Should I post FULL VIN # in craigslist ad? Should I also remove license plates for pictures?

(2011-01-08 21:43:43)

1. Philly Says: I am going to sell a car on craigslist and was wondering if it is a good idea to post the full vin number. I see some people censor the last six digits but was wondering if I should do that. Also should I remove/blur out my license plates? does it really matter or not? Thank You.

2. xx_satanic_mechanic_xx Says: Look at it like this. Both pieces of information are readily available to anyone who wants them. Your VIN is in plain sight to anyone looking through the windshield. You license plate is in plain site to anyone behind you in traffic. These things are no more private than teh street number you have nailed to your house. There is no danger in giving them out.

EDIT - the answer below me is 100% wrong. Y ou cannot get someone's home address from a license plate. That information is private, and is not available for public viewing. The only way to get that info is with a warrant or court order. Of course, there is always the "what if a thief knows someone at the DMV?" argument. But that can be true of anything.

DMV records used to be public information. Then, actress rebecca schaffer was tracked to her house through DMV records, by a crazy stalker. He got her license number, found her house, went there and shot her. Since then, DMV records have ceased being public.

3. n Says: Neither is a big deal.

Most ads that have the vin # are scams. People just don't take the time to write that down when easily 85% of buyers don't care.

As far as the license plate, so what if someone sees it online ? They can see it at the grocery store or bank or in your driveway.

Don't sweat the small stuff !

If someone asks for the vin, you can give it to them. Very few serious buyers are going to worry about that before coming to see it in person and if they do, they are a moron.

4. oaktree Says: The reason to hide the license plate is this...say the car is a target for car thiefs, by knowing the plate they can get your address, and maybe figure out where the car is stored. The VIN may be helpful for buyer who check carfax, but they will ask for it if they want it.