How many digits does a vehicle identification number have?
4 Answers
Vehicle identification number (VIN) consists of 17 letters and numbers, which is the unique identifier of the vehicle and can be considered as the car's ID. The VIN is also known as the vehicle identification code. In addition to being visible on the vehicle registration certificate, the VIN can be found in several locations: the lower left side of the front windshield, on the engine, on the nameplate at the bottom of the B-pillar near the front passenger door, and on the vehicle chassis. The VIN is primarily divided into four parts. Positions 1-3 represent the world manufacturer identifier code; positions 4-8 represent the vehicle descriptor section; position 9 is a check digit that uses a specific algorithm to prevent input errors; and positions 10-17 represent the vehicle identifier section. The first, second, and third characters represent the country of manufacture, the manufacturer, and the vehicle type, respectively. The fourth digit indicates the vehicle category. The fifth digit represents the model series code, which is related to the manufacturer. The sixth digit indicates the body type (vehicle exterior) code. The seventh digit represents the engine type code. The eighth digit indicates the type of transmission equipped. The tenth character represents the production year, corresponding to the vehicle's model year. The eleventh character of the VIN indicates the vehicle's assembly plant, with "0" signifying original factory assembly. Characters 12 to 17 represent the production sequence number, indicating the order of the vehicle's production. This sequence number is used for vehicle recalls if necessary.
I've been driving for over a decade and always check the VIN during maintenance. This 17-digit code is like a car's ID number – that long string at the bottom left of the windshield. I remember helping a friend buy a used car and learning that the 9th digit is a check digit for anti-counterfeiting. Always run it through a mobile app to check history before buying to avoid flood-damaged vehicles. If the VIN appears scratched or has incorrect digits, be extra cautious. This global standard is super convenient – mechanics just scan it with a special gun to pull up the model year and full service history.
Over the years of working in used car appraisal, I deal with VIN numbers every day. A standard VIN code must be 17 digits, consisting of three parts: the first 3 digits are the manufacturer identifier, like BMW's WBA prefix; the middle 6 digits describe vehicle characteristics, such as engine type; and the last 8 digits are the serial number. Once, I encountered a modified car where the 10th digit of the VIN indicated it was manufactured in 2020, but the owner had modified the intake system, causing issues during the vehicle inspection. So, it's best to record the original configuration of the VIN before modifying a car to avoid future troubles. Older cars might not have a full 17-digit VIN, requiring multiple checks of the records for confirmation.
Exactly 17 digits. This coding system has been globally standardized since 1981. The first three digits indicate the manufacturing location, for example, LFV represents FAW-Volkswagen in Changchun. The middle digits contain the engine code, which is particularly useful when purchasing spare parts. The anti-counterfeiting code at the end is crucial, as insurance companies verify it during claims. Last time, a colleague bought tires online—after providing the VIN, the seller directly matched the correct model, saving the hassle of returns or exchanges.
