (masked), RC status, and insurance expiry.

This is especially helpful when you're on the go or stuck in a no-network area.

Verifying Loan or Hypothecation Status

“Gaadi pe loan hai ya nahi? Yeh toh check karna banta hai, boss!”

When you check vehicle details via VAHAN, look out for these:

For example: Priya from Delhi bought a sleek hatchback. The RC showed "HDFC Bank" under hypothecation. The seller never cleared the loan. Priya nearly got stuck with monthly EMIs that weren’t hers.

Insurance & Pollution Certificate Checks

“Gaadi chalayenge, lekin legal tarikay se!”
 

From your vehicle detail check, always ensure:

• Insurance is valid
  
  
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate is not expired
  
  
• Fitness Certificate (for commercial vehicles) is up to date
  
  

You can double-check insurance status via the IRDAI portal or ask your insurer to link the details on Digilocker.

Also, PUC can be verified at PUC Certificate Portal.

Tips & Tricks

• “Pehle details check karo, fir hi chabi ghumaao!”
• “Gaadi ki poori jaankaari milegi, sirf ek click se – bina kisi jhanjhat ke!”
• “Online hai toh asaan hai – na line mein khade rehna, na agent ke peeche bhaagna!”

Final Checklist for Buyers

Here’s your “India Style Gaadi Ka Checklist” before buying:

Conclusion: Saare Raaz Gaadi Ke Number Mein Chhupe Hain

Now that you know how to check vehicle details, there’s no excuse to get scammed or surprised. Whether you're a college student hunting for a pre-loved scooter or a family man buying your first car, knowledge is your shield.

Skip the “dealer bola toh sahi hoga” mindset. Verify every detail, check every number, and be a smart Indian on the road.

Next time someone asks, "Yeh gaadi asli hai na?"
 

 You can proudly say, “Maine check kiya hai bhai, poora solid hai!”

Bonus Resource Links:

• Parivahan Portal
  
  
• VAHAN Portal
  
  
• mParivahan App on Google Play
  
  
• Digilocker
  
  
• PUC Certificate Status
  
  
• IRDAI Insurance Verification
  
  

Remember:
 

 “Chalti gaadi ki detail agar clear nahi, toh safar ho sakta hai bhari!”

Stay smart. Stay safe. Always check your vehicle details!

FAQs on How to Check Vehicle Details

Q1. Can I check vehicle details using just the number plate?
 Yes. Visit the Parivahan portal or use the mParivahan app and enter the registration number to get full details.

Q2. Are these vehicle detail services free of cost?
 Yes. Most services like Parivahan, VAHAN, and SMS service are free. Some private apps may charge for extra insights, but government ones do not.

Q3. Can I find out if a vehicle has been in an accident?
 Not always through Parivahan. But insurance claims or damage history might show up in VAHAN portal records or ask for service history from the seller.

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LoansJagat Team

We are a team of writers, editors, and proofreaders with 15+ years of experience in the finance field. We are your personal finance gurus! But, we will explain everything in simplified language. Our aim is to make personal and business finance easier for you. While we help you upgrade your financial knowledge, why don't you read some of our blogs?