Where is the vehicle frame number located?
2 Answers
The vehicle frame number (VIN) is located in the engine compartment, on the left side of the dashboard, or at the lower left corner of the windshield. The VIN is a unique 17-character alphanumeric code that identifies the vehicle's manufacturer, engine, chassis number, and other specifications. The meaning of the VIN is divided as follows: 1. The first character represents the country or region of production; 2. The second character indicates the vehicle manufacturer; 3. The third character denotes the vehicle type; 4. Characters 4 to 8 represent vehicle features; 5. The ninth character is a check digit; 6. The eleventh character indicates the assembly plant; 7. Characters 12 to 17 represent the serial number. The functions of the VIN include: 1. Confirming the vehicle's identity for accurate identification in special circumstances; 2. Traffic violation queries—input the VIN to check for violations; 3. Vehicle batch inquiries to determine if the vehicle is subject to a recall.
When I first bought my car, I also looked for the VIN. Actually, it's pasted on the lower left corner of the windshield, visible through the glass as a long string of letters and numbers. Squat down to check the black-and-white label on the driver's side door frame or B-pillar—that's usually where it is. Some cars even have it engraved on the metal firewall in the engine bay. If you can't find it, try opening the passenger door—there might be a nameplate hidden under the threshold trim. I remember helping my dad transfer ownership of his old Passat; we found the stamped VIN on the rear metal plate after opening the hood. It's best to take photos of these locations and save them for future reference—handy for annual inspections or buying insurance, and much easier than scrambling to find it last minute.
