Where to find it
Federal rules require the VIN to be marked clearly and permanently on a part of the vehicle that is not meant to be removed, or on a label permanently attached to such a part. For passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks, it must be inside the passenger compartment and readable through the glass from outside the car, near the left windshield pillar. In practice, look at the base of the windshield on the driver's side.
The VIN also appears on paperwork. California's insurance department notes that the declarations page of an auto policy lists the vehicle identification numbers of the insured vehicles.
How it is used
- Insurance. The VIN on your declarations page tells the insurer exactly which vehicle is covered. Check that it matches your car, especially after buying or replacing one.
- Decoding. NHTSA's free VIN decoder shows information the manufacturer reported about a vehicle, such as where it was built.
- Claims and paperwork. Keep a note of the VIN, for example a photo of the label, so you can give it quickly when you report a claim or a theft.
Related terms
Sources
- NHTSA, VIN Decoder what a VIN is, the decoder, and the requirement that each vehicle have one
- Code of Federal Regulations, 49 CFR 565.13 (via Cornell LII) VIN length, permanence and location requirements
- California Department of Insurance, Automobile Insurance Terms VINs listed on the declarations page
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