What Is a Retagged Vehicle?
A retagged vehicle is one that has had its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) altered, removed, or replaced. Criminals steal vehicles and change the VIN to disguise the vehicle's true identity. Retagged vehicles are then sold to unsuspecting buyers, often at bargain prices.
How to Identify a Suspected Retagged Vehicle
When inspecting a vehicle, look for these warning signs:
• VIN plate appears to have been tampered with, replaced, or reattached
• VIN plate rivets appear different from factory originals
• Paint overspray on the VIN plate or surrounding area
• Mismatched VINs on different parts of the vehicle (door jamb, engine, dashboard)
• Evidence of paint or body work around VIN locations
• Title discrepancies or missing documentation
VIN Decoding by Vehicle Year
The Vehicle Identification Number contains important information about the vehicle. For vehicles manufactured after 1981, the VIN consists of 17 characters:
• Position 1: Country of origin
• Position 2: Manufacturer
• Position 3: Vehicle type or manufacturing division
• Positions 4-8: Vehicle attributes (body style, engine type, model)
• Position 9: Check digit (mathematical verification)
• Position 10: Model year
• Position 11: Assembly plant
• Positions 12-17: Production sequence number
Model Year Codes (Position 10)
• A=1980, B=1981, C=1982, D=1983, E=1984, F=1985
• G=1986, H=1987, J=1988, K=1989, L=1990, M=1991
• N=1992, P=1993, R=1994, S=1995, T=1996, V=1997
• W=1998, X=1999, Y=2000, 1=2001, 2=2002, 3=2003
• 4=2004, 5=2005, 6=2006, 7=2007, 8=2008, 9=2009
• A=2010, B=2011, C=2012, D=2013, E=2014, F=2015
• G=2016, H=2017, J=2018, K=2019, L=2020, M=2021
Third Brake Light Year Chart
Federal regulations have required a center high-mounted stop lamp (third brake light) on all new passenger cars since the 1986 model year and on all new light trucks and vans since the 1994 model year. If a vehicle is missing the third brake light or the mounting location appears modified, this may indicate the vehicle is older than represented.
What to Do If You Suspect a Vehicle Has Been Retagged
• Do not purchase the vehicle
• Note the VIN, license plate, and vehicle description
• Note the seller's name, address, and phone number
• Contact local law enforcement or the Missouri State Highway Patrol
Contact
Missouri State Highway Patrol
1510 East Elm Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 751-3313
Website: www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov
Emergency: 1-800-525-5555 or cellular *55