The VIN (vehicle identification number) is a 17-character code that identifies one vehicle. On most cars you'll find it at the bottom of the windscreen, on a sticker or plate on a door pillar, and stamped into the bodywork under the bonnet. It's also printed in section E of the V5C logbook. This guide lists where to look, what the VIN should match, and how to use it to check a car.
Where to find the VIN on a car
The exact places vary by make and model, and the owner's handbook usually shows them. These are the most common:
- Bottom of the windscreen. Many cars have a small VIN plate you can read through the glass from outside, where the windscreen meets the dashboard.
- Door pillar. Open the driver's or front passenger's door and look on the pillar or the edge of the door for a sticker or metal plate.
- Engine bay. The VIN is often stamped into the metal under the bonnet, for example on the bulkhead between the engine and the cabin, and there may be a VIN plate there too.
- Under the floor carpet. Some cars have the VIN stamped into the floor next to a front seat, under a flap in the carpet.
Where to find the VIN on paperwork
- V5C logbook. The VIN is in section E, listed with the make, model and colour. For everything else to check on the logbook, see V5 checks before you pay and our V5C logbook guide.
- MOT certificate. The vehicle identification number is printed on the MOT test certificate.
- Service records. Many service invoices include it too.
Where to find the VIN on a motorcycle
On most motorcycles the VIN is stamped into the frame at the steering head, where the front forks meet the frame, and it may also be on a plate fixed to the frame. It's in section E of the V5C, the same as for a car.
What the 17 characters mean
A VIN uses letters and numbers but never I, O or Q, so they can't be confused with 1 and 0. The first three characters identify the manufacturer, the next six describe the vehicle, and the last eight identify the individual vehicle, including its serial number.
CarVouch doesn't decode a VIN into factory build details. It uses the VIN to find the car's registration and records.
What the VIN should match
The VIN stays with the car for life, even when the number plate changes. At the viewing, check that:
- the VIN on the windscreen, the door pillar and under the bonnet are all the same;
- they match section E of the V5C;
- they match your history check.
Walk away if they don't match, or if a VIN plate looks loose, re-riveted, scratched or newer than the rest of the car. A mismatched VIN can point to a stolen or cloned car: see our stolen car check. For what else to look at on the day, use the used car pre-viewing checklist.
How to check a car using its VIN
You don't need the registration to check a car. Enter the 17-character VIN in the free VIN check and CarVouch matches it to the registration using DVSA MOT history data, then runs the free scan: MOT history, mileage, tax status, recall alerts and a 0 to 100 risk score. To find just the registration, see reg number from VIN.
A car without an MOT record, such as a newer car that hasn't had its first MOT, may not be found by VIN. If there's no match, search by registration instead.
For finance, stolen and write-off records, add the Full Vehicle Check (£9.99) from the scan result. The VIN you searched with is passed to Experian with the check.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the VIN number on my car?
Usually at the bottom of the windscreen (readable from outside), on a sticker or plate on a door pillar, and stamped into the metal under the bonnet. Some cars also have it stamped into the floor under the carpet. Your handbook shows the exact places for your model.
Where is the VIN on the V5C logbook?
In section E of the V5C, with the make, model and colour. Check it matches the VIN on the car before you buy.
Is the chassis number the same as the VIN?
Yes. In the UK the chassis number and the VIN are the same 17-character number.
Can I find a car's registration from its VIN?
Yes, if DVSA's MOT history data has a record for that VIN. Enter it in CarVouch's reg number from VIN check and the free result shows the registration. CarVouch never shows the keeper's name or address.
Does the VIN change when a car gets a new number plate?
No. The registration can change, for example when a private plate is added or removed, but the VIN stays the same for the life of the car.