The VIN number on the car is one of the most important pieces of information to look at when purchasing, selling, or checking a car for the specs and history. The 17-character string says a lot about each vehicle.
In this guide, we will describe what a VIN number is, where to find it on a car, what it tells you, and why it is so important when it comes to used cars.
Key Takeaways
- A VIN is a unique 17-digit character that identifies a car in the UK. It includes important details like make, model, engine size, and year, helping to verify a car’s true identity.
- The VIN helps trace previous keepers, MOT history, write-off status, MOT history, and more. It’s essential when buying a used car to avoid vehicles with hidden damage or dodgy pasts.
- You’ll find the VIN on the dashboard, driver’s door frame, or V5C logbook. It’s essential for insurance, DVLA checks, servicing, and running a full VIN number check online.
What Is a VIN Number?
The VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. It’s a unique code consisting of 17 characters, which are letters and numbers. The manufacturers and authorities use this code to identify a particular vehicle.
The VIN number on a car is like the car’s fingerprint. No two vehicles in the world have the same one. It’s assigned at the factory and remains unchanged throughout the period during which the car exists. This code is used by the DVLA, insurance companies, mechanics, and police records.
The VIN number tells you when and where the car was made and its type of engine and model, among others. It’s very useful when you want to confirm the identity and history of a used car.
Where to Find the VIN Number on a Car?
You might be asking, Where do I find the VIN number on my car? Knowing where the VIN number is on a car is useful when conducting a car check, especially if you’re buying secondhand. There are several places you can check:
- On the driver’s side dashboard: This is usually etched on a small metal plate or seen through the windshield.
- Driver-side door frame: Look near the door latch or along the door sill on a metal or sticker label.
- Inside the engine bay: Sometimes found stamped onto the chassis
- V5C logbook (registration certificate): Usually printed in section 4.
- Insurance paperwork: Some insurers include the VIN in policy documents.
Still not sure how to find the VIN number on a car? The most reliable place is on the car’s frame or dashboard. If you can’t see it clearly, you can ask a mechanic to help locate it. Always check that the number on the car matches the one on the paperwork.
READ ALSO: How to Get Your V5C Document Reference Number Without Logbook
What Can the VIN Number Tell You?
The VIN number on a car isn’t just a random mix of letters and numbers. It has a structure that gives useful information:
- 1st–3rd characters: Country and manufacturer (e.g., W for Germany, J for Japan)
- 4th–9th characters: Vehicle specs such as engine size, model, body style
- 10th character: Model year
- 11th character: Factory where it was built
- 12th–17th characters: Unique serial number of the car
It helps the mechanics to get the correct parts, allows the insurance to know what they’re covering, and the buyer to verify whether the vehicle’s as advertised. For instance, if a seller says the vehicle is a 2016 with a 2.0-litre engine, you can easily verify with the VIN.
The Importance of the VIN Number on a Car
The VIN number on a car is one of the most important things you should check before buying or selling a vehicle. Here’s why:
- It confirms the car’s identity: You can match it with the V5C logbook to make sure it’s not stolen or cloned.
- It helps reveal hidden history: When used in a car history check, it can show write-off status, mileage discrepancy, outstanding finance, and more.
- It’s needed for repairs or parts: Knowing the exact model and build specifications helps the mechanics fit the right parts.
- It supports insurance and MOT records: Insurers use it to confirm the car they’re dealing with.
If they’re trying to sell you a car whose VIN doesn’t match the papers, you’ve got a red flag situation. It might be written off, cloned, or stolen. Beware! Something’s wrong.
READ ALSO: Can You Insure a Car Without an MOT?
VIN Number and Registration Number: What’s the Difference?
Although you can check a car’s history by VIN or registration, the two parameters are different in the following ways:
The registration number (also called the number plate or reg) is what you see on the front and back of the car, like “AB12 XYZ.” It’s assigned when the car is first registered in the UK, and it can be changed later (such as when you buy a personalised plate).
The VIN number, on the other hand, is permanent. It’s set by the manufacturer and never changes. It gives much more detail than the reg plate, including build information, year, country, and serial number.
Both are important, but for checking a car’s identity and background, the VIN is more reliable. A registration number might be changed, but a tampered VIN is a serious offence.
How to Use the VIN Number When Buying a Used Car?
When you’re buying a second-hand car, always take time to check the VIN number on car. It only takes a few minutes and could save you thousands. Many people focus only on the outside look of the car, but the VIN number is what tells you the truth underneath.
Here’s what to do:
- Find the VIN on the car: Check the dashboard and driver door frame.
- Match it with the V5C logbook: Make sure every digit matches exactly.
- Check for tampering: Look for scratched plates, loose rivets, or unusual labels.
- Run a vehicle history check: Use the VIN to search for past accidents, finance debt, mileage issues, or if it’s been stolen.
- Walk away if anything looks wrong: If the VIN doesn’t match, don’t take the risk.
Common Issues Linked to VIN Numbers
There are a few problems that can come up when the VIN number on car has been altered or doesn’t match official records:
- Cloned VINs: Thieves copy a real VIN and put it on a stolen car.
- Mismatched VIN: VIN on the car doesn’t match the one on the V5C.
- Tampered plates: Scratched, swapped, or damaged VIN plates.
- Missing digits: If any part of the VIN is missing or covered, something’s not right.
If any of these signs appear, it’s best to walk away. Buying a car with a fake or altered VIN can land you in legal trouble, and you could lose the vehicle with no refund.
Can the VIN Number Tell You If a Car Was Stolen?
Yes. Insurance companies and the police maintain records of motor vehicle theft. When you report a vehicle as stolen, the VIN gets registered in the national database. So, if you conduct a car check by VIN and it indicates it’s being stolen, the vehicle is not worth purchasing.
No matter how genuine the seller appears, the car might be repossessed by the police, and you’ll end up losing your money. It’s another reason VIN checking before purchasing should be on the same list as an MOT check or price check.
Conclusion
The VIN is key to understanding a car’s identity, safety, and legal status. Before you buy any used vehicle, always check the VIN. See that it matches all paperwork, hasn’t been tampered with, and runs clean in a car history check. It’s a small step, but one that gives you peace of mind and avoids serious risk.
If you’re unsure, enter the VIN into our VIN check UK tool to get an instant car check report. Don’t leave it to chance; check the VIN to buy and drive with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the VIN number on my car?
To locate a VIN on your car, you can look in the driver’s side dash (behind the windshield), also in the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb, or the VIN can be stamped on the chassis of your car. The VIN number is also included in the title page, V5C logbook, and insurance card.
Is the V5 number the same as the VIN number?
No. The VIN and the V5C number are not identical. Other than serving as proof of vehicle registration, the V5 logbook will also include details of the vehicle, such as the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). VIN is a 17-digit character that uniquely identifies a car.
Is the VIN number on a MOT certificate?
Yes, the VIN of a car can be located on the MOT certificate. The MOT has the crucial information, such as the vehicle registration number, model, and other relevant information about the vehicle
How do I search up a VIN number?
To search VIN in the UK, find the VIN and type it in our VIN check form. This assists in checking the vehicle details and its history records such as outstanding finance, mileage discrepancy, MOT status and history, previous owners and so on.
