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!"

Read More – How to Check Challan on Your Vehicle – Quick Online Steps

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.
  
  

Government Verified

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: