Vehicle (VIN) Inspections

Certified VIN Inspection

A certified VIN inspection is an inspection that is conducted by a Deputy that is a certified inspector and completed on forms provided by the Department of Revenue.  The certified inspector checks both the public VIN (which may be located on the dashboard, or another highly visible area), and discreet VINs, the locations of which are only provided to law enforcement by the vehicle's manufacturer.  The inspector checks the public and discreet VINs against state and national databases of wanted and stolen vehicles.  The following vehicles require a certified VIN inspection:

  • bonded title vehicles;
  • rebuilt vehicles;
  • reconstructed vehicles; and
  • vehicles assembled from a kit (including trailers). 

I bought a vehicle from out of state, and the Clerk & Recorder’s Office is telling me I need a VIN inspection. Do you do that?


Yes.  Vehicles purchased outside the state of Colorado must have the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verified by law enforcement and cleared to ensure the vehicle isn’t stolen and the VIN hasn’t been altered.  This is a simple process and deputies have the forms with them.  You will need to provide the vehicle title or vehicle registration/purchase paperwork for the vehicle to be inspected.  If the vehicle/trailer is licensed, insured and is road worthy, you may drive/tow it to Sheriff's Office at 555 Palmer Street in Delta between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.  Any vehicle/trailer that is NOT licensed and insured, or deemed to not be road worthy, should be left on your property, and a deputy will come inspect it at your residence. The Sheriff’s Office conducts VIN inspections in the towns of Crawford and Orchard City and the unincorporated areas of the county (outside city limits). If you live in the City of Delta, Town of Cedaredge, or Town of Hotchkiss, please contact your local police department for a VIN Inspection. 


What are the Fees for a VIN inspection? 

The following fee schedule applies to VIN inspections completed by the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies can only accept check or exact cash, and they cannot make change.  A receipt will be issued for all VIN inspections.  

  • Vehicle/Trailer brought to the Sheriff’s Office in Delta: $5 per vehicle. 
  • Deputy responds to property - $20 and $5 for each additional vehicle. 
  • Certified VINs per State Statute are $50 per vehicle inspected.