17 letters and digits, never I, O or Q. Find it at the bottom of the windscreen (driver's side), on the driver's door pillar, or on the customs and registration papers.
What a VIN check covers
- Make, model, year and trim where the factory records have it
- Engine, fuel, gearbox, drive and body
- Where the car was built
- Whether the VIN is well-formed (check digit)
What it can't tell you
- Accident, flood or salvage history
- Mileage, theft or finance owing
- Customs duty status: ask for the papers
Match the VIN on the car (windscreen, door pillar, chassis) to the papers, and have a mechanic inspect it. See our safety tips.
Selling a car?
Enter the VIN when you list it and we fill in the make, model, year, engine and body for you. Buyers see the decoded specs on your listing.
List a car