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If you’re buying a used car, wouldn’t it be nice to know all about the vehicle’s history? Well, you can with the vehicle identification number (VIN). With a simple VIN check, you can learn all about a car’s ownership, repair and recall record. But before getting to that, you have to wonder, where is the VIN number on a car?’ That’s what this article is all about. Keep reading as we explore the different locations of VINs on a car.
Table Of Contents
Where Is The VIN Number On A Car?
The VIN number or chassis number on a car is in multiple places. It all comes down to the manufacturer and the car body type.
Dashboard
The dashboard is the most common location for the chassis number on a car. You’ll likely spot it on a metal plate on the driver’s side of the dashboard when looking through the windscreen on the driver’s side of the dashboard. This placement allows for easy access by authorities and mechanics for identification purposes without needing to open the vehicle.
Car Chassis
The VIN number is also often stamped into the car’s chassis. In fact, that’s why it’s also known as the chassis number. The VIN on the chassis, which is the car’s main structural component, makes it easy to identify the vehicle even if other parts are replaced.
Check out our blog post to learn all about the car chassis.
Driver’s Side Door Jamb
Open the driver’s door and check the pillar where the door latches; you’ll find a sticker or metal plate containing the vehicle identification number. This location is quite convenient when owners or authorities need to access the VIN without special tools.
Under the Hood
The engine block or plate under the hood is another popular location for VINs. You’ll often find this plate near the front of the engine bay. This routine location is great for times when mechanics need to verify the chassis number during routine maintenance.
Be careful not to mistake the engine number for the VIN. The engine number, four to ten digits long, is a unique identifier of the engine and denotes its power output. It can be transferred from one car to another by moving the engine.
Vehicle Documents
Finally, the chassis number is also often listed on important vehicle documents like the V5 registration document, owner’s manual, V5 and even insurance papers, making it easy for potential buyers to see.
Exceptions To Regular VIN Placement
There are a few times when the chassis number is not in one or more of the five locations above. Here are the most possible scenarios for this anomaly.
Older vehicles
Before the requirement of VINs in newer vehicles, car makers used vehicle serial numbers instead. Before 1954, the majority of cars were built with a manufacturer-specific serial number on a plaque, typically located on the firewall or door jamb.
Motorcycles
As you’d expect, VIN placement on motorcycles is also different from that of cars due to their unique design and smaller size. Motorcycle VINs are typically stamped on the steering head or neck of the frame since these are the most integral parts of a motorcycle’s structure. Alternatively, manufacturers may just put the VIN on a plate attached to the frame.
Damaged Or Altered VIN
In cases where a vehicle’s VIN has been damaged, tampered with or altered, vehicle registration agencies might reissue a new chassis number plate or tag, which is then affixed in a secure location on the vehicle.
Hidden VIN
There’s also another variation of the chassis number known as the hidden VIN or confidential VIN. Unlike the standard VIN, this version only contains the last six digits, which is the serial sequence number portion. The hidden chassis number is often sprinkled into different areas of the vehicle on the production line, from the engine and around the wheelbase to the sheet metal and powertrain.
The purpose of the confidential VIN is to help law enforcement and insurance investigators determine if parts of the vehicle are original. For insurance claims investigations, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) keep records of confidential VIN sequence number locations of various UK manufacturers.
Important Facts About VINs
To further enlighten you about this topic, here are some noteworthy facts about VINs:
- Modern VIN comprises 17 characters, including the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), Vehicle Description Section (VDS) and Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS).
- Although often referred to as ‘VIN number’, this is technically incorrect. It is either a VIN or chassis number.
- The ninth character in the VIN is a check digit, used to detect invalid VINs and ensure the accuracy of the other characters.
- The VIN is unique to a vehicle unlike registration numbers.
- The unique nature of VINs helps prevent theft or VIN cloning by making it difficult to disguise a vehicle’s true identity when selling it as a used car.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Find The Chassis Number On A Car?
You can find the chassis number on a car on its dashboard or chassis. For the dashboard, just check the windscreen on the driver’s side. You’ll find a metal plate with the VIN. If you’re looking at the chassis, you’ll find the chassis number on the front or rear part of the frame. Other areas where the VIN may be found include the driver’s side door, under the hood and in some documents.
Why Is My Car’s Vehicle Identification Number Important?
Your car’s vehicle identification number is important because it allows you to verify its legitimacy or check its history. With a simple VIN check, one can determine if it’s a stolen vehicle as well as view its accident, repair and recall history. The chassis number also helps identify the specific make, model and trim of your car.
How Do I Run A Background Check On My Car’s VIN?
You can run a background check on your car’s VIN using the DVLA’s VIN tool. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency offers a tool that can help you verify a car’s registered keeper, registration number and MOT history to show potential buyers. Other websites also offer paid services that provide a detailed report on the vehicle’s history, including accident record and repairs.
What Should I Do If I Can’t Find My Car’s VIN Number?
If you can’t find your car’s VIN number, check vehicle documents like the insurance paperwork and registration card. You can also reach out to the manufacturer to indicate where the car’s VIN is typically located. If you can’t still find it, it may mean that the VIN has been removed by the previous owner.
Do Older Cars Have The Same Type Of VIN?
No, older cars don’t have the same type of VIN. VIN number was standardised before 1981 in most countries, so car makers offered vehicles featuring various VIN formats. VIN numbers back in the day generally ranged in length between 11 and 17 digits, making it more difficult to decode the information on them.
Conclusion
So, where is the VIN number on a car? You can find your car’s chassis number in different places, but your best bet would be the dashboard or its chassis. The driver’s side door jamb and under the hood are also common locations for the VIN number. If all these fail, check your vehicle documents.
