The VIN, or vehicle identification number on a car, is visible through the windshield and can be found on the driver’s side dashboard in the lower left corner. You’ll find the VIN elsewhere in cars, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, and other types of vehicles. We explain.
Why Is a Vehicle Identification Number Useful?
The VIN is essential when selling or buying a car. With the VIN, you can learn about a vehicle’s history, from maintenance to accidents, if any. The vehicle identification number reveals the car’s manufacturer, where it was built, and more. It can also help you learn the value of a vehicle when buying or selling a car.
Where to Find the VIN on a Car
- Driver’s side door jamb: On the driver’s side door or door jamb, you will find a metal plate or sticker showing the VIN.
- Under the hood: In the engine bay, it may be stamped on the firewall or on a metal plate. Prior to VINs, some older vehicles used vehicle serial numbers found under the hood.
- Front of a vehicle’s frame: On some trucks and SUVs, you might see the VIN on the front of the vehicle’s frame on the driver’s side.
- In the trunk: Sometimes, when you open the liftgate in the trunk of a vehicle, you’ll see some carmakers add a VIN sticker. Also, if you lift up the flooring, you could find another place with the VIN. It will be stamped either on the underside of the floor or near the spare tire if your vehicle has one.
- Engine block: In older vehicles, you may find the VIN on the engine block.
- Vehicle registration: When you register your vehicle, you will receive a printout or electronic copy listing the car’s VIN.
- Vehicle title: The state lists the VIN on the vehicle title.
- Window sticker (Monroney label): When buying a vehicle from a dealer, you can check for the VIN on the window sticker or Monroney label.
- Car parts: You may find the VIN etched on catalytic converters or other car parts to prevent their theft.
- Car Insurance policy: An insurance policy typically lists the VIN of the vehicle covered.
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What Does a VIN Tell You?
A 17-character vehicle identification number can tell you things like where the car was built, the country of origin, its manufacturer, the model year, and more. Specifically, VINs starting with 1,4,5, or 7 came from assembly plants in the United States. For more information, see our article: How to Tell if the Car You Want Was Built in the US.
