CarHistory FAQs

The VIN or Vehicle Identification Number is a unique alphanumeric combination of 17 characters assigned to a vehicle. It does not contain the letters I, O or Q.

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be found on the vehicle itself, either on the dashboard, or on one of the door posts (where the door latches when it is closed). The vehicle’s VIN is also displayed on the registration certificate and insurance policy documentation.

If the VIN is not 17 characters long, you should double check to make sure that you have the right VIN and have copied it down correctly. If the VIN is still less than 17 characters long, the VIN is most likely from a pre-1989 vehicle.

Prior to 1989, VINs varied in length from 11 to 17 characters. CarHistory can only report on vehicles that use a 17 character VIN. Therefore, information on vehicles manufactured before 1989 is limited.

The easiest way to begin ordering reports is to enter the vehicle VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) here, then complete the one-page purchase form to obtain your report. You will need your credit card details handy to finalise the purchase of your report.

You can pay for your report via a secure credit card facility on the purchase form. 

The information presented in the report represents that which is current from CarHistory's various database sources at the time that the report is requested. In particular, it is important to note that encumbrance status on a vehicle is only valid on the day of purchase. Therefore, if you plan to purchase a vehicle and in order to protect yourself from potential creditors on the vehicle, we recommend that you purchase a CarHistory Report or PPSR Certificate on the day you take ownership of the vehicle.

This could be due to an incorrectly entered VIN or alternatively, that the VIN has been used to rebirth a vehicle. Please send details of such data anomalies to us for investigation at [email protected]

CarHistory’s IT systems draw on a large number of data sources in order to compile the reports. In some cases, this process can take a few minutes to complete. If you find your requested report is taking too long to generate for you, please email [email protected] for assistance.

The error in processing may have been due to a connection malfunction between our system and one of CarHistory’s third party source databases. We suggest that you resubmit your request. If the error persists, please email and let us know at [email protected]

Where for any reason, CarHistory is unable to access all available information for inclusion in your requested report, we will return a partial report which contains all the information available except for the data that is unavailable at time of compilation. We will then complete the report when the data source becomes available and email it to you. 

Yes. A tax invoice is sent with your report to the email address you provide us when your order is processed.

The physical vehicle details, including make, model, engine number, colour, fuel type, registration status, odometer reading and registration expiry date will only be returned and displayed on the Certificate if they have been recorded and are available. In addition, CarHistory’s database is comprised of many different data sources which combine to present a comprehensive vehicle history. However, we are reliant on the availability of this data from third party supplier data sources and there will be occasions where vehicle data is not available from those sources.

A CarHistory Report may be available for other types of vehicles, however some data elements may be missing from the report. Please note that you can run a PPSR Certificate for other types of vehicles.

CarHistory searches are available for all vehicles registered in all Australian states and territories.