Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique identifier which can be used to know your vehicle’s history and other details. This is a unique code holds a wealth of information about your car, including its make, model, year, and manufacturing details.
As a locksmith, Custom Car Keys utilizes the VIN number to provide car keys and other security service for your vehicles. In this guide, let’s learn about the importance of the VIN and easy-to-follow steps on how to locate it on your vehicle.
What is Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?
The VIN is a unique code (17-characters in modern cars) assigned to every motor vehicle when it’s manufactured. It serves as an identifier used to find important details about your vehicle’s origin, specifications, and history. Understanding how to find your VIN is essential for various reasons, including vehicle registration, insurance, and checking for recalls or theft records.
From 1954 to 1981, there was no accepted standard for these numbers, so different manufacturers used different formats. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the United States standardized the format. It required all on-road vehicles sold to contain a 17-character VIN, which does not include the letters O (o), I (i), and Q (q) (to avoid confusion with numerals 0, 1, and 9). (Source: Wikipedia)
How to Find Your Vehicle’s VIN?
Most cars and other vehicles have VIN (also called as chassis number or frame number in different parts of the world) placed at various places on the vehicle.
Finding the VIN on Your Car
If you have the vehicle, you can find the VIN marked on it. Here are some common places where you can find your car’s VIN.
- Vehicle’s Dashboard: The most common location for the VIN is on the dashboard, near the windshield on the driver’s side. A simple glance through the windshield from outside the vehicle should reveal it.
- Driver’s Side Door Jamb: Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb, where the door latches. Manufacturers often place the VIN on a sticker or metal plate in this location. You may need to move the door or check the edge for the complete VIN.
- Under the Hood: Pop the hood and check for a metal plate or sticker on the front part of the engine compartment. While less common, it’s worth inspecting, especially on older vehicles.
- Rear Wheel Well: On some vehicles, the VIN may be found on the rear wheel well, specifically on the driver’s side. Look for a sticker or engraving in this area.
- On the Frame: For trucks and SUVs, the VIN might be located on the frame, typically on the driver’s side. You may need to crawl underneath the vehicle to find it.
Finding the VIN on Paper Documentation
Being a global standardized identifier, the VIN serves various purposes, including vehicle registration, insurance, and checking for recalls or safety issues.
- Vehicle Registration Documents: Your vehicle registration documents includes the VIN. Whether it’s a registration certificate or card, the VIN is typically mentioned prominently. Look for a section specifying vehicle details to find the VIN listed there.
- Insurance Card: Insurance documents for your vehicle also include the VIN. Check your insurance card or policy declarations page for the VIN details of your car.
- Vehicle Title: The vehicle title, or pink slip, is an official document that includes the VIN. It is a legal proof of ownership and is crucial for transferring ownership during a sale.
- Bill of Sale: If you’ve recently purchased the vehicle, your purchase agreement or bill of sale should include the VIN. This document serves as legal proof of ownership and is a vital reference for both buyers and sellers.
- Service and Maintenance Records: Service and maintenance records often contain the VIN, especially if you’ve taken your vehicle to a dealership or professional service center. These records can provide valuable insights into your vehicle’s maintenance history.
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