You may see a sticker or decal with a series of random letters and numbers on a car’s windshield or door. This sequence of characters is called a VIN, or a vehicle identification number. A car’s VIN can contain important information about the car, which can be especially useful when purchasing a new or used vehicle.
What is a vehicle identification number?
Manufacturers assign every car a unique VIN. Like a Social Security number, a VIN can provide you with specific information about a car, including its make and model, previous title holders, and accident history.
If you have a vehicle manufactured before 1981, your VIN is probably 11 characters long. But the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized the 17-character VIN for vehicles assembled after 1981, so most cars have 17-character VINs.[1]
Where you can find your car’s VIN
You can find your car’s VIN in several places. You’ll typically see a barcode above the number sequence.
One common area where you may find your VIN is on the driver’s-side dashboard. If you’re outside facing your vehicle, the VIN sticker sits on the windshield nearest the driver’s seat. Another area you can locate the VIN is on the driver’s door jamb or where the door latches when it’s closed.
Your VIN may also appear on your car registration, vehicle title, and insurance cards.
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How VIN decoders work
While a VIN looks like a randomly generated string of letters and numbers, each character provides specific information about the vehicle. VIN decoders scan the sequence to reveal details beyond your vehicle’s make and model.
World manufacturer identifier: The first three VIN characters correspond to your car’s country of origin and manufacturer.
Vehicle description: The next five characters correlate to your car’s model, body type, restraint system, transmission type, and engine. The ninth character in the sequence is a fraud detector code to determine if the VIN is valid or invalid.
Vehicle identifier: The next two characters tell you the vehicle year and the manufacturing plant’s location.
Production numbers: The last six digits show a unique sequence of numbers the manufacturer assigns to the vehicle on the assembly line.[1]
Why is a VIN so important?
VINs track a car’s history. Knowing a vehicle’s history is essential when buying a used car, especially from a private seller. Looking up a prospective vehicle’s VIN can give you details on any prior accidents, flood damage, safety issues, faulty airbags, and odometer rollbacks.
You can also look up a VIN to determine if the car is a stolen vehicle. You can use the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s VIN decoder to run free VIN checks.
Finally, a VIN can disclose if a particular car has any safety recalls. You can use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s VIN decoder to find out about any open recalls on your vehicle.
How is a VIN used?
Various groups in the automotive industry need your VIN for identification and record keeping purposes.
If you take your car to a body shop, the mechanic uses the VIN to order the correct parts, if needed. The VIN not only tells the mechanic your vehicle’s make, model, and year, but it also reveals specifics like your vehicle’s engine, transmission type, and trim level.
Insurance companies also require your VIN to gather information about your vehicle, like its features, accident history, and if it’s a stolen car.
Manufacturers assign your vehicle a VIN for record keeping purposes. A VIN is essential when the manufacturer places an open recall on a vehicle and must notify the owner.
If you’re involved in an accident or the police pull you over, you often need to give them your VIN, which they find on your registration and insurance card. A VIN helps police determine whether you stole your vehicle or if it was involved in another crime.
Finally, states’ motor vehicle departments use VINs to keep track of registered vehicles.
Do you need a VIN to get insurance?
Insurance companies need all your car’s information to determine your rates. However, most insurers can give you a policy estimate without your VIN if you’re shopping around and comparing quotes.
If you don’t know your vehicle’s VIN, it’s worth looking over your car to see if the number is hidden elsewhere besides the door or windshield. You can also call your vehicle’s manufacturer to see if it knows where to locate your VIN.
