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    What is my car’s VIN and how do I find it?

    A car or van’s vehicle identification number (VIN) is its identifying code. Containing details about the vehicle’s unique features, spec, and manufacturer, the VIN can be used to track recalls, registrations, warranty claims, thefts, and insurance coverage.

    ‘VINs’ are often referred to as ‘VIN numbers’. (It’s like ‘PIN number’ – you don’t actually have to say ‘number’ twice, although many people do!)

    What is a VIN number?
    What does a VIN number look like?
    Where is the VIN number on a car?
    Why is my car’s VIN important?
    What do I need my VIN for?
    Can I change my car’s VIN?
    How do I background check a car without the VIN number?

    Read on to learn what your VIN is, what the VIN looks like, and where you can find your car’s VIN.

    what is a vin number
    Your car’s VIN is unique and can be used to identify it.

    What is a VIN number?

    Your vehicle identification number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code that identifies your car. The VIN contains information about your car’s make, model, and year, as well as the country where it was manufactured and other important details.

    What does a VIN number look like?

    A VIN is composed of letters and numbers, which all correspond to a code that describes your car. The letters and numbers are allocated as follows:

    1XXXX11XXXX111111

    The first character, a number, describes where the car was built, e.g. UK.

    The second and third characters, letters, describe the car brand, e.g. Citroën.

    The fourth to eighth characters, a mix of letters and numbers, describe the brand, engine size, and engine and fuel type. 

    The ninth character, a letter, is a security code.

    The tenth character, a letter, signifies the model year of the car.

    The eleventh character, a letter, points to the plant where the vehicle was built.

    The last six characters, all numbers, are the car’s serial number.

    Where is the VIN number on a car?

    Your VIN is typically displayed on your car’s dashboard, near the windshield on the driver’s side. It can also often be found on the car’s chassis – for this reason, the VIN is also sometimes called the ‘chassis number’. 

    Additionally, you can look up your VIN in your car’s registration and insurance paperwork. If you’re unsure whether you’re seeing your car’s VIN or another sort of code, check that it’s seventeen characters long, ending in your car’s six-character serial number.

    where is the vin number on a car
    You can usually find your car’s VIN on the drivers side of the dashboard.

    Why is my car’s VIN important?

    Your car’s VIN is a unique identifier that records details about your vehicle from the time it’s made in the factory, all the way through its lifespan on the road. The VIN stays the same when your car gets bought and sold, even if its reg gets changed, or you export the car to another country. 

    Since the VIN is a permanent identifier for your vehicle, it’s used to digitally save official records regarding your vehicle. This information can be checked using public, professional sources, so when you’re selling your vehicle, it’s probable that your buyer will background-check your vehicle based on the information logged against the VIN. 

    For example, they’ll be able to see proof of service history, your car’s C02 rating, whether your car is on finance, previous owners, changes to the associated reg (e.. personalised number plates), and whether your car has been involved in any accidents or criminal activity. 

    It is not, however, possible for people to see insurance claims based on your VIN, unless those claims ended up with a write-off.

    What do I need my VIN for?

    Since your VIN is retrievable online based on your car’s reg, you will likely never need to provide it when selling your car or doing any routine maintenance or paperwork for your car. However, it’s important to know where to find it, and to be aware of what information it records.

    If you are buying or have bought a used vehicle and want to background-check it yourself, you can do so by purchasing a report from the DVLA, as detailed above, or with an HPI check. You can background check with a reg or a VIN; a VIN check may contain more information. 

    Can I change my car’s VIN?

    No, you cannot change your car’s VIN number. This unique identifier is attached to your vehicle from its point of production onwards, and remains the same even if you change your reg or modify the car.

    How do I background check a car without the VIN number?

    Follow the steps listed above to find a VIN based on a car’s reg in the UK using the DVLA website. Once you have the VIN, you can purchase an HPI check, which will look for any registered criminal activity or insurance write-offs, changes in reg, past transfers of ownership, and more.

    If your HPI report or other background check reveals information based on the VIN that doesn’t match the car, including its reg, then you may be looking at a cloned car or a scam. Remember, the VIN should be stamped on the chassis, displayed on the dash, and printed in the V5C logbook. Any reg plate changes should be registered against the VIN, as well as physical modifications to the car.

    If you think your car could have been ‘cloned’ (given another car’s VIN), it’s advisable to contact the police and the DVLA. If you own a cloned car, you could be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice, however if you report the crime as soon as you’re suspicious, you may avoid this liability.

    Ready to sell?

    Need to sell your car, or want to understand more about documentation or maintenance? Check out more of our guides here, covering everything from the paperwork you need when buying and selling, to various notices you may need to file with the UK’s driver and vehicle licensing agency.

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