What is a VIN Number and How to Find It
Ellie Dyer-Brown, 10 months ago
4 min read
- Car ownership
FixMyCar explains what a VIN number is and why it's important.
A car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) is like its fingerprint: totally unique. It contains vital information about the vehicle it is attached to and can be used to track thefts, recalls and registrations.
This guide explains what a VIN is, what it does, how to use it, and why it matters.
Contents
What does a VIN number look like?
Where is the VIN number on a car?
Finding the VIN number on a registration document
Why should you check your VIN number?
When should you check a car's VIN number?
What's the difference between a VIN number, engine number and chassis number?
What to do if the VIN number of a car is different to the one in the logbook
What is a VIN number?
The VIN (often referred to as a VIN number, even though this is technically incorrect) is a unique 17-digit number located on the chassis of a car for identification purposes. Unlike registration numbers, it can’t be changed; it is assigned to the vehicle on the production line.
What does a VIN number look like?
A VIN contains 17 capital letters and digits. It can be broken down into three parts.
The first identifies the country where the car was built and its manufacturer. For example, all UK manufacturers are represented by the letter ‘S’ - ‘SAJ’ for Jaguar and ‘SBM’ for McLaren.
The second part - digits four to nine - provides the vehicle description, including the type, platform, body style and engine option (if there is more than one).
The final section identifies the specific vehicle and is usually a straightforward serial number. However, it may also include details about options and powertrain choices for some manufacturers.
Where is the VIN number on a car?
Most modern cars have their VIN stamped in multiple places; the ‘Visible VIN’ is the easiest to find and is used by the police to make quick roadside checks. You can usually find it at the base of the windscreen on the passenger side.
Depending on the car's age, there may also be a metal plate riveted to the bodywork or chassis and stamped to the metalwork. Your vehicle handbook should provide information about where to find each VIN, but if you can’t access it, look under the bonnet and around the front doors.
All VINs on a car should be identical. If they don’t match, this is a bad sign. It could indicate that the vehicle is ‘cut and shut’, meaning it is made from the parts of other cars, or that you have a ‘clone’, meaning thieves have transferred one car's VIN number to a different, stolen vehicle. They may also have forged paperwork.
This is a serious matter that you should report to the police.
Finding the VIN number on a registration document
All cars have a V5C registration document containing their VIN. You can find it in the ‘Vehicle Details’ box at the top of the second page, where there’s a field called ‘VIN/Chassis/Frame No.’.
Underneath is the car’s engine number. When checking a used car before buying, you may also want to ensure this number matches the number on the engine block.
Why should you check your VIN number?
Checking the VIN number on a car is the best way to establish its true identity and determine whether it is suspect, which is especially important when buying a used vehicle.
Vehicle registration agencies and manufacturers have databases of VINs, allowing them to identify cars accurately.
When should you check a car’s VIN number?
Checking the VIN is an essential part of buying a used car. If any numbers don’t add up or do not correctly identify the vehicle they are attached to, you should walk away.
Manufacturers also issue recalls using VINs, so it’s worth checking yours against any recent recalls.
How to do a VIN number check
If you can’t check the VIN of a used car yourself or you want extra peace of mind, several companies offer VIN checking services. These are useful because they can bring to light additional information.
For instance, there could be potential problems from insurance claims or unsettled finance. You can also find out whether the car has previously been written off and repaired, which is likely to put off potential buyers and may have been covered up by the seller for this reason.
What’s the difference between a VIN number, engine number and chassis number?
The chassis number is another name for the VIN; they are the same. The engine number is different because engines aren’t fixed to one car - you can change them. That’s why all vehicles are given an engine number and a VIN number.
The engine number contains information about the size and power output of the engine. A separate number means that a car doesn’t necessarily have to be scrapped if the engine fails and needs replacing.
What to do if the VIN number of a car is different to the one in the logbook
A difference between the number on the car and the one in the logbook is a huge red flag. You should not go ahead with buying the car because it has probably been subjected to VIN cloning.
The VIN system is designed to be straightforward to follow; if you have any doubts, there’s probably a reason, and it’s best to walk away rather than risk buying a car that has been stolen or otherwise tampered with.
Looking for affordable car repairs or maintenance? Whatever you need, FixMyCar can help you find the right garage at the right price.
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