What is a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)?

A VIN consists of 17 characters, including digits and capital letters, serving as a unique identifier for each vehicle. It reveals the car's specific features, specifications, and manufacturer information. Additionally, the VIN is useful for tracking recalls, registrations, warranty claims, thefts, and insurance coverage.

The VIN is the identifying code for a specific car and is unique to that vehicle.

Difference Between Number Plate and VIN Number?

The number plate of your car can change. For example, an owner may want to put a private plate on the vehicle and then remove it to add it to another car. However, the VIN is specific to that exact vehicle. This number does not change, so even if someone changes the plate, there will always be the same VIN.

Where to Find the VIN Number

You can find your VIN number near the bottom of the windscreen. To view the VIN, stand outside the vehicle on the driver’s side and check the corner of the dashboard where it meets the windshield.

However, there are a few other places you can find it. These include:

• You can locate a vehicle’s VIN stamped into the chassis, likely inside the driver’s door jam or doorpost.
• Front of the engine block (beneath the hood of the car).
• On the front end of the frame (for older vehicles usually).

While the VIN is always found on the car itself, it’s usually also tied to your car’s documentation and is viewable on the V5 logbook. For example, it may also be found in:

• The owner’s manual.
• On insurance paperwork.
• In repair shop records.
• On receipts from dealers.
• On the registration card.

Understanding the VIN Number

The 17-digit VIN is divided into several distinct parts, each giving unique information about the car. Each series of numbers denote a different piece of information relating to the vehicle. These include the following:

1. Country
2. Manufacturer
3. Vehicle type
4. Body type
5. Engine
6. Series
7. Restraint
8. Model
9. Check Digit
10. Model Year
11. Plant
12. Vehicle serial number (digits 12-17)

This unique combination of numbers of specific to your car. As such, it can offer a wealth of valuable information about the vehicle, allowing you to trace a car accurately.

It’s worth noting here that old cars may not have a 17-digit VIN. Indeed, this was standardized in 1954. However, prior to this time, there was no standardized value. In ‘54, however, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized all VINs to 17 characters. Before this time, they could range anywhere between 11 and 17 figures.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking to purchase a new car, or simply keep your own safe, knowing about the VIN’s crucial. Indeed, VIN numbers represent your vehicle’s unique identity code, making the car immediately identifiable even if the number plate changes. As such, making note of your car’s VIN - and running a car check to verify that this is legit - is definitely an important step to take.