VIN is an acronym for “vehicle identification number.” The VIN is a unique 17-character alphanumeric identification code found on the dashboard inside the windshield glass on the driver’s side. The VIN is also located on the sill of the driver’s side door and under the hood. The vehicle’s title, registration, insurance card, and policy should all display a matching VIN.
In 1954, vehicle identification numbers began appearing on new vehicles, but no industry or government standard existed. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration created the standard format for the 1981 model year. VINs of vehicles manufactured after 1981 do not use the letters I, O, or Q to prevent confusion with the numbers one and zero.
Each VIN has blocks of digits, and each block is a code representing information about the vehicle. The first three digits of this number represent the car manufacturer. The following five digits stand for the attributes of a vehicle. These attributes include the car’s model and body style. The ninth digit is a check digit used to determine a VIN’s validity. The tenth digit indicates the car’s model year, while the eleventh denotes the assembly plant’s location code. The remaining six figures reveal the vehicle’s production number.
Vehicle identification numbers have a lot of uses. This number can be helpful when buying a used car. Since it is unique for every vehicle, the VIN reveals some information about the car’s history. Your VIN allows you to access manufacturer’s recall notices to see if your car qualifies.
VINs can also prevent the theft of a car. Because it is hard to tamper with this code, thieves can find it difficult to resell a stolen car. The police can tell whether a vehicle has been stolen by looking up this number for reports of theft. The VIN can help recover a stolen vehicle.
