The Car's Fingerprint
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle during manufacturing. Unlike a registration plate (VRM), which can be changed or transferred, the VIN stays with the chassis for the car's entire life.
Where to find the VIN
When buying a used car, you should always check that the VIN on the car matches the V5C logbook. If they don't match, walk away—the car could be stolen or cloned.
Common Locations:
- Windscreen: Look at the bottom corner of the windscreen on the passenger side. It is often visible through a small window in the glass.
- Door Pillar: Open the driver's door and look for a sticker or metal plate on the B-pillar (the frame where the door latches).
- Engine Bay: Stamped into the metal chassis, usually near the suspension turret or the bulkhead.
- Floor: Under a plastic flap in the driver's or passenger's footwell.
What does the VIN tell you?
The 17 characters aren't random. They can be decoded to reveal:
- Characters 1-3 (WMI): The manufacturer and country of origin (e.g., "WBA" is BMW Germany).
- Characters 4-9 (VDS): The vehicle specs, model type, and engine size.
- Character 10: The model year.
- Characters 11-17: The unique serial number of that specific car.
Using a VIN check is often more accurate than a registration check, especially for imported cars or vehicles that have had multiple plate changes.