VIN code of a car: what is it and how to

The essence of the VIN code The VIN code is actually the "proper name" of the car, since it is not repeated anywhere else in the world. Thanks to this, the car can be identified with precision. Unlike the registration number, the VIN code does not change during the entire service life of the car, because it is assigned on the assembly line and is stamped directly on the car body. The first VIN codes were used in the United States in 1954. The modern 17-digit VIN code was only used in 1981. The code uses all numbers and letters of the Latin alphabet, except I, O and Q, as they can be confused with 1 and 0. As the auto website Edmunds describes, because there was no uniform standard until 1981, VINs for cars from the 1950s through 1970s cannot be deciphered using modern methods.

What does a VIN code consist of?

The VIN code is a 17-digit unique identification number of a vehicle. The rules for assigning such a number are regulated by the ISO 3779 standard. In addition, similar standards are used in the USA and Canada (FMVSS 115) and Australia (ADR 61/2). The VIN code can be broken down into 3 key components: WMI - World Manufacturer's Index; VDS - descriptive part; VIS - indicator or identification part. WMI is used to identify a specific car manufacturer and consists of three characters. The first character indicates the geographic area, the second, in addition to the first, reveals the country of manufacture, the third character is a specific car plant. For example, MX1: The letter M indicates the Asian region, since the letters used for Asia are J through R.

VDS consists of characters 4 through 9 and describes the main characteristics of the vehicle: model (4–5), wheelbase (6), body type (7), engine (8), and transmission or control mark (9). VIS are the remaining characters of the code that identify the vehicle itself, its code and production batch, and the assembly line number.

Where to look for VIN code First of all, the VIN code is stamped on the car chassis. It is also "scattered" throughout the car body and on its units. This allows for a quick and easy verification of the authenticity of the VIN code. For example, law enforcement agencies can quickly compare the VIN code in an accessible place with the number in the registration certificate. Each manufacturer may locate the VIN code slightly differently, so it is advisable to check in advance where it is located. However, the VIN code on a car can usually be found in the following places:

• on the left side of the dashboard on the windshield side;
• below or under the driver's seat;
• under the hood on a special plate.

Where is the VIN code of the car in the registration certificate? The VIN code is easy to find and recognize in the registration certificate. It is a 17-digit code consisting of numbers and capital Latin letters. In new lilac registration certificates with chips, it can be found in section 5.

What is the VIN code for?

State registration plates of a car almost always change when the owner or country of registration changes. The VIN code of a car never changes. Thanks to this, the VIN code can be used to track the history of a car. For example, if you want to buy a car through an online car market, it is advisable to do VIN check to see if the characteristics specified by the seller correspond to the actual state of affairs. For such a check, you can use any site that provides history search services by VIN code. Thanks to this, you can avoid troubles with twisted mileage, hidden accidents or drownings, etc. The VIN code will also help to establish the exact ownership of the car in case of theft. Even if there was an attempt to replace the state number or dismantle the car, the VIN code cannot be simply removed from the car.