We often confuse a car's VIN number with its chassis number, but they are not the same thing.
A vehicle's VIN number is a unique code that identifies it, similar to a national identity number.
Below, we explain what it is, what it is used for, how to find it and several ways to check it.
What is the VIN number
The ISO 3779:2009 standard regulates vehicle identification.
It establishes that the VIN number must have 17 digits, divided into several sections.
This alphanumeric code is especially useful when buying a second-hand car. You will be able to find out:
- Whether it has been involved in accidents that may have caused hidden damage
- Whether it has undergone any modifications
- Whether it has a European type-approval password*
- Whether it has been imported
- Whether it has been stolen
As a point of interest, you will never find the letters O, I, Q, or characters specific to each country, such as Ñ.
Meaning of the VIN digits
It is divided into three parts:
- WMI: manufacturing data.
Digit number 1: continent of manufacture of the car.
Digit number 2: country of manufacture.
Digit number 3: manufacturer.
- VDS: vehicle approvals.
Digit number 4: car model.
Digits 5 to 8: engine characteristics.
Digit number 9: transmission type.
- VIS: vehicle serial number and manufacturing information. These are the remaining eight digits that correspond to the chassis or frame number.
Digit number 10: year of manufacture.
Digit number 11: location of the production plant.
Digits 12 to 17: manufacturer's production number.
Where to find the VIN number on a car
It is vitally important to check that the VIN is clearly visible, that it is not scratched or erased, and that the vehicle's alphanumeric code matches the one found in the vehicle's documents.
If the VIN is not clearly visible on the vehicle or does not match the one on the documents, this may be a sign that it has been stolen.
Depending on the manufacturer, you can find it in different parts of the vehicle:
- Top of the dashboard, visible from the outside
- Driver's door sill
- Under the front seats, usually the driver's seat
- On the engine, bonnet or other part
- In the boot
- Vehicle documentation
How to find it without a car
There are several ways to check it if you are not in the vehicle or have not yet purchased it. The VIN is also listed in:
- The vehicle's technical specifications, in section E
- Vehicle documentation
- Contract or bill of sale
Is the VIN number the same as the chassis number?
The VIN number is often referred to as the chassis or frame number, but they are not the same thing.
The chassis or frame number is also found in the VIN, but it corresponds only to the last 8 digits.
