The car's vehicle identification number (VIN) is the identifying code for a SPECIFIC automobile. It is just like the car's fingerprint. A VIN is composed of 17 digits and characters that act as a unique identifier for the vehicle. A VIN displays the car's unique features, specifications and manufacturer. The VIN can be used to track recalls, registrations, warranty claims, thefts and insurance coverage.
The VIN can be found by looking at the dashboard on the driver side of the vehicle. If the VIN cannot be found, open the driver side door and look at the door post (where the door latches when it is closed). It is likely that the VIN will also be displayed in this location.
Other VIN locations:
If the VIN is not 17 characters long, please double-check to make sure that you have the right VIN and have copied it down correctly. If the VIN is still less than 17 characters long, the VIN is most likely from a pre-1981 vehicle.
Prior to 1981, VINs varied in length from 11 to 17 characters. AutoCheck can only report on vehicles that use a 17 character VIN. Therefore, information on vehicles manufactured before 1981 is limited.