Where is the VIN located on a car?
2 Answers
Old and new models differ (e.g., those with unibody construction). Some have it in the engine compartment, while others place it under the front passenger seat. Many newer vehicles now position the VIN in the front passenger compartment. Some locate it on the left side of the engine bay, others on the right - like the Crown JZS132/133 series, which has its vehicle identification number on the right front frame rail in the engine compartment. Here's more relevant information: VIN: The Vehicle Identification Number serves as a car's unique "ID number" assigned at production, maintaining exclusivity for 30 years without duplication. First introduced in 1949, VIN standards have evolved through multiple generations. Current VINs follow a globally unified 17-digit format. This number also serves as a crucial indicator for distinguishing between new and used vehicles.
I remember once when selling a car, the buyer asked me where the VIN was. I simply pointed to the lower left corner of the windshield—on the driver’s side, outside the car—where that 17-digit code is visible, like the car’s ID. Usually, when getting repairs or insurance, mechanics ask me to point out this number for identification. You can also find the same label on the door sill pillar. If you can’t locate it, check under the hood—some cars have it engraved on the firewall near the engine. This number is crucial—when buying a car, checking it helps you avoid purchasing a salvaged or tampered vehicle. A friend of mine once got scammed with an odometer-rolled car. I’d recommend taking a photo of it and saving it on your phone or jotting it down in a notebook for easy access during registration or other paperwork. Documents like the vehicle registration and insurance policy definitely have it printed too—keeping a backup saves a lot of hassle.
