Where to Find the VIN

The Vehicle Identification Number is 17 characters long — letters and numbers, but never I, O or Q. Here's where to look.

Stand outside the car and look through the lower corner of the windshield where the dashboard meets the glass.

Open the driver's door and check the sticker or plate on the door frame or the edge of the door.

The VIN is printed on the vehicle title, registration card and most loan documents.

Insurers list the VIN of every covered vehicle on your ID card and declarations page.

Many vehicles also stamp the VIN on the firewall, the front of the frame or the engine block.

Most dealer listings show the VIN. If a private seller won't share it, treat that as a warning sign.

Protect yourself

Make Sure the VINs Match

Before you buy, compare the VIN on the dashboard, the door jamb and the title. They must be identical.

Mismatched VINs can mean stolen parts, a cloned identity or a rebuilt vehicle.
Look for scratched, re-riveted or loose VIN plates and stickers.
Run the VIN through our decoder — the year, make and model must match the car in front of you.

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