What is a VIN number?

Every motor vehicle has a unique code for identification called a VIN (vehicle identification number). This code doesn’t change throughout a vehicle’s lifetime and allows us to identify it anywhere, anytime. In this article, we’ll explain what a VIN number is and where you can find it.

Where can I find a VIN number on a car?

You can find the VIN number stamped on your car and its documents. While the exact VIN locations vary by model, here’s where you can expect to find it:

• Bottom of the windscreen – almost all modern cars have a VIN plate on the driver’s side of the dashboard, which is visible through the windscreen from the outside.
• Under the bonnet – you may find a VIN plate under the bonnet, next to its latch.
• Front end of the frame – accessible via the wheel well; you’re more likely to find the VIN there on older cars.
• Driver’s side door pillar – some cars have a VIN plate on the inner side of a driver’s side door pillar.
• Next to a spare wheel – you may find a VIN number under the boot lining, next to the spare wheel.

Locating the VIN number is especially important when buying a used car. Look for these plates in different locations and make sure the numbers match. If they don’t, consider it a huge red flag – you may even be looking at a stolen car!

Where can I find a VIN number on a motorcycle?

It’s not just cars that have VIN numbers – other motor vehicles, including motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, RVs, and other vehicle types, also have them.

Like with cars, manufacturers usually put the motorcycle VIN on irreplaceable parts, but the exact location may differ between makers and models. Typically, you will find the motorcycle VIN:

• Near the headstock (steering neck) – inspect the structure that holds the handlebar.
• On a frame rail – try the rail that holds the front wheel.
• On the bottom of the engine.

You may also check a motorcycle’s registration and insurance documents – these will usually also include the VIN. Make sure the numbers match.

How to lookup a VIN number

Various registries and institutions collect vehicle data, which is accessible using a VIN number. Some countries also have local databases for drivers to get a brief car history with the VIN or license plate number.

While you can find various tools for a VIN lookup, one of the most convenient choices is our VIN decoder. By entering a car’s VIN into our decoder, you’ll find basic data like the make, model, and technical specifications. Then, you can get a full vehicle history report, which reveals much more information, including mileage history, damages, and even historical photos.

Why is the VIN number so important?

A VIN number will be used whenever you want to register a car, file an insurance claim, change the title, or perform other similar actions. It’s an essential part of vehicle identification, so many legal changes and actions are recorded via this number.

A vehicle identification number also plays a big role when buying used vehicles. Any car or motorcycle on the road may have been battered or even stolen. Even though used vehicle sellers often claim their cars are accident-free, history reports often show otherwise. Driving a poorly repaired vehicle can be dangerous due to missing airbags or a compromised structure.

VIN tampering is relatively common on the market, as dishonest used car sellers look for ways to benefit. They often cut, weld, and fasten other VIN plates, even though most VIN plates are attached using rivets you won’t find in regular shops. That’s why ensuring all VINs match and don’t have tampering signs is essential.

Many people (rightly) don’t trust used vehicle sellers and get a history check before buying a car or motorcycle. Here’s what a full vehicle history report can reveal:

• Theft records
• Mileage rollbacks
• Damages
• Past and upcoming maintenance
• Previous sales
• Original specs and equipment
• Historical photos
• Checklist for buyers
• Owner changes, MOTs, and other activity

All data comes from legitimate sources, including vehicle inspection centers, governmental registries, insurance companies, and law enforcement agencies. Check our sample report to find out more about its benefits.

How to read a VIN number

The first VIN numbers were used in the 1950s, but the format varied by manufacturer, making vehicles more challenging to identify. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) standardized the current VIN format in 1981. As a result, almost every vehicle made after 1981 has a unique 17-character identification code that must be placed on each vehicle.

Every character in the vehicle identification number represents particular information about a vehicle. The whole number can be divided into 4 sections for easier navigation:

• VIN characters 1-3 (WMI): The world manufacturer identifier section contains 3 characters showing where a vehicle was built and its manufacturer. 
• VIN characters 4-8 (VDS): The vehicle descriptor section reveals a vehicle’s brand, body style, and engine size.
• VIN character 9: This is a vehicle security code known as a check digit. It’s calculated by putting all the other VIN digits into a mathematical formula.
• VIN characters 10-17 (VIS): The vehicle identifier section contains 8 characters, 2 of which show the model year and an assembly plant code, while the last 6 numbers contain the serial code of a vehicle.

Each specification, assembly plant, manufacturer, and other properties have corresponding characters in a VIN number, so you have to decode a VIN to reveal its information. A simple VIN decoder can do that for you in a few seconds.

Note: Bear in mind that 17-character Vehicle Identification Numbers don’t have O(o), I(i), and Q(q) letters to avoid confusion with 0, 1, and 9.

Related articles:

• How to check the value of a used vehicle by VIN
• Can I look up my vehicle specs by VIN number
• Vehicle owner lookup by VIN