What is a VIN number?
A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character alphanumeric code that serves as a vehicle's permanent identifier. Like a fingerprint or Social Security number for cars, the VIN is assigned to every vehicle at the time of manufacture and remains with that vehicle throughout its entire lifetime. No two vehicles in the world share the same VIN—each code is completely unique to one specific vehicle.
The VIN system was standardized in 1981 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) following ISO Standard 3779. This standardization ensures that every vehicle manufactured for the North American market receives a unique identifier that cannot be duplicated. The VIN is used by manufacturers, governments, insurance companies, law enforcement, and vehicle history providers to track and identify individual vehicles from production through ownership, maintenance, accidents, and eventual disposal.
Where to Find Your VIN Number
Manufacturers place the VIN in multiple locations on every vehicle for easy reference and as an anti-theft measure. Here are the most common places where you can find your VIN:
- Driver's Side Dashboard: The most accessible location is the lower left corner of the dashboard, visible through the windshield from outside the vehicle. Simply stand outside the driver's door and look through the windshield at the base of the windshield on the driver's side. The VIN will be on a metal plate or sticker.
- Driver's Door Jamb: Open the driver's door and look at the door post (where the door latches when closed). There's usually a sticker or metal plate containing the VIN along with tire pressure information, paint codes, and manufacturing dates.
- Vehicle Title and Registration: All official vehicle documents list the VIN prominently. This is often the easiest way to find your VIN without physically inspecting the vehicle.
- Insurance Documents: Your insurance card and policy documents will list your vehicle's VIN for identification purposes.
- Engine Block: The VIN is stamped into the engine block itself, usually visible from above when opening the hood. The exact location varies by manufacturer but is often near the front of the engine.
- Frame (Near Windshield Washer Container): Many vehicles have the VIN stamped into the frame near the windshield washer fluid reservoir or other locations in the engine compartment.
Important Tip: If you're checking a used vehicle before purchase, verify that the VIN matches across all locations. Mismatched VINs are a major red flag indicating potential theft, salvage title washing, or VIN cloning. The dashboard VIN should exactly match the door jamb VIN, title VIN, and engine block VIN.
What Information Does a VIN Reveal?
The VIN itself encodes basic manufacturing information, but when you run a VIN check, you can access comprehensive historical data:
- Basic Information: Manufacturer, country of origin, vehicle type, engine specifications, model year, assembly plant, and unique serial number.
- Historical Information: Accident history, title status (clean, salvage, rebuilt), odometer readings, ownership history, service records, recall information, registration history, auction records, theft records, and warranty status.
Check a VIN in seconds
Run a VIN check with VIN Info Hub to view key history signals before you buy. Get instant access to comprehensive vehicle history from multiple trusted sources.
Always verify the VIN matches across vehicle locations and documents.