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What are the basics of a VIN?

A VIN or Vehicle Identification Number is a unique 17-digit number for every vehicle. A VIN is like the fingerprint of a vehicle. No two vehicles can have the same VIN. The digits of VIN help to identify the features of a vehicle, including its history, specifications, manufacturer’s details, etc. Doing a VIN Lookup can also tracks recalls, registrations, theft, etc., with the help of a vehicle identification number. 

What if VIN is not digits long?

If you are buying a brand new or used vehicle then double check the VIN and count the number of digits it contains. In case it does not have 17 digits or has less than 17 digits, then it means the vehicle is pre-1981. Before the year 1981, VIN did not have a specific length. Their length used to be between 11 to 17 digits. 

vinhistoryusa.com can help you only if the VIN is 17 digits long. The information we have regarding the vehicles that were made before the year 1981 is limited. 

VIN Decoder Explained

Now, in order to find information with the help of those 17 digits, you will have to decode the VIN. It is true you will have to search online in order to find car reports, but you can also learn a lot about the vehicle even by just looking at the vehicle identification number. Now, let us break down this number and find out its meaning. 

VIN Decoder Explained

Where can you find your VIN?

  • In case you are wondering where you can locate your vehicle’s VIN, you will have to look at plenty of places. Not every vehicle contains VIN in the same place. Usually, it can be found by having a look at the dashboard on the driver’s side. 
  • To make sure you see it, you need to stand outside on the driver’s side and look at the dashboard’s corner. Have a look at the corner which meets the windshield. 
  • If you are not able to find VIN at this place, then you can look at the door on the side of the driver and check its post. You can find VIN there as well. 
  • In case you cannot find VIN here as well, then you need to have a look at the documents of your vehicle, where you will surely find this number. After finding the VIN, you can do a free auto VIN checkto check the details of the vehicle. 

You can also check the vehicle title and registration to find the VIN.

find your VIN

VIN Check

You can do a VIN Number check on our website easily. Just enter the VIN number and search for it. You will easily get the reports. You will be able to see the year, make, model, style, etc., of the vehicle. This information is very helpful when you are going to buy a used vehicle. If you know the complete details of a vehicle, then the seller cannot fool you.