Read more about autoDNA VIN number (2024)

What is VIN number?

VIN is an acronym often used for Vehicle Identification Number.

It's unique for every vehicle, just like DNA is unique for every human. VIN allows cataloguing vehicle by the universal scheme for all entities on the market.

On its basis, autoDNA can help you discover the vehicle history of your car, motorcycle, and even a trailer.

Manufacturers, in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard norms, designate their vehicles with VIN numbers and place them (usually) in specific spots on the bodywork. However, it has not always been like this.

History of the bodywork number

VIN number was first introduced in 1954 in USA. During the first years after its introduction, until 1981, there wasn’t one unified standard for VIN numbers (bodywork numbers), and vehicle manufacturers would use various forms of information encoding. This was considered not to be working well, considering the growing number of vehicles, and therefore it was decided to regulate it and adjust the VIN designation to the global ISO norms.

After the introduction of the ISO norm, the manufacturers which produced vehicles for the American market very quickly adjusted to this standard. The ISO introduced recommendations for applying the VIN standard and its structure, and the bodywork number was also used in Europe. However, the sets of information contained in it were introduced gradually.

Below we list brands and models along with their VIN numbers for whose control digit is encoded:

As of July 6, 2022, an implementing regulation of the European Union Commission is in force, stipulating that for North American vehicles, the check digit is to be always on the 9th position of the VIN.

Every VIN number should:

What information does VIN number contain?

The VIN number contains a range of encoded information. On the basis of this number, autoDNA is able to thoroughly identify the vehicle and check the vehicle history. Checking the VIN is basically checking the manufacturer code, the vehicle technical data, and its serial number, as well as verifying its number. Every VIN is divided into three basic sections.

Sections

In accordance with the ISO 3779 norm, the standard VIN numbers consist of 3 sections:

The ISO 3779 norm defines and specifies the 17-character length of the VIN number for vehicles manufactured after 1981. The vehicles manufactured before this date might have a VIN number or a serial number consisting of 5-13 characters. Moreover, vehicles such as muscle cars, classic cars and American cars often have VIN number which deviate from the 17-character standard.

Now that you know what the VIN number is, contact us to identify your vehicle. autoDNA will help you get information about the vehicle history which might be not available in other databases.

Meaning

Let’s take a look at the components of the 17-character VIN number

Where to find the VIN number?

By default, in Poland, the VIN number is placed in the “E” field in the vehicle registration book. It might be different for the vehicle registration books of other countries, such as Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, France and Denmark.

It should always be consistent with the VIN number embossed on the statutory plate, which can be found in various spots of the vehicle. This field in your vehicle registration book must never be empty, as providing the VIN number is necessary to register the vehicle.

In passenger vehicles

floor on the passenger's side or next to the seat driver's side door jamb left side of the interior dashboard engine chamber (front reinforcer) right side member behind the front wheel fire wall front end of frame fire wall doorstep on the passenger’s side right side member behind the rear wheel

Find out how to check the VIN number at autoDNA.

How to check the VIN number