When considering a used car in Vietnam, here are 2 quick checks you can do in 5 minutes using free freeapps.vn tools — no app, no signup:
- Check traffic fines by plate — see if the vehicle has any recorded camera-based violations
- Check the seller’s tax code — if buying from a business, confirm they’re operational
This article focuses only on how to use these 2 tools. Many other checks (mechanical, paperwork, appraisal) are best done by professionals or trusted mechanics.
Step 1 — Check traffic fines by plate
Why check?
Camera-recorded violations follow the license plate. When buying a used car, unresolved violations from the previous owner may affect future inspection or transfer paperwork.
How to use the tool
Visit phatnguoi.freeapps.vn:
- Type the plate (no dots, no dashes)
- Pick vehicle type (Car / Motorcycle / Electric motorcycle)
- Click Look up — wait 2-5 seconds
If the tool shows violations:
- Note the time, location, and resolution office shown
- Ask the seller how they plan to handle these (paid? who’s responsible?)
- Contact the Traffic Police unit shown to confirm officially
If no violations found:
Good sign, but not guaranteed 100% clean. Recent violations may not have synced yet. For confidence, also check at csgt.vn or contact your provincial Traffic Police.
Step 2 — Check the seller’s tax code (if buying from a business)
Why check?
If buying from a business (showroom, rental company, liquidation company), confirming the business is legitimately operational helps avoid issues with invoices, contracts, and warranties.
How to use the tool
Visit mst.freeapps.vn:
- Type the tax code printed on the seller’s documents (or the company name)
- Click Look up
Cross-check:
- Company name on invoice/contract — matches the tool result?
- Trading address — matches the registered address?
- Operational status — active or suspended?
- Business activities — relevant to vehicle sales?
If you see significant differences, ask the seller to clarify before paying any deposit.
What else should you check?
freeapps.vn only provides these 2 tools. When buying a used car, you also need to check many things that professionals do better:
- Vehicle legal documents: registration, inspection book, insurance — request originals
- Chassis and engine numbers: cross-check on the vehicle and on documents — a mechanic can help
- Maintenance history: ask for service logs from official service centers
- Mechanical condition: have the car inspected at a trusted garage before deciding
- Accident history: hard to verify completely — ask the previous owner thoroughly and inspect for repaints/dents
For official transfer of ownership, please go to your provincial Traffic Police office or local administrative service center — they have clear procedures and free guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Can the tool tell me if the car is mortgaged to a bank? No. This is private bank info — ask the seller for documentation proving no lien.
Is there a tool to check if a car has been in accidents? No public data source for this in Vietnam. Safest: have a trusted garage inspect it.
Does the tool save my searches? No. freeapps.vn requires no login and stores no personal history.
Ready to check?
- Check traffic fines: phatnguoi.freeapps.vn
- Check tax codes: mst.freeapps.vn
Both are free with no usage limits.
Disclaimer: This article is a usage guide for the freeapps.vn tools — not legal advice or vehicle-buying advice. The tools aggregate from public sources and are reference only. For all decisions regarding purchase, transfer, violation resolution, or disputes, please consult a licensed lawyer, notary, or qualified professional. See Legal page.