Where to find the VIN on the car and in the registration document, the structure of the 17 characters and how to check it has not been altered before buying.
The vehicle identification number (VIN) has 17 characters that identify the manufacturer, model, engine, year and production number. Learn where to find it on the car and in the registration document, what each group of characters means and how to check it has not been altered.
The VIN is the car's identity number: 17 characters, without the letters I, O and Q so they cannot be confused with the digits 1 and 0. It gives you the technical data, the right parts and the history. Before a purchase, the most important thing is that the VIN on the body, on the windscreen or label and in the registration document are identical.
Original editorial schematic, illustrative only — not a real scan-tool screenshot and not a substitute for engine-specific procedures.
Compare the VIN in at least two places on the car with the registration document. Any difference, erased character or label stuck over another is a reason not to continue with the purchase.
On a phone, scroll the table to see all columns.
2. What each character means| Positions | Group | What it contains |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | WMI (manufacturer) | Region, country and manufacturer. Example: W for Germany, V for France or Spain, Z for Italy. |
| 4–8 | VDS (description) | Model, body, engine and equipment, according to each manufacturer's coding. |
| 9 | Check digit | Mandatory in North America; many European manufacturers use it as an ordinary character. |
| 10 | Model year | Used by most manufacturers; not mandatory in Europe, so confirm the year from the documents too. |
| 11 | Plant | The factory where the car was assembled. |
| 12–17 | Serial number | The car's unique production number. |
Technical note: The letters I, O and Q never appear in a valid VIN. If you see them, the VIN was copied wrongly or is fake.
Sources: Wikipedia — Vehicle identification number (ISO 3779 structure)Note the 17 characters in field E or scan the document with your phone.
Read it on the windscreen or pillar label and on the body stamping. Take clear photos of each.
All three sources must be identical. Also check that it has exactly 17 characters and contains no I, O or Q.
Look for grinding marks, welding, fresh paint or characters in a different font around the stamped VIN.
Warning: An altered VIN, a label stuck over another or differences from the registration document can indicate a stolen or rebuilt car. Do not pay a deposit and ask for a check by the authorities or an authorised workshop.
Enter the VIN in the OBDAuto decoder to see the manufacturer, model and available technical data. Compare them with the advert and the documents.
With the VIN confirmed, check mileage and inspection history and, where relevant, a history report from the countries the car came from.
Tick off completed checks. The list resets when you reload the page.
0 / 6 checks completed
VIN from the registration document noted VIN found on the car in at least two places All sources identical, 17 characters, no I, O, Q Stamping inspected for alterations VIN decoded and compared with the advert History checked on the confirmed VINFor most manufacturers, from position 10. It is not mandatory in Europe, so confirm the year from the registration document and service records too.
Why does a VIN never contain the letter O?I, O and Q are excluded so they are not confused with 1 and 0. A VIN with these letters has been copied wrongly.
Can I read the VIN with an OBD scan tool?On many modern cars, yes: the engine ECU stores the VIN. A VIN in the ECU that differs from the body is a warning sign worth checking.
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