What Is A VIN Number?

A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle. It acts like a fingerprint, allowing a specific car to be identified even if multiple vehicles share the same make and model. This code contains important details about the vehicle, including its manufacturer, specifications, and production history, and is used for registration, insurance, recalls, and vehicle history checks.

Almost every kind of civilian transportation vehicle has a VIN number, including:

Motor vehicles: This includes any type or body style, including sedans, coupes, sports cars, hatchbacks, convertibles, minivans, station wagons, and SUVs.
Motorcycles: No matter the size or horsepower, every motorcycle that touches the street requires a VIN. This includes sport bikes, choppers, cross-country bikes, and even dirt bikes if the driver intends to take them on the road.
Towed vehicles: Towed vehicles are those that need another vehicle to haul them, like trailers, RVs, and campers.
Scooters: While push scooters or other non-motorized variations do not require a VIN, any scooter you intend to take on the road or highway needs to have an identification number.
Mopeds: Often confused with scooters, mopeds are a lower-power but higher gas mileage alternative. Much like scooters, mopeds require a VIN number for legal street operation.

Certain types of vehicles, like boats, may get a variation of a VIN. In the case of watercraft, this is called a HIN or hull identification number. Airplanes get a similar serial number, usually called "tail numbers" due to their location on the aircraft's tail.

Vehicles have not always had these identifying numbers. In fact, since the creation of the first automobile in 1885, a large period of automotive history had almost no way to categorize individual vehicles. So how long has this system existed?

When Did VIN Numbers Start?

The first vehicle identification numbers were created in the mid 1950's through joint efforts by the Automobile Manufacturers Association, U.S. car manufacturer, and the U.S. government. Their goal was to create a way to identify each unique vehicle and facilitate better record-keeping and organization.

From 1954 to 1981, VIN numbers were not standardized, so different car manufacturers would use whatever format they saw as most efficient. If you find a vehicle made before 1981, it's possible the VIN number will not be 17 characters long.

In 1981, the VIN format was standardized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They conformed to the standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization or ISO.

This coding system required a 17-character series of numbers and letters, excluding O, I, and Q; these were omitted due to their similarity to the numbers 0, 1, and 9. As a rule, no two vehicles made within 30 years of one another can have the same VIN. These numbers are stored in the Motor Vehicle Records database, and can be accessed using a VIN check.

How To Read A VIN Number?

A VIN is made up of 17 characters, and each part provides specific information about the vehicle. These characters are divided into three main sections:

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) – identifies the manufacturer
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) – describes the vehicle type and features
Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS) – identifies the individual vehicle

VIN Number Breakdown

World Manufacturer Identifier (Characters 1–3) - The first three characters show the vehicle’s manufacturer and country of origin.
Vehicle Descriptor Section (Characters 4–9) - This part describes the vehicle, including details like model, body type, and engine.
Vehicle Identifier Section (Characters 10–17) - The final section identifies the specific vehicle and includes key details like production year and factory.

Key VIN Characters to Know

10th character – Model Year: Shows the vehicle’s production year
11th character – Plant Code: Identifies the assembly plant
Last 6 characters – Serial Number: Unique number assigned to that specific vehicle
Check digit (9th character): Used to verify the VIN is valid

Why Is The Vehicle Identification Number Important?

There are a variety of uses for a VIN number, and it is very helpful for many different industries and agencies. Here are a few situations that often require you to provide your car's VIN.

Finding A Car's Ownership History

Each owner of a used car is linked to that vehicle's VIN number. You can search this ownership history with GoodCar's vehicle history search tool. There you'll be shown the number of previous owners the car had, what length of time they owned the car, and who was the last owner of the vehicle before you.

Getting A Vehicle History Report

VIN numbers can help you determine a car's history of accidents and repairs. You can also see the title brand and determine whether the car has been declared totaled or salvaged. Vehicle history reports can also yield other pieces of information, like the odometer reading or mileage, whether that car was sent back to a dealership, and the total service history.

Checking For Recalls

A VIN can be used to check for manufacturer recalls, which are issued when a vehicle has a safety-related defect or problem. These recalls help identify serious issues that could affect the car’s performance or put drivers and passengers at risk. If a recall is found, the manufacturer will usually repair the issue at no cost, but only within a certain timeframe.

By using a VIN to check for recalls, you can quickly find out if your vehicle needs attention and take action before problems become more serious. Keeping up with recalls is an important part of maintaining your car’s safety and reliability.

Identifying Stolen Vehicles

Law enforcement agencies use VINs to track and identify stolen vehicles, helping prevent them from being resold illegally. You can use this same information by running a VIN check, which can show whether a vehicle has been reported stolen in the past.

Checking the VIN before buying a used car is an important step, as it helps you avoid purchasing stolen property and protects you from potential legal and financial issues.

Buying Car Insurance

Car insurance companies will require you to provide your VIN number to verify and identify your specific vehicle. You will also need this number to get a car insurance quote, so the insurer can get your car's exact specifications.

How Do Car Insurance Companies Use A VIN Number?

Car insurance companies use your VIN to determine several factors that can influence your policy. They will look at your car's history, as well as the make, model, and year, before providing you with a quote. They also want to make sure the car hasn't been stolen, as companies won't issue a policy to a car with a history of theft.

Car insurance companies also look at a vehicle's features, and may issue a discount based on this equipment. For instance, if your car has advanced anti-theft devices or safety features, you may pay a lower monthly rate.

Where To Find The VIN Number On a Car?

The VIN is most commonly located on the driver’s side dashboard, where it can be seen from outside the vehicle through the windshield. If it’s not there, check inside the driver’s side door frame, near where the door latches when closed.

You can also find the VIN on important documents such as the vehicle title, registration, and insurance card. These locations make it easy to access the VIN whenever you need it.

How To Look Up A VIN Number?

There are many tools available to look up a 17-character VIN, but not all sources provide accurate or complete information. Using a trusted VIN lookup service helps ensure the data you receive is reliable and up to date.

With a VIN lookup, you can quickly access important details such as vehicle history, recalls, title status, and other key records. This makes it easier to verify a vehicle’s background and make informed decisions before buying or selling.