Where Is Car Vin Number
Where Is the VIN Number on a Car?
A car VIN number (or just “VIN”) offers a way to quickly identify the vehicle when certain situations require it. For example, when someone buys or trades in a car from St. Charles, the buyer and seller both need the VIN to complete the transaction.
Every new and used car, truck, and SUV at our dealership near Geneva has a VIN. But where is the VIN number on a car? What is a VIN number? We answer all of your questions about a car's VIN number with our handy guide.
Where Is the VIN Number on a Car Exactly?
Your car’s VIN number is most commonly found in one or two places on your car.
Dashboard & Windshield Meet
- Stand outside of your vehicle.
- Head to the driver's side.
- Look closely at the corner where the dash and the windshield meet at the front.
- You’ll see the car's VIN number permanently imprinted on a small tab through the windshield.
Near the Driver’s Door
- Open the driver's door.
- Look where the door latches to the frame.
- See the permanent label somewhere on the doorpost that displays the car VIN number.
No matter where you find the VIN, it must remain attached to your vehicle, per federal law.
Now you know where to locate your car's VIN number on the vehicle itself. Next, discover more information about what a VIN number is and how the VIN comes in handy in certain situations.
What is a VIN Number?
VIN is an acronym for vehicle identification number. You may need to use the VIN for certain situations as a car owner:
- Registering your vehicle
- Finding past vehicle registration information
- Examining vehicle history reports
- Seeing about active recalls
- Making warranty claims
- Completing theft/police reports
- Buying insurance coverage
- Ordering OEM parts and accessories
- Scheduling service
- Applying for financing
- Selling your vehicle
- Trading in your vehicle
When you need to submit your VIN through a secure online form, it’s usually for one of these situations.
What Do VINs Consist Of?
VINs are 17 characters long, using letters and numbers. Each VIN is unique to the vehicle, much like your Social Security number, fingerprints, DNA, and personality are to you. No two vehicles on the road have the same VIN. If you own a car from 1980 or older, VINs are shorter than 17 characters.
Here's an example of what a VIN looks like, comprised of digits and capital letters:
5N1DR3DJ6RC217037
What Do the Different Characters in a VIN Indicate?
Each character identifies a specific aspect of the vehicle:
- Character 1: Country of Origin
- Character 2: Manufacturer
- Character 3: Vehicle Type or Manufacturing Division
- Character 4: Body Type
- Character 5: Engine
- Character 6: Series
- Character 7: Restraint Type
- Character 8: Model
- Character 9: Check Digit to detect a valid VIN
- Character 10: Model Year
- Character 11: Plant
- Last Six Characters: Car's Serial Number
Learn More About Your Car's VIN From Nissan of Elizabeth City
Do you have more questions about VINs or owning your vehicle? Contact us today! Our service experts or finance team will be happy to assist.
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