What is a VIN Code?

Updated: October 18, 2023

Every car has a unique identifier called a VIN code. This abbreviation stands for "Vehicle Identification Number" in English. By knowing this combination, you can access a wealth of information about any vehicle.

What is a VIN Code and Why is it Needed?

The VIN code is displayed on important documents of the car. This alphanumeric combination is shown in the technical passport, registration certificate, insurance, and MOT certificate. In many cases, this code serves as an identifier because each car is assigned a unique VIN from the factory, which never changes.

The VIN number also serves as a source of information about the car. If you know how these 17 characters are encoded, you can learn a lot about the vehicle.

Where is the Car's VIN Code Recorded?

Sometimes, it's necessary to compare the VIN number with the combination shown in the documents. Where is the VIN number located on the car? The location of the combination on the car may vary depending on the manufacturer, but it is typically placed on the chassis, frame, or door frame of the driver's side.

Most often, you can find the code on the engine (front), on the driver's door frame, or inside the left front fender. Specifically, it's best to check the official website to find out where this combination is located on a specific model.

During registration, authorized agencies usually verify the VIN code, so it's better to find out where it is located on the specific model in advance.

What Does the VIN Consist Of?

The vehicle's VIN number consists of three information blocks:

  1. WMI - Geographic location of the vehicle's production.
  2. VDS - Description of the vehicle based on constructor documents. The type of body, safety class, equipment, and characteristics of the transmission are encoded in this block.
  3. VIS - Year of manufacture of the vehicle, assembly plant, and serial number of the specific unit.

Decoding the VIN is necessary when selecting details and accessories for the car. If you know the characteristics of the engine and transmission accurately, it will be easier to select the appropriate spare parts.

How Can You Check a Car Using the VIN?

Knowing the VIN allows you not only to decode the equipment but also to check the car's detailed history. Checking a car by VIN can be done through the specialized online services or through the special services of authorized agencies (e.g., YPX). This procedure is mainly required when purchasing a used car.

Is it Possible to Check a Car Without a VIN?

In some cases, the buyer may not know the VIN code or the car may not have it. The latter applies to cars produced for the domestic market in Japan and then imported to Russia. It is possible to check the car without VIN information - only by knowing the state registration number or the body number.

Full Car Check at CarCheck

Check the car with the VIN, license plate number, or frame code and get a detailed report within minutes - this is the opportunity provided by the CarCheck online service.

With CarCheck, you can learn the following with a full check:

  • The registration history of the car (how many owners it has had, whether they were individuals or organizations, how quickly the owners changed);
  • The presence of restrictions, arrests, warranties, and other limitations;
  • History of QTP, repair work report;
  • The fact of the car being lost or wanted;
  • The presence of unpaid fines;
  • MOT history;
  • The presence of an insurance policy;
  • Facts of the car being used in carsharing or taxi services;
  • The car's participation in the auction of accident cars.

With CarCheck, the risk of buying a problematic car is zero thanks to the detailed report.