Where is the vehicle VIN code located?
4 Answers
Vehicle VIN code locations include: 1. Left side of the instrument panel; 2. Lower left side of the windshield; 3. On the vehicle identification plate; 4. On the vehicle body at the upper part of the right front shock absorber; 5. In the trunk area; 6. On the door hinge pillar, door lock pillar, or one of the pillars where the door lock pillar joins the door edge. The VIN code, which stands for Vehicle Identification Number, is a 17-character code that includes information about the vehicle's manufacturer, year, model, body type and code, engine code, and assembly location. The functions of the VIN code are: 1. To confirm the vehicle's identity; 2. For traffic violation inquiries; 3. To check the vehicle's production batch; 4. To accurately locate parts.
Over the years, I've gained quite some experience in locating VIN codes. The easiest way is to stand at the front of the car and look at the lower left corner of the windshield, right in front of the driver's seat. There's a good chance you'll directly see the engraved 17-digit code. If the glass is too dirty or covered by tint film, I just open the driver's door and look for a white label near the door hinge—it clearly prints the VIN code like an ID card. You can definitely find it in the engine compartment too; after opening the hood, there's usually a metal plate on the firewall near the windshield. Also, the first page of my vehicle registration certificate and insurance policy definitely have this code printed. Sometimes there are surprises in the spare tire well in the trunk—last time when helping a friend inspect his car, I lifted the mat and saw the stamped numbers.
When working in the workshop, the first thing we glance at is the VIN plate in the lower right corner of the windshield—it's clearly visible on most models. If the glass has been replaced or is damaged, simply open the driver's door to check the information label on the B-pillar, which is immediately visible. The VIN location in the engine bay is relatively fixed, usually found on the shock absorber mount or the firewall plate—just shine a flashlight to reveal the embossed characters. Occasionally, the VIN is also stamped on the chassis frame, but you'll need to lift the vehicle for easier inspection. A reminder: it's best to verify the code on the vehicle registration certificate before routine maintenance to prevent mismatched information from causing issues later on.
When I first picked up the new car, the salesperson pointed to the lower left corner of the windshield to show me the VIN, which was quite conspicuous. During registration, I noticed the same 17-character code printed on the first page of the vehicle conformity certificate, like an ID card. Later, during maintenance, I saw the mechanic open the hood and find the raised code on the metal plate near the wipers. In fact, there are at least three places on the car where you can check: the windshield, the driver's door frame, and the engine compartment. The back cover of the vehicle manual usually also indicates the specific locations, making it not complicated to find.
