How to Check Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?
2 Answers
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be checked by public security, procuratorial, or judicial authorities with official inquiry documents at the vehicle management office or traffic police department for official purposes. Here is some relevant information about the VIN: Location of the VIN: For trucks and large vehicles, it is generally located at the rear of the vehicle frame on the right side. For cars, it is usually found in the lower left corner of the windshield under the wiper deflector or under the door frame of the passenger seat. For motorcycles, turn the handlebars fully to one side, and you will find a nameplate with the VIN below the odometer. The VIN is also clearly marked in the "Vehicle Identification Number" column on the motor vehicle registration certificate. Content of the VIN: The VIN, also known as the Vehicle Identification Number, is like a unique ID card for each vehicle, consisting of 17 digits or letters. It provides extensive information about the vehicle, such as the place of production, vehicle type, year, and assembly details. Positions 1 to 3 represent the production location, license plate, and type; positions 4 to 8 indicate vehicle characteristics; positions 9 to 11 include the check digit, model year, and assembly plant; and positions 12 to 17 represent the serial number, which is the last six digits of the VIN.
The most common way to check a VIN is to look directly at the vehicle itself. I often help people find it—the standard location is the lower left corner of the windshield, that piece of glass in front of the driver's seat. Lean in, and you’ll spot a sticker with a 17-character alphanumeric code. Don’t forget the door jamb—open the driver’s side door, and you’ll find a label on the inner side with the same info. Another spot is under the hood, in the engine bay, where a metal plate is usually attached to the firewall. These are all factory-set locations, simple and free to access. Sometimes the label might be dirty or covered in dust, but a quick wipe will make it clearly visible. The VIN isn’t just for service records—it also helps you check a car’s history and avoid buying a problematic vehicle, so verifying it correctly can save you headaches. If your car is an older model or refurbished, the location might vary slightly, but it’s generally in similar spots. In short, a quick hands-on check will get it done in just a few minutes.
