What a VIN is
A vehicle identification number, or VIN, is a unique code assigned to a vehicle when it is built. Since the early 1980s, vehicles sold in the US use a standard 17-character format. The characters identify the manufacturer, the vehicle's attributes, the model year, the assembly plant and a serial number.
The letters I, O and Q are never used in a modern VIN, to avoid confusion with the numbers 1 and 0. If you think you see an O, it is a zero. Older vehicles built before the standard format may have shorter VINs.
Where to find the VIN on a car or truck
You can usually find the VIN in several places. It is a good idea to check that they all match, especially when buying a used vehicle.
- Driver side dashboard: a small plate where the dash meets the windshield, readable from outside the vehicle
- Driver door jamb: a sticker or plate on the door edge or the pillar the door closes against
- Vehicle title
- Registration card
- Insurance card or policy documents
- Some vehicles also show it in the infotainment screen settings or on the engine or frame
Why mechanics and tools ask for it
The VIN tells a mechanic exactly which engine, transmission and trim your vehicle has, which helps them order the right parts the first time. Two vehicles of the same year and model can take different parts.
The VIN is also how you check for safety recalls. Enter it in our free recall check, or look up what it says about your vehicle with our VIN decoder.
RVs and motorhomes
Motorhomes are built in two stages. A chassis manufacturer builds the chassis, engine and drivetrain, and an RV manufacturer builds the living area, or coach, on top. The chassis has its own 17-character VIN, found in the usual places such as the dashboard and door jamb, and on the title.
The RV manufacturer also labels the coach, usually with a data plate or sticker near the entry door, inside a cabinet or in the driver area. It may show a model, serial number, weights and build date. When you contact a technician about living area systems, like slide-outs, appliances or plumbing, share both the VIN and the coach information if you can.
Trailers, motorcycles and powersports
Trailers have VINs too. Look on the front of the frame or the tongue, often on a stamped plate or sticker on the left front side. Many travel trailers also have a label near the entry door showing the VIN and weight ratings. The VIN is on the trailer's title and registration as well.
If a trailer's VIN plate is missing or unreadable, check the paperwork. Some homemade or very old trailers may have a state-assigned number instead.
On most motorcycles, the VIN is stamped on the steering head, the part of the frame the front forks turn in, and often appears on a label on the frame. It is also on the title and registration. ATVs and other powersports vehicles may have a VIN or serial number on the frame; check the owner's manual.
Boats use a HIN, not a VIN
Boats do not have VINs. Instead, boats built for sale in the US have a hull identification number, or HIN. It is usually found on the upper right (starboard) side of the transom, the flat back of the boat. It is also on the boat's registration or title documents.
Outboard and inboard engines have their own serial numbers on a plate or sticker on the engine. For engine work, a marine mechanic will usually ask for the engine make, model and serial number as well as the HIN.
Tips for reading and sharing your VIN
Take a photo of the VIN plate or sticker so you do not have to copy it by hand. Double check each character, since a single wrong character will give wrong results. When you send a free request on Trackara Find, including your vehicle details helps mechanics understand what they are working on.