Where Is the VIN Number on a Car?

A car’s VIN number (or just “VIN”) allows you to decode certain characteristics of a vehicle. You might need to know the VIN at some point during your vehicle ownership! As one example, you want to order a roof rack to enhance your Lakeland drives. You’ll need to provide the car’s VIN number to our parts department so we can order the right accessory for your vehicle.

Every new and used vehicle on Valrico roads has a VIN. Every vehicle on American roads is required to have a VIN at all times. Where is the VIN number on a car? What is a VIN number? The friendly Plant City staff at Stingray Chevrolet has more information with our guide!

Where Is the VIN Number on a Car Exactly?

Look at two places to find your car’s VIN number. It must be permanently affixed to your vehicle.

Where the Dashboard & Windshield Meet

1. Stand outside of your vehicle.
2. Head to the front.
3. Direct your gaze to the driver’s side.
4. See where the dashboard and windshield meet, near the hood.
5. View the car’s VIN number through the glass of the windshield, permanently imprinted on a small tab. You’ll see a series of letters and numbers there.

On the Driver’s Door Frame

1. Open the driver’s door.
2. Look where the door latches to the frame.
3. View the permanent label on the doorpost that shows the car’s VIN number.

The VIN number label must never be removed, and it must stay with the vehicle at all times, according to federal law.

Next, we talk about what a VIN number is and when you’ll need to use it.

What Is a VIN Number?

VIN stands for “vehicle identification number.” You will need to know the VIN for several situations as a car owner. See some of the popular ones here:

• Registering your vehicle with FL
• Examining vehicle history reports and maintenance records
• Discovering if your vehicle is under recall from the manufacturer
• Making warranty claims for repairs
• Completing police reports for theft or damage
• Buying insurance coverage
• Ordering OEM parts and accessories
• Scheduling service with our team
• Applying for financing to get an auto loan
• Selling your vehicle to a private party or dealership like Stingray Chevrolet
• Trading in your vehicle to a dealership

Please use a secure portal when submitting your VIN through an online resource.

What Do VINs Consist Of?

VINs are 17 characters long, made of letters and numbers in specific sequences. Your vehicle has a unique VIN, as does every vehicle on the road. No other vehicle has that same VIN, just like your Social Security number, DNA, fingerprints and personality are unique to you.

Cars made in 1980 or before have VINs that are shorter than 17 characters. Here’s an example of what a VIN looks like, in this case for a new Chevy Camaro:

1G1FB1RS7R0113089

Decoding the VIN gives you information like the manufacturer, specifications, features, and more.

What Do the Different Characters in a VIN Mean?

Each character identifies a specific aspect of the vehicle you own:

• Character 1: Country of Origin
• Character 2: Manufacturer
• Character 3: Vehicle Type or Manufacturing Division
• Character 4: Body Type
• Character 5: Engine
• Character 6: Series
• Character 7: Restraint Type
• Character 8: Model
• Character 9: Check Digit to detect a valid VIN
• Character 10: Model Year
• Character 11: Plant
• Last Six Characters: Car’s Serial Number

If you have a VIN number without the vehicle, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a VIN decoder. It tells you everything you need to know about the car, truck, or SUV.

Test Drive a New Vehicle at Stingray Chevrolet

Now you know more about VINs! We invite you to get behind the wheel of a new or certified pre-owned vehicle near Brandon. Contact us or call (813) 708-5339 to schedule a test drive.