The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is responsible for ensuring road safety and enforcing vehicle registration in Nigeria. One crucial aspect of vehicle registration is the verification of the chassis number. The chassis number is a unique identifier assigned to every vehicle, and verifying it helps prevent fraud and ensures the vehicle’s authenticity. In this article, we will guide you through the process of verifying your vehicle’s chassis number with the FRSC.
What is Chassis Number?
A chassis number, also known as a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), is a unique 17-digit code assigned to every vehicle. It serves as the vehicle’s fingerprint, distinguishing it from others. The chassis number contains vital information about the vehicle, including its manufacturer, model, year of production, and engine type. It is usually found on the vehicle’s dashboard, near the windshield, or on the driver’s side doorjamb. The chassis number is crucial for vehicle registration, insurance, and ownership transfer. It also helps authorities track stolen vehicles and prevent fraud. In Nigeria, the chassis number is a critical component of the vehicle registration process, and verifying it with the FRSC ensures the vehicle’s authenticity.
Does FRSC have a Chassis Number Verifier?
No, the FRSC website does not have a chassis number verification system. At the moment, the FRSC website can only check number plates. However, the FRSC has a database that stores chassis numbers of all registered vehicles in Nigeria for registration purposes. This helps to prevent vehicle theft and fraud and ensures that all vehicles on Nigerian roads are legit.
Nigeria has a different platform for VIN verification managed by the Federal Ministry of Finance. There are other chassis number verification tools for vehicle owners, buyers, and sellers, which we will talk about in the next section. It’s also smart that you are trying to verify a vehicle’s identity because you want to only pay for a legit vehicle and not something stolen. A chassis number check will also help you know if a vehicle has been in an accident in the past, and how severe it was.
How to Verify Chassis Number in Nigeria
You can verify a chassis number in Nigeria online through the National Vehicle Registry (VREG) platform. VREG is a centralized database that stores detailed information about all vehicles in Nigeria, using their unique VIN. To verify a chassis number on VREG, follow these steps:
- Sign up on the VREG via https://vreg.gov.ng/ as an individual, agent, or company to gain access to the VIN registration and verification services.
- Add the VIN you want to verify to the system. You can even register one or multiple vehicles at a time but make sure the VIN is accurate to avoid errors.
- Pay the required fee to complete the registration process. Once payment is made, you will receive a VREG certificate.
- Use VREG to verify the VIN by entering the VIN and checking its validity and registration status. The system will display the vehicle’s information, including its specifications, ownership, and history.
You can even use VREG to view all vehicle transfers and update ownership records. Also, on your VREG Dashboard, you can access a vehicle’s information, and check registration status, payments, and certificates.
Other Ways to Verify Chassis Number
- EpicVIN.com
- LegitCar.ng
- NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau)
Importance of Chassis Number Verification
1. Accident History
A chassis number verification can reveal if the vehicle has been involved in any accidents, floods, fires, or other incidents that may have caused damage or affected its performance. This information is vital to ensure your safety on the road.
2. Warranty Status
A verified chassis number can also inform you if the vehicle is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty or an extended warranty. This can help you save money on repairs and enjoy peace of mind.
3. Ownership and Title History
A chassis number check can show if the vehicle has a clear or branded title. A branded title means that the vehicle has been declared a total loss, salvage, rebuilt, or junk by an insurance company or a state agency. This can indicate that the vehicle has serious problems or defects that may not be visible or disclosed by the seller. You can also find out how many owners the vehicle has had, how long they owned it, and where they registered it.
4. Service History
A verified chassis number can provide you with records of the vehicle’s maintenance and repair activities, such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and recalls.
5. Theft Status
A chassis number check can alert you if the vehicle has been reported stolen or recovered by law enforcement agencies. That way, you avoid buying a stolen vehicle that may be confiscated or have legal issues.
So, the FRSC does not have a tool that can check chassis or VIN but will require it for registration. However, vreg.gov.ng, EpicVIN.com, LegitCar.ng, and the NICB do just that.
Read Also: How to Check if a Car is Stolen in Nigeria