What is a VIN and where do I find it?
The Vehicle Identification Number is the single most useful thing you can get from a seller, it unlocks the car’s entire recorded history.
A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)is a unique 17-character code stamped on every car built since 1981. No two vehicles share one. Because it's tied to that exact car, it's the key that lets you pull title records, salvage brands, odometer readings and recalls.
Where to find the VIN
- The listing, reputable sellers and dealers include it. If they won't share it, that's a red flag.
- The windshield, lower corner on the driver's side, visible from outside.
- The driver's door jamb, on a sticker where the door latches.
- The title and registration, printed on the paperwork.
- Insurance documents, usually listed on the policy.
What the 17 characters mean
- Characters 1-3 (WMI), the manufacturer and country of origin.
- Characters 4-8, the vehicle's model, body, engine and series.
- Character 9, a check digit that validates the VIN.
- Character 10, the model year.
- Character 11, the assembly plant.
- Characters 12-17, the unique serial number of that specific car.
Note: a valid VIN never contains the letters I, O or Q, to avoid confusion with 1 and 0.
Check any VIN for free
Enter a VIN below to instantly decode the specs, see open recalls, and preview the history, no signup.