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Cars require a means of identification and this comes in the form of a VIN for modern vehicles. Every vehicle roaming the road has one. This makes it important to ask the question, What is a VIN number? Think of this code as the car’s fingerprint, holding all the information about the vehicle. Join us in this article as we explore the definition and purpose of a VIN number, as well as how to identify it on a vehicle.
Table Of Contents
What Is A VIN Number (Vehicle Identification Number)?
A VIN number is a 17-digit number stamped into the car chassis. Although typically referred to as VIN number, it is just ‘vehicle identification number’ (VIN) or chassis number. This number is unique to every vehicle and serves as the car’s identity code. What makes the VIN so important is that unlike car registration numbers and other codes, you can’t change it.
Individual vehicle makers used to have their own method of recording vehicle and component identities but this made it easier for people to create fake identities and ownership documents. The introduction of the VIN standardised vehicle identity and created a common format for all vehicle manufacturers to follow.
You can find the VIN in a couple of places in the vehicle, including the V5C logbook. The easiest one to find is the ‘visible VIN’, which you can see on the lower left-hand side of the dashboard. You can spot this VIN more easily by standing outside the vehicle and looking through the windscreen. The VIN can also appear beneath the plastic trim around the driver or passenger door, the car’s chassis, underneath the spare tyre, in front of the engine bay and in some documents.
In addition to the chassis number cars have an engine number. A separate engine number means that if the engine is damaged and needs to be replaced, you can do so without the car needing to be scrapped. The engine number also denotes the size and power output that the engine produces.
Check out our comprehensive guide on how to locate a vehicle’s chassis number.
What Does A VIN Number Look Like?
The VIN number looks like a code, containing a mix of numbers and alphabets that provide information about the vehicle. The code is always 17 digits long and is unique to each vehicle, except if the vehicle was made before 1981. Before 1981, VINs ranged in length from 11 to 17 characters.
Structure Of A VIN
Now let’s get into the structure of a VIN. The numbers in the VIN aren’t random, They provide details about the vehicle.
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI): Digits 1 - 3
The first three characters of a VIN provide details about the manufacturer of the vehicle or trailer. The code is unique to the vehicle maker and allows you to identify the manufacturer. When used together with the other sections of the VIN, it ensures uniqueness.
The first character denotes the location (country) of the manufacturer or where its headquarters is located. For example, all UK car manufacturers have VIN numbers that start with ‘S’. Furthermore, the second and third characters represent the company, like ‘AJ’ for Jaguar and ‘HS’ for Honda.
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS): Digits 4 - 9
The second section of the vehicle identification number is the VDS, which gives you details about the car type. The VDS consists of six characters that tell you everything from the type of vehicle and car’s wheelbase and body style to the engine option. The coding and sequence of this section are up to the manufacturer.
Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS): Digits 10 - 17
This last section consists of eight characters, with the last four being numeric. These digits are what identify that particular vehicle, like its unique fingerprint. They also sometimes include information about options and powertrain choices.
Purpose Of The Car’s Vehicle Identification Number
The decision to assign vehicles with VIN numbers was not random. They have a number of applications in the real world.
- Vehicle Registration: Government authorities use a car’s vehicle identification number as an identifier when registering the vehicle or transferring ownership. For example, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) can identify a car’s registration number from its VIN, learning about its history and ownership.
- Maintenance & Recall: Car makers can also use the VIN number to track production and issue recalls. When you take in a vehicle for maintenance or recall, the company will identify the model with the VIN and apply the necessary updates or repairs.
- Vehicle History Report: Potential buyers will typically request a vehicle history report when purchasing a used vehicle. This report, which can be generated using the VIN, includes information on previous accidents, title status and other readings.
- Theft Prevention & Recovery: Law enforcement agencies can use the VIN number to track down and recover stolen vehicles. When a car is stolen, the police add its VIN to databases, so officers can check it during traffic stops or investigations.
If the number on a car does not match the one on the registration document, do not purchase it. It likely means the chassis number has been altered.
What’s A VIN Check?
A VIN check is a process of using a vehicle’s unique identification number (VIN) to retrieve detailed information about its history. This information can come in handy when buying a used car. The VIN check will tell you everything about the vehicle from its accident and repair history to previous owners and mileage rollbacks. It will also reveal if the car is subject to any open safety recalls from the maker. Even with a VIN check, you still need to be careful. Criminals can transfer the identity of a legally registered car to a stolen one.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Characters Is A Car’s VIN Number?
There are 17 characters in a car’s VIN number. The VIN is made up of three sections, which are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) and Vehicle Indicator Section (VIS). These characters include numbers and alphabets and indicate details about the vehicle, its maker and the country of manufacture.
Can I Change My Car’s VIN?
No, you can’t change your car’s VIN. Tampering with the VIN of a vehicle is illegal. The manufacturer assigns this unique identifier to the vehicle during production and it must remain the same throughout its lifespan. There are some scenarios in which a new VIN number may be required, such as if you have rebuilt a car or built a kit car.
Can Two Cars Have The Same VIN?
No, two cars cannot have the same VIN. The VIN is like a car’s unique fingerprint. It is designed to be one-of-a-kind so you can track a specific vehicle throughout its existence. Therefore, issuing duplicate VIN numbers would defeat the purpose of this identification system. However, cars can have similar VINs if they are the same model and manufactured in the same location.
What’s The Difference Between Vehicle Identification Number And Chassis Number?
There is no difference between the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the chassis number. The latter stems from the fact that the VIN is typically stamped onto the car’s chassis. These two terms may be used interchangeably, depending on your preference. Chassis number was the more common term in the past, but more people have come to accept ‘VIN’ globally.
When Do I Need A VIN Check?
You need a VIN check when buying a used car. It helps you uncover the car’s history, including past accidents, repairs, ownership changes and potential recalls. In some cases, you may also need a VIN for new vehicle registration, especially if it is imported from another country, to ensure it complies with regulations.
Conclusion
So, what is a VIN Number? Call it your car’s DNA or its fingerprint. With the aid of a VIN check, this unique 17-digit code tells you everything you need to know about the vehicle history. This way you can avoid buying a stolen car or one that has been badly damaged from accidents.
