How do I get a free Carfax report?

Written by: John Egan
• Updated •5 min read • Leer en español
Woman on cell phone looking up a free Carfax reportImage: Woman on cell phone looking up a free Carfax report

In a Nutshell

You can check the history of a used car you’re thinking about buying to see what you might be getting into. One of the ways to dig into a used car’s past is to get a free Carfax report, which provides information such as the vehicle’s accident, damage and ownership history.
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If you’re in the market for a used car, you probably want to make sure you’re not going to buy a dud.

Carfax provides vehicle history information for buyers and sellers of used cars in the U.S. and Canada, and there are three ways you can get a free Carfax report.

  • When you shop for a used car on the Carfax website or on sites like autotrader.com and cars.com
  • On a car dealer’s website or at a car dealership
  • Through a private seller

But keep in mind that not every online listing, car dealership or private seller will supply a free Carfax vehicle history report. Remember, too, that a Carfax report might not include every facet of a car’s history.

What is a Carfax report?

Carfax compiles a history report for a vehicle based on data it collects from U.S. motor vehicle agencies, police departments, fire departments, collision repair centers, auto auctioneers and other sources. Carfax says its vehicle history database contains more than 22 billion records.

Each report relies on data reported to Carfax for a unique, 17-digit vehicle identification number, or VIN, which includes information about a car’s history.

  • Major accidents
  • Past owners
  • Maintenance history
  • Structural damage
  • Manufacturer recalls
  • Odometer readings
  • Warranty information

Carfax says its reports can help you steer clear of buying a car with hidden problems, including damage caused in an accident.

How do I get a free Carfax report?

Carfax provides three avenues for getting a free Carfax vehicle history report.

1. Used-car listings

Carfax says every car listed for sale on its website comes with a free Carfax report. Websites like autotrader.com and cars.com also might include free Carfax reports with their listings. If a used-car listing lacks a link to a free Carfax report, Carfax suggests requesting one from the seller.

2. Car dealers

Many used-car dealers offer free Carfax reports on their websites. If you don’t see a link to a free report, Carfax recommends reaching out to the dealer to ask for one. Reports also might be available by visiting a car dealership.

3. Private sellers

If you’re considering buying a used car from a private seller, ask for a free Carfax report. Keep in mind that that the seller might not have a report.

What are some alternatives to a free Carfax report?

Aside from getting a free Carfax report, there are several ways you can get a free vehicle history report.

Get free information from another provider

Companies like VINcheck.info and AutoCheck also supply vehicle history information.

VINcheck.info supplies vehicle history information based on data tied to a car’s VIN or license plate number, including accidents, odometer readings and damage. VINcheck.info promotes its vehicle history reports as no-cost alternatives to reports from Carfax and its competitors.

AutoCheck offers only a free two- or three-digit vehicle history score, which grades a car’s history. You have to buy a report to obtain a car’s full background.

Buy a vehicle history report

In addition to the numerous websites that offer vehicle history reports, the federal government’s National Motor Vehicle Title Information System lists approved providers of vehicle history reports. These reports, intended to only provide data on indicators associated with preventing auto fraud and theft, broadly cover title information, previous damage and odometer readings — but nothing beyond that. The system’s data comes from five sources: auto recyclers, salvage yards, junkyards, state motor vehicle titling agencies and insurance carriers.

The Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, notes that since information in one report from one company might not be complete, you may want to consider getting a second report from another company.

If a report is outdated or you think information might be missing or made up, the FTC suggests reaching out to the company that produced the report for clarification.

What should I look for in a vehicle history report?

Once you get a vehicle history report, here are some questions some dealers recommend you ask. 

  • Has the car been involved in any crashes?
  • How much damage has the car sustained?
  • Has the car ever been totaled?
  • Has the manufacturer issued any recalls?
  • Does it look as if the odometer has been altered?
  • How many owners has the car had?
  • What type of maintenance and repair has the car undergone?

What should I do after reading the vehicle history report?

A vehicle history report from Carfax or another provider can help you decide whether to buy a car. But it’s not the only consideration.

For instance, the FTC points out that a vehicle history report isn’t a substitute for a vehicle inspection by an independent mechanic, even if the car has been certified by a dealer or if it comes with a warranty. This inspection can detect hidden damage and other problems.

FAQs about Carfax reports

How much is a Carfax report?

A Carfax report costs $44.99 for one report but you may be able to get a better deal if you buy multiple reports at once. If you’re looking at a used car listed on the Carfax website, it should come with a free report that you can look at.

What does a Carfax report show?

Carfax reports show details like accident history, service history, ownership history and how the vehicle has been used.

What do I need to get a Carfax report?

If there isn’t a free Carfax report for a car you’re interested in buying, you can purchase your own Carfax report. All you need is the 17 digit vehicle identification number or the license plate and state.

What’s next?

Whether you get it for free or buy it, a vehicle history report can be an important tool when you’re purchasing a used car. Although a vehicle history report might not reveal everything about a car’s past, it can help you make a more informed buying decision.

Here are some other steps to take if you’re buying a used car.

  • Go on a test drive.
  • Review maintenance records.
  • Figure out the value before negotiating a price.
  • Research the car’s maintenance and repair costs.
About the author: John Egan is a blogger, content marketer and freelance writer in Austin, Texas. He is former editor in chief at Austin-based startup LawnStarter, and he previously worked at the Austin Business Journal, Bankrate and S… Read more.