When checking the registration or VIN, what must match?

The correct answer highlights the importance of ensuring that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches between the vehicle itself, the license plate, and the registration card. This is crucial for several reasons:

1. Identification of the Vehicle: The VIN is a unique code used to identify individual motor vehicles. It serves as a fingerprint for the car, which contains vital information about the vehicle's specifications, manufacturer, and history. Ensuring the VIN matches is essential to confirm the legitimacy and identity of the vehicle during inspections.

2. Legal Compliance: Matching the VIN on the vehicle, registration card, and license plate ensures compliance with local and state laws. This practice helps prevent issues such as vehicle theft, fraud, and registration errors.

3. Traceability: A consistent VIN across these documents aids law enforcement and agencies in tracing the vehicle's history, including any incidents of theft or accidents.

Other options may contain important elements for vehicle identification or ownership, but they do not have the same critical importance in terms of matching the VIN across all documentation involved in the vehicle’s registration and legal status.