Instead of using a VIN for identification purposes, most boats have a hull identification number (HIN). There may be some valid reasons for a vehicle to be missing a VIN however, it is best for the seller to resolve the issue with FLHSMV before you purchase the vehicle. Never buy a vehicle without a VIN because there is a possibility that the vehicle is stolen. Another type of lien is a mechanic's lien, which auto mechanics can place on a vehicle when the owner does not pay for repairs. People can also offer their vehicle as collateral for a cash loan, usually at a payday loan establishment. When the original owner of a vehicle has not paid off the loan that he or she took out to buy it, the bank or lender can put a lien on the vehicle. Vehicles or vessels may have a lien for a variety of reasons. If there is a lien on a used vehicle you want to buy, the seller must pay off the lien before transferring the title to you. Liens allow banks or other creditors to seize vehicles from owners if they do not repay their debt. A clear title means there are no liens held against the vehicle or vessel. If you are considering buying a used car, truck, RV, boat or another vehicle, it is a good idea to check for a clear title before you pay. Using VIN or Vessel Records to Check for Liens The vessel documentation you will receive lists a wide range of identifying information, including the vessel's current name, previous names, home port, owner, hull number and more. Coast Guard identification number on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website. If you need to review documentation on a boat or another vessel, you can search for records by entering the vessel's name or official U.S. The report lists the VIN, year, make and model of the vehicle associated with the plate number.

You can also enter a vehicle's license plate number on the website to determine if the tag is registered to a different vehicle. Visit to request an official vehicle status report. Using the license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), you can access details about ownership history and find out if the vehicle has a lien on it. If you need to find information about a vehicle's history, start by checking government records kept by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

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