What Is a VIN Number?

A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code assigned to a vehicle by its manufacturer. It works much like a vehicle's fingerprint and can be used to identify important information about a specific car, truck, SUV, or other motor vehicle.

What Does a VIN Look Like?

Modern vehicle identification numbers normally contain 17 letters and numbers. The VIN does not use the letters I, O, or Q because they can easily be confused with the numbers 1 and 0.

The example above is a fictional VIN format used to demonstrate how a VIN may appear. Your vehicle will have its own unique VIN.

What Information Does a VIN Contain?

A VIN is made up of different sections. Each section provides information that helps identify the vehicle.

• World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI): Identifies the vehicle's manufacturer and country or region of origin.
• Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS): Provides information used to describe characteristics of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS): Contains information that helps distinguish one vehicle from another, including production-related details.

Why Is a VIN Important?

A VIN is important when buying, selling, registering, insuring, or researching a vehicle. Because the VIN is unique to the vehicle, it can be used to connect vehicle records from different sources.

A VIN check may help you discover information such as reported accidents, title and registration records, mileage information, theft records, recalls, and other available vehicle history.

When Should You Check a VIN?

It is especially useful to check a VIN before purchasing a used vehicle. A vehicle may look clean on the outside while its history contains important information that is not immediately visible.

• Before buying a used vehicle
• Before selling a vehicle
• When checking a vehicle's history
• When verifying vehicle information
• When researching a vehicle before making a purchase

Where Can You Find a VIN?

Depending on the vehicle, the VIN can usually be found in several locations. Common locations include the driver's side dashboard near the windshield, the driver's side door jamb, the vehicle title, registration documents, and insurance documents.

If you are having trouble locating your VIN, visit our guide: Where to Find a VIN Number?