CHECK BEFORE YOU IMPORT

Importing a Vehicle? Check Its History First.

Before you buy or register an imported vehicle, check the VIN and review the available service history, recorded mileage, manufacturer information and vehicle details. A VehiclePass report can help you investigate the vehicle before you commit to the import.

Check a VIN
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Why Check an Imported Vehicle Before You Buy?

An imported car may have been advertised, serviced, inspected and registered in more than one country. Information can therefore be spread across different documents, workshop systems and national records. Checking the VIN gives you more context before you pay, arrange transport or begin the registration process. Also review which used-car documents to check.

Review Recorded Mileage

Compare available mileage entries from different dates and look for gaps, unexpected changes or inconsistencies that require an explanation.

Understand the Service History

Review available maintenance and workshop activity to better understand how the vehicle may have been serviced before and after export.

Verify Vehicle Details

Use VIN-linked manufacturer and technical information to compare the vehicle with the advertisement, registration documents and seller’s description.

Prepare Better Questions

Use the available report findings to ask the seller, exporter, dealer or inspecting mechanic more specific questions before making a decision.

What Can a Vehicle History Report Help You Check?

Service Activity

Available service and maintenance activity linked to the vehicle

Vremenska linija kilometraže

Recorded mileage entries and timeline signals where available

Vehicle Information

VIN-linked manufacturer and vehicle identity information

Tehničke specifikacije

Available factory and technical specifications connected to the VIN

Dates and Workshops

Recorded dates, workshop activity and maintenance events where available

Import Follow-Up

Details worth comparing with the seller’s documents and import paperwork

Imported Vehicle History, Explained

VehiclePass brings available VIN-linked information together in one clear report. The amount of information varies by vehicle, manufacturer, country, workshop network and contributing data source. An imported vehicle is not automatically a higher-risk purchase, but its records may require additional investigation. Read how a Digital Service Record can support a check and why digital service history matters for imported cars.

View a Sample Report

A Smarter Way to Research an Imported Vehicle

1

Request the VIN

Ask the seller for the complete 17-character VIN before paying a deposit, arranging transport or committing to the purchase.

2

Order the Report

Enter the VIN and complete the secure online payment to retrieve the information available for that vehicle.

3

Compare the Records

Compare recorded mileage, maintenance activity and vehicle details with the advertisement, service documents and registration paperwork.

4

Inspect and Verify

Use the report alongside a physical inspection, document check and the registration requirements in the destination country.

Important context

A VehiclePass report provides historical context where records are available. It does not confirm that all import documents are valid, calculate taxes or registration costs, or replace a professional vehicle inspection. VehiclePass does not provide registration, tax or customs advice.

PAUSE AND VERIFY

Imported-Car Warning Signs Worth Investigating

One warning sign does not automatically mean the vehicle is unsuitable. It does mean you should ask for evidence and investigate the difference before paying, transporting or registering the vehicle. For mileage-specific checks, review these Znakovi upozorenja na prevaru s kilometražom.

  • The VIN is missing, incomplete or differs between the vehicle and documents
  • Mileage entries do not follow a logical timeline
  • The seller cannot explain gaps in the service history
  • Registration dates or vehicle details differ between documents
  • The advertised specification does not match VIN-linked information
  • The seller cannot provide original registration or export documents
  • You are pressured to pay before the vehicle can be inspected
  • The purchase price is unusually low without a clear explanation

Use the Report Together with Documents and an Inspection

Izvještaj o historiji vozila

  • Reviews available VIN-linked historical records
  • Shows recorded mileage and service activity
  • Helps verify manufacturer and vehicle details
  • Highlights points that deserve further investigation

Import Documents

  • Support ownership and registration history
  • Show available export or registration information
  • Help identify the countries involved in the transaction
  • Provide information required by local authorities

Physical Inspection

  • Assesses the vehicle’s current mechanical condition
  • Identifies wear, faults, damage and visible repairs
  • Supports a test-drive assessment
  • Helps estimate immediate maintenance or repair costs

The strongest import decision combines available historical records, authentic supporting documents and a professional inspection of the vehicle itself.

CHECK THE PAPERWORK

Documents to Request Before Importing a Vehicle

The exact documents depend on the vehicle, seller, country of origin and destination country. Ask for clear copies before agreeing to the purchase and verify the originals before completing the transaction.

Registration Documents

Check that the registration information matches the VIN, seller details and vehicle specification.

Proof of Ownership

Confirm that the seller is entitled to sell the vehicle and that the ownership chain is clear.

Service Documentation

Request service invoices, workshop records and available digital or paper maintenance history.

Export Documents

Ask which export or deregistration documents are supplied and whether originals are required.

Inspection Records

Review available technical inspection or roadworthiness documents and note their dates and mileage readings.

Purchase Agreement

Make sure the VIN, purchase price, seller, buyer and agreed vehicle condition are recorded clearly.

Country-specific requirements

Registration procedures, document names and legal requirements differ by country. Always confirm the current import and registration requirements with the relevant national authority before purchasing the vehicle.

BEFORE YOU AGREE

Questions to Ask Before Importing

Compare the seller’s answers with the vehicle, advertisement, supporting paperwork and available VIN-linked records.

A seller should normally be able to provide the VIN so you can compare the vehicle, advertisement, supporting documents and available history before committing.

Ask for a clear explanation of the registration history and compare it with the available documents and recorded vehicle information.

Ask which original documents are included in the sale and which documents you will need for registration in the destination country.

Compare workshop dates, recorded mileage and completed maintenance with the information available in the VehiclePass report.

A professional inspection can help identify the vehicle’s current mechanical condition, visible repairs and immediate maintenance needs.

Ask the seller to explain any discrepancy and provide supporting evidence. Do not rely on an unsupported verbal explanation.

Ask the seller or importer to state clearly which transport, export, registration, tax or administrative costs are included and which costs remain your responsibility.

Buying an Imported Used Car?

Import checks should form part of a broader used-car buying process. Review our complete guide to researching, inspecting and evaluating a used vehicle before you buy.

Read the Used Car Buying Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About Imported Vehicles

You can enter the valid 17-character VIN of an imported vehicle. The report will show the VIN-linked information available for that specific vehicle. The amount and type of information can differ by manufacturer, country, workshops and data sources.

Vehicle information may be stored across different manufacturer systems, workshop networks and national databases. Not every record is transferred or made available when a vehicle moves between countries.

No. VehiclePass can provide available VIN-linked vehicle information, but it does not authenticate every registration, ownership, customs or export document. Documents should be checked separately.

No. Taxes, duties, registration fees and other import costs depend on the destination country, vehicle and individual transaction. Check the current requirements with the relevant authority or a qualified import specialist.

No report can guarantee the vehicle’s current condition or confirm that every historical event has been recorded. Use the report together with original documents, a physical inspection and an independent mechanical assessment.

MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION

Check the Vehicle Before You Import

Enter the VIN and review the available vehicle history before you pay, arrange transport or begin the registration process.

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