A VIN is not merely a random set of 17 characters. Each digit signifies information about the vehicle. A VIN is a vehicles’ DNA; it is unique and unduplicated. For example, the first character identifies the country where the vehicle was made. Each country has a letter or number associated with it- the US is either 1 or 4. The second character identifies the manufacturer such as Toyota or Volkswagen. Each digit of the VIN provides more and more information on the vehicle.

VINs are also printed on several car parts to cut down on part theft. Car parts that are labeled with VINs include transmissions, front and rear bumpers, engines, hoods, right and left doors, sliding cargo doors, right and left quarter panels and side assemblies, pickup/cargo boxes, rear doors and hatchback/deck lid/tailgates.

VINs do not just assist the automotive industry in identifying their vehicles, but can help car buyers avoid fraud. A vehicle’s history is tracked by its VIN and can provide useful information to car buyers. Anyone can view a car’s history using the VIN. Simply enter the VIN into one of the many websites that offer this service (e.g. CARFAX, instaVIN, AutoCheck). Information that a VIN can disclose include:

• Vehicle registration
• Title information, including salvaged or junked titles
• Odometer readings
• Lemon history
• Total loss accident history
• Frame/structural damage
• Collision indicators, such as airbag deployments
• Service and repair information
• Vehicle usage (taxi, rental, lease, etc.)
• Recall information

Vehicle history reports not only help car buyers, but also assist dealers in their sales.  Sellers check the history of the vehicle they are trying to sell so they are prepared to answer any questions regarding the vehicle’s background. Dealers often buy vehicle history reports to provide to their customers to ensure the potential buyer that all information about the vehicle is being disclosed. Dealers also run vehicle history reports prior to acquiring vehicles at auctions to help ensure they are obtaining the vehicle at a fair market value.

What started off as just a tracking system, the VIN has become a useful tool in buying and selling cars. The next time you plan on purchasing a vehicle, remember the VIN is a valuable asset, so use it to look up the vehicle’s history and arm yourself with the tools to make a sound purchase.

For more information on VINs, vehicle history reports and the DMV, please visit www.DMV.ca.gov. Save Time. Go Online!

Need a new car or want to refinance the one you have? Check out MCCU’s low rates and apply today!

• Check balances and view account history and paid checks
• Transfer funds
• Make loan payments (consumer loans only)
• Make payments using Bill Pay
• Find a nearby branch or ATM  (including Co-Op ATM and Shared Branch locations)
• Check current rates

Access from any smartphone.

You can use MCCU’s Mobile Banking with any Internet-enabled smartphone and tablets including iPhone, iPad, Android, and BlackBerry devices.

Easy to use.

Simply go to www.matadors.org from your internet-enabled phone or tablet, and enter your current e-Branch Online Banking user name and password. That’s it! You can read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) here!

Not enrolled in our free e-Branch Online Banking? No problem! Visit www.matadors.org or call us at 818.993.6328 to get started today!

Enjoy banking with MCCU whenever you want, wherever you want with MCCU!

Did you know that in 2012, retail stores -including grocery stores- will no longer offer plastic bags? You’ll need to bring your own bags, or pay $0.10 per paper bag. If you have small children, did you know that unless they are at least 4’9″ or 8 years old, they still need to be in a booster seat or car seat? And have you ever quickly eaten your breakfast or put on make-up while driving to work? It’s not an official law, but you can get fined for that.

These are just a few examples of the new laws for Californians in 2012. Please check out this link for a more comprehensive list of all of the new laws for 2012 that may or may not apply to you. But you may know someone who may be affected, so I recommend you read it.

Remember to share this post with your friends and family so they are aware!

Bank Transfer Day encourages bank customers to move their accounts out of big banks and into smaller banks and credit unions instead. The movement is in response to aggressive fees financial institutions are implementing to recover profits lost from new financial regulations. Why would you give these banks your hard-earned money when you don’t have to? Make the switch!

November 5th is a Saturday – MCCU’s Chatsworth branch is open that day from 9am to 1pm! Come visit us and open an account! We have FREE Checking, FREE Debit Cards, FREE online banking and bill pay, and we are rolling out FREE mobile banking in January! Plus, we are part of the Shared Branch network and Co-Op ATM Network which means you can do your banking at other participating credit unions, fee-free!

MCCU is a $125 million credit union. We are not like a big bank, or credit union, for that matter. We will give you quality, low-cost products and services with exceptional and personable service. Your accounts are federally insured up to at least $250,000, just like the “big banks”. We’re small and strong!

So if you are banking at Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, Chase, or any other “big bank” that has high account fees, consider switching to a credit union! We’ve also got GREAT rates on Auto Loans, Home Equity Loans and more.

Join the movement, attend Bank Transfer Day and start saving money!

I won’t re-hash what I’ve already written, but I do want to reiterate that MCCU will not charge a fee for our members to use their debit cards. Add to that our already free checking account – such a deal! If you’re local, check us out. If not, find a credit union in your area that also has free checking and debit cards.

Don’t throw away your hard-earned money when you don’t have to.

 When first logging on to the new DMV website, customers will see bold and streamlined content that highlights the DMV’s expanded online services – including making an advance appointment.  The appointment feature is just another way the DMV is assisting customers to save time by skipping the lines at the DMV.  All features are conveniently placed at the top of the page, making it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Under the “How Do I…” drop down menu, toward the center of the homepage is a list of the most common DMV-related questions, such as  how to find information on auto insurance, teen driving, name changes and what to do as a new California resident.  If you have a question, the answer will most likely be in this guide.

Conveniently located at the bottom of the homepage, customers will find various ways to connect with the DMV.  For the latest updates and information, they can “like” the DMV on Facebook, follow the DMV on Twitter and subscribe to the DMV YouTube Channel.  The DMV has also developed an informative video – titled “Check Us Out!” – an action-packed 48 seconds that showcases everything that DMV has to offer.

A very important feature of the DMV’s new website is the ability to create an online account.   Registering online will allow customers to have the benefit of being a certified user on the DMV website. Certified users have greater access to DMV’s online services, including the ability to renew a driver license, order driving record history or change an address. Customers may also take advantage of having a personalized “Area of Interest” webpage through the DMV. Each “Area of Interest” webpage provides customers with information on their topics of choice that have been gathered and placed into one convenient location just for you. You must go through the registration process to become a certified user with DMV. To do this, follow the link located on the right hand side of the homepage under the header “Identity Management Portal.” Fill out the blank form with basic information and when certified, the DMV will validate your identity, ensuring your information is private and secure. After the form has been processed, customers will receive a confirmation email to begin using your new account.

The DMV is always striving to simplify the lives of its customers.  Utilizing cutting edge technology is just one more way it continues to work to achieve this goal. Be sure to visit the Department’s new website. Remember, skip the lines! Save time. Go online!

Chase Bank and many others have been charging a fee for debit card usage since February in certain areas. Today it was announced that starting October 14, Wells Fargo will jump on the FEE wagon and will charge customers in Georgia, New Mexico, Nevada and Oregon $3 a month to use their debit card. I know that annually that’s only $36 but it’s the principle of the matter. What will they charge for next? First they get rid of their Free Checking, then they do this. If you’re as appalled as I am, why are you still banking there? Switch to a credit union, such as MCCU, that still offers Free Checking and is not charging for the use of a debit card.

I understand these big banks offer convenience with several branches and ATMs, but at what cost? Why not join a credit union that offers its members Shared Branching and CO-OP ATM access all over the country, including 7-Eleven stores?

Don’t give the mega banks any more of your hard-earned money. Make the switch to a credit union and treat yourself to a latte instead.

Please vote for us by clicking this link, and go to the Goods & Services category. Scroll down to Credit Unions and type in “Matadors Community Credit Union”! You can vote for your favorite restaurant, school, florist and more while you’re there. Let your voice be heard and vote for all your San Fernando Valley favorites!

You have until Sunday, July 3rd to vote!

We thank you in advance and please pass it on!

Since October, nearly 3.2 million new licenses or IDs have already been shipped to, or received by, California cardholders. In recent weeks, due to a high volume of applicants and quality control guidelines, the DMV has encountered delays in the processing of the new cards, but has taken proactive actions to help minimize the impact on the daily lives of California motorists and residents.

For those few that are still waiting for their new driver licenses or ID cards, the Department has implemented several new services that allow California residents to continue with their day to day lives. Individuals should contact the DMV if they applied for a new or renewed driver license or ID card have not received their new card within eight weeks from submitting their application.

REALTIME DRIVER LICENSE AND ID CARD INFORMATION ONLINE

A Web link, specifically designed to provide customers with regular updates on the processing of their driver licenses, was launched on the DMV’s homepage at DMV.ca.gov. The link, located in the center of the page, just above the “Important DMV Alerts” box, provides an up-to-date status on driver license and ID card production, and also links to a dedicated website that contains more information and contact information for additional help.

90 DAY TEMPORARY DRIVER LICENSES

The Department is also issuing automatic 90 day temporary driver license extensions and documentation when a person applies to renew their license. The temporary licenses are designed to serve as proof of identification as well as proof of driving privileges; law enforcement and security agencies, including the California Highway Patrol and Transportation Security Administration, have been instructed to accept the temporary licenses. Car rental agencies also accept the temporary licenses as a valid form of driver eligibility.

“California drivers can rest assured that any delays in processing of their renewals will not impact the legality of their driving status,” DMV Director George Valverde said. “When a driver renews their license, the driver’s record is updated in the DMV’s system within five business days, regardless of when they actually receive their new driver license.”

DEDICATED HELP LINES

The DMV has also established two dedicated support lines to handle inquiries related to card production delays. Customers can call 800-777-0133 or email the DMV at LODDLIDSP@dmv.ca.gov for further information.

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE

Customers can also take the following steps to minimize delays when renewing driver licenses or ID cards:

• Renew driver licenses or identification cards early. Renewal notices generally arrive in the mail up to 60 days before the expiration date.
• Check the expiration date on temporary driver licenses or identification cards. If it’s a week before it is due to expire, and a renewed driver license or ID card hasn’t been received yet, call the DMV call center at 800-777-0133. The DMV will extend the temporary and send a new one.
• Keep the expired license along with the temporary driver license or ID card until a new one has been received.

Please be assured that driver licenses and identification cards are distributed through the mail. If a change of address has occurred since applying for a new license and or identification card, customers can complete a change of address online or by filling out Form DMV14 and mailing it in.

There are currently eight million Californians that have checked ‘Yes’ to become a registered organ donor-making the state the highest enrollment of a donor registry in the nation. Ninety-eight percent of those who register their decision to be an organ and tissue donor in California do so through the DMV.

One organ donor can save the lives of up to eight people, and tissue donation can enhance the lives of another 50 people. Since the Donate Life California Registry was introduced in 2005, more than 900 lives have been saved through organ donation, and more than 30,000 people have been healed through tissue donation from donors on the registry.

Organs that can save lives through transplants include heart, liver, kidneys, lung, pancreas and small intestine. Examples of tissues that are often needed to save or enhance someone’s life include cornea, heart, valve, bone tissues, and skin grafts.  Listed below are a few facts about organ and tissue donation that you may not know:

• Two licensed physicians must make the diagnosis of brain death before a patient is considered as a donor.
• The donation process is conducted in sterile surgical environments and does not prevent the patient from having an open casket funeral.
• Of those waiting, nearly 6,000 will die this year due to a lack of life-saving donors.
• Organs and tissues are distributed fairly and equitable and the decision is based on medical criteria only. Rich and famous people do not get priority.
• Your medical care and/or funeral arrangements will not be affected by your decision to donate.
• There are no costs to you or your family to donate.
• People of all ages and medical histories can sign up to be potential donors.
• All major religions support or permit donation.

In the past, California driver license and identification card holders signed a donor card and placed the pink “donor” sticker on their license or ID, which served as an important symbol of their intent.  However, simply doing this did not place them on any list or registry to inform anyone else of that intent. Since 2006, by signing up as an organ and tissue donor through the DMV, your name is placed directly on the Donate Life California Registry – guaranteeing your desire to become a donor upon death. With the Donate Life California Registry, your desire to donate is stored in a secure, confidential database. The information is accessible only through authorized organ and tissue recovery personnel. By registering you can spare grieving family members from facing a very difficult decision regarding organ donation, and provide them with peace of mind that your wishes are being carried out.

On average, 30,000 donors each week sign up to become a donor through the DMV’s driver license and ID card application and renewal process, and you can become one of them. If you are interested in giving the gift of life and would like to become an organ and tissue donor, there are a few easy options for signing up. First, you can wait until you apply for or renew your driver license or identification card, and check the “yes” box on your renewal notice or application. The other option is to visit the DMV website at www.dmv.ca.gov and click the Organ and Tissue Donor Registry linkunder the Other Services option on the homepage. From there, click the Donate Life California link, and you will directly be taken to the Donate Life California website www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org, where it gives you the option to sign up to become and organ and tissue donor.

For more information about signing up to be an organ and tissue donor through the DMV, please visit www.dmv.ca.gov. For other information regarding Donate Life California, please visit www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org.

About Donate Life California

Donate Life California is the nonprofit, state authorized organ and tissue donor registry dedicated to saving the lives of thousands of Californians awaiting life-saving transplants. Donate Life California is managed by the state’s four federally designated, nonprofit organ recovery agencies.