Vehicle Identification Number

Fig.2 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN Plate):

VIN Code Breakdown:

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the upper left corner of the instrument panel, near the left windshield pillar (Fig. 2). The VIN consists of 17 characters in a combination of letters and numbers that provide specific information about the vehicle. Refer to VIN Code Breakdown table for decoding information.

To protect the consumer from theft and possible fraud the manufacturer is required to include a Check Digit at the ninth position of the Vehicle Identification Number. The check digit is used by the manufacturer and government agencies to verify the authenticity of the vehicle and official documentation. The formula to use the check digit is not released to the general public.