Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): How to Find & Decode Chassis or Engine Number of Your Vehicle

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or Chassis Number, is a specific type of number allotted to the vehicle by the manufacturer. A vehicle identification number is used by the Registering Authorities to register the car. This particular number contains 17 characters which help in differentiating between different types of vehicle models. A Vehicle Identification Number illustrates the vehicle’s unique features and specifications and thus can be very helpful in tracking the details related to the vehicle such as registrations, warranty and insurance claims. Learn more how to find and decode the chassis number or engine number of your vehicle.

What is the VIN or Vehicle Identification Number?

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit code that helps in the identification of a specific vehicle. This particular number distinguishes the vehicle from the other and hence serves as the fingerprint for the vehicle. This is because no two vehicles can have the same vehicle identification number or VIN. Therefore, a VIN is a unique identifier for the vehicle.

A Vehicle Identification number is primarily based on the two parameters which are World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) and Vehicle Description Section (VDS). The other characters are dependent on the type of vehicle, its design or model, engine type, version and year of manufacture, serial number etc. The VIN or Vehicle Identification Number is accepted internationally as a standard to differentiate between different types of vehicles including both private and public vehicles.

Where to find the VIN Number of Your Vehicle?

VIN of your vehicle is a specific number that helps in the identification of the vehicle. The number is allotted to the vehicle by its manufacturer. There are many ways to find the VIN number of your vehicle such as:

  • Dashboard: Vehicle manufacturers print the VIN number on the vehicle’s dashboard which is present on the driver’s side.
  • Door: Vehicle Identification Number can also be found on the driver’s side door. You can check it on the metal strip present on the B-pillar of your car.
  • Hood: The hood of the vehicle located beside the engine is another place where you can find the VIN.
  • Boot: VIN can be found under the spare wheel in the boot. Once you lift the spare wheel, you will be able to locate the VIN of the vehicle.
  • Rear Wheel: In some cases, the VIN number is printed above the rear wheel.
  • Front Grille: Some manufacturers also list the VIN under the vehicle’s front grille.
  • Vehicle Dealership: You can approach the vehicle’s dealer to help you find the VIN of the vehicle.
  • Registration Certificate: RTO makes it compulsory to mention the VIN at the time of the vehicle’s registration. Hence, the vehicle registration number will be mentioned on the vehicle registration certificate as well.
  • Insurance Documents: VIN number is also listed on the Vehicle’s insurance policy documents. Thus, you can find the VIN number from those documents.

How to Decode VIN or Engine Number of Your Vehicle?

The 17 characters present in the VIN or Engine number of your vehicle holds a lot of importance and each character of this number signifies some crucial detail about the vehicle. Here’s the complete guide on these characters to help you decode the VIN or Vehicle Identification Number:

  • 1st Character: It tells about the details regarding the place of manufacture for a particular vehicle
  • 2nd and 3rd Character: Both these characters tell about the details regarding the manufacturer
  • 4th to 8th Characters: These characters in a VIN tells about the car’s brand, engine type and capacity, fuel type, etc
  • 9th Character: This character gives an idea about the Security code of the vehicle which has been provided by the vehicle manufacturer
  • 10th Character: This particular character in a VIN is based on the year of manufacture for a vehicle
  • 11th Character: It gives information about the manufacturing plant of the model
  • 12th to 17th Character: These are based on a specific serial number of the vehicle

Importance Of VIN or Chassis Number for Your Vehicle?

A Vehicle Identification Number, also known as VIN is a unique type of identity code for a particular vehicle. Since it serves as a unique identification number, it holds a lot of importance to the vehicle. Nobody can change the VIN number of the vehicle one it gets printed on the vehicle. Thus, a VIN number is one of the safest and secure ways to get complete information about the vehicle. Due to this, a VIN number is issued to the vehicle not only in India but also around the world.

A VIN number helps in getting the true identity of the vehicle as it tells details regarding the vehicle type, model, manufacture year, etc. This identification number is also helpful for insurance companies to authenticate the vehicle’s owner in case of any suspect. A vehicle identification number can also be helpful to track down theft. If you want to buy or sell an old vehicle, a VIN number becomes very important in such cases. By keeping a tab on the Vehicle Identification Number, you can also get detailed information if the vehicle was obtained in an illegal way or has been involved in some kind of fraud.

 
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find the VIN number from the registration plate of my vehicle?

You can find the VIN number from the registration certificate of your vehicle as RTO mentions the number on this document.

Yes, a vehicle identification number can help you know the month and year of manufacture for a car.

Yes, it is possible to get a car key made with a VIN number. However, only a vehicle owner can do it, hence you need to prove the vehicle ownership.

Both Chassis number and VIN number are the same, however, they are different from an engine number. While Chassis number or VIN number tells about details such as vehicle type, year of manufacture and fuel type, the engine number is exclusive to the engine block.

No, VIN number is different from the registration number of your vehicle. In fact, RTO uses the VIN number to register the vehicle and then allots the registration number.
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