How to Check a Vehicle’s Past Ownership and Service Records

Purchasing a used car or bike can be a great financial decision – if you know what you’re getting into. Typically, the buyer skips the most important step, the verification of the vehicle’s background. Hidden ownership transfers, loans still pending, and records of vehicle maintenance can turn your great purchase into an expensive nightmare.

This is what a Vahan report is useful for. It provides you vehicle details based on the registration number, so that you have verified clearances for your car or bike and stronger information to make a final decision.

What is a Vahan Report and Why is it Important?

A Vahan report is an official digital record kept by India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). It is connected to the national VAHAN database. The VAHAN database stores registration information about every vehicle and trailer in India.

Typically, you will find the following details in a Vahan report:

• Number of Owners – Total number of times the vehicle changed hands.
• Registration Information – Registration number, RTO and date of registration.
• Specification of Vehicle – Engine number, partially obscured chassis number, fuel type, etc.
• Tax and Insurance Details – Status of road tax, no. of insurance validity, and fitness certificate.

For buyers of used vehicles this information is very important. If the seller claims to be the first owner and the Vahan report shows differently, you immediately know there is something wrong.

Know More: Don’t Get Fooled! Easy Ways to Spot Odometer Tampering in Used Cars

How a Complete Vehicle History Protects Your Investment

Using a Vahan report along with an online vehicle service history gives you everything you need to make a fully informed decision. Here’s why it’s important:

• Confirms Legal Ownership: It proves that the owner is the legitimate owner and that there are no disputes or loans pending.
• Accident History:  It shows if the vehicle has been in an accident, blacklisted or had other legal issues.
• Servicing Record: A record of regular servicing indicates that the vehicle has had regular care which reduces the likelihood of future breakdowns.
• Ensure Fair pricing:  A documented record of service may justify the asking price, or may help you negotiate the price down if it reveals negative facts.
• Long term reliability:  Knowing all the vehicle history helps you choose a vehicle that is likely to last longer with lower repair costs.

How to Check Vahan Details Online?

Are you curious about how to check Vahan details online? You can do this in a quick, straightforward way that is open to everyone: 

1. Through the VAHAN Portal 

1. Visit the VAHAN Portal : vahan.parivahan.gov.in
2. Pick “Know Your Vehicle Details” :  On the home page.
3.  Enter the Registration Number : Enter your vehicle’s number plate.
4. Verify with OTP:  Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
5. View Vehicle Details : Data about ownership, registration, and basic specs are available in an instant!

This method gives you government-verified details directly from the official database.

2. Through the CarInfo Website or App

If you want a little more information than what VAHAN provides, you can use CarInfo vehicle history:

1. Visit the RTO vehicle owner details page or download the CarInfo app.

2. Enter the vehicle registration number in the search bar.

3. You will instantly get a report that includes:

• Ownership details
• Challan and pending fines
• Insurance/Parking Uniqueness Certificate.
• Online vehicle service history (if there is one)

4. You can then download or save this report.

There are many sources like CarInfo which combine VAHAN data and other sources, providing you with a more complete history of the vehicle.

Why Service History Adds Value Beyond a Vahan Report

A Vahan report provides assurances about the legal aspects of a vehicle, i.e. ownership, registration, compliance but doesn’t show you how the vehicle was treated throughout its life. This is the part where vehicle service history online becomes very important.

A vehicle service history can give you indications of:

• Maintenance consistency – Was the car being serviced on schedule or were there long gaps in the service intervals?
• Major repairs – Is there any record of structural repairs, engine overhauls, or component replacements?
• True condition of the vehicle – A vehicle may look good from the surface, but it may have significant underlying mechanical issues.

By combining service history and Vahan reports, you don’t just know who owned the vehicle, you’ll know how well it was maintained, which can affect performance, safety, and resale price.

Conclusion

Before you buy any used car or bike you should check its Vahan report and check its details by registration number. And then do it online, if possible check its vehicle service history records. All these checks together will ensure you are purchasing a trusted vehicle and not setting yourself up for unforeseen problems.

Just remember, a few minutes today doing your due diligence can save you thousands in the future.