These numbers are assigned on the assembly line when the vehicle is made.ĭigit 11: This is the assembly plant where the vehicle was manufactured. The last eight digits (digits 10-17) are the vehicle identifier section. The next six digits (digits 4-9) are the vehicle descriptor section.ĭigits 4-8: Vehicle model, body style, transmission, and engine typeĭigit 9: This is a manufacturer’s security code. The first group consists of world manufacturer identifiers:ĭigit 3: When combined with the first two digits, the third digit identifies the vehicle’s type or manufacturing division Each vehicle manufacturer publishes a VIN decoder to look up what each digit represents in their makes and models. Others are held by the manufacturer and require more digging to decode. Some of the digits are easily found information, such as the world manufacturer identifiers (WMI). VIN information is organized into groups of data. While a truck or car’s VIN may seem like random numbers and letters, they are composed of an organized sequence. Vehicle identification numbers do not include the letters O, I, and Q to avoid confusion with numerals 0, 1, and 9. Before 1981, VIN numbers varied in length from 11 to 17 digits. Department of Transportation or DOT) The agency required that all over-the-road vehicles sold must contain a 17-character VIN. However, there was no accepted standard for these numbers, so they came in a wide array of configurations and variations depending on the manufacturer.īeginning with the model year 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standardized the format. Some manufacturers and dealerships offer VIN etching on windows and windshields to prevent theft. Outside of the motor vehicle, the VIN is found on the: The front-end of the frame in older vehiclesĭriver’s side door on a sticker (inside the doorjamb) Under the hood on the front of the engine block Lower left (driver’s side) corner of the dashboard There are several places to find a vehicle’s VIN. Where can you find the vehicle identification number? ![]() Both consumers and businesses can perform a VIN lookup to get a wide range of data on the title, airbag type, engine size, vehicle history report, liens and other useful information. It’s used to track registrations, warranties, safety recalls, and insurance. They are similar to social security numbers for vehicles.Ī VIN number displays the vehicle type, country of origin, specifications, and manufacturer. To learn what the individual characters in a VIN represent, visit our page on decoding the VIN.What is a vehicle identification number (VIN)?Ī vehicle identification number (VIN) is a unique alphanumeric sequence used by the automotive industry to identify a specific vehicle. In other words, the vehicle identification number records the vehicle's identity. The VIN provides clues as to a vehicle's background, including: Before that, the VIN length and format varied among vehicles. Vehicles model year 1981 and newer have a VIN made up of 17 characters (letters and numerals). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began requiring standardized VINs in 1954 for all road vehicles. Registering a brand new vehicle, or registering your car in a new state if you've recently moved.Selling your car to someone else and filling out a bill of sale.Helping law enforcement officials recover your car, should someone steal it.This information is helpful in a number of situations: Once you know your VIN, it's important to record and store the number some place other than in the vehicle. Or, call a dealership or the manufacturer and request guidance. ![]() If you still can't locate the VIN, try consulting your vehicle manual. Open the door, and look near the spot where the door latches, not too far from the seatbelt return. Open the door, and look underneath where the side-view mirror would be located if the door was shut.
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