What is a VIN and how to find it

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

A VIN is an internationally recognized vehicle identifier. It is always a unique 17-character code that can be used to identify and verify information about a specific vehicle, such as mileage, origin, manufacturer, model, and more. 

VIN structure - TMBAA25J573008122

A VIN can be divided into several sections. The first three characters identify the vehicle manufacturer, the region where the vehicle was manufactured, and the vehicle type. These are internationally standardized manufacturer identification codes. The following 5 characters define specifications such as the vehicle model, engine type, transmission, etc. The 9th character is used by some manufacturers as a check digit to detect incorrect VIN entries. The remaining part of the VIN consists of the vehicle's unique production identification code. The last 4 characters must be digits.

Where to find the VIN

• On the vehicle registration certificate
• On the vehicle registration document
• Under the windscreen on the driver's side
• On the vehicle body in the engine compartment
• On the identification plate located on the front door, door pillar, or near the spare wheel

What is a VIN used for?

The VIN is the most important identifier of every vehicle. This unique identifier is used to register the vehicle in manufacturer databases, vehicle registers, police databases, repair shop systems, insurance company databases, and more. You therefore need it for many different procedures related to the vehicle, such as drawing up a purchase agreement, transferring ownership to a new owner, or arranging insurance. 

You can also use the VIN to check your own vehicle or a vehicle you are planning to buy. It may be possible to determine whether the mileage has been altered, whether the vehicle has been involved in an accident, as well as its service history and origin.

Based on the VIN, we can verify practically any part according to its original OEM part number, provided that the part is original factory equipment and you are not planning a retrofit or conversion. This can help prevent returns caused by ordering an incompatible part and allows us to offer you the correct part where possible.