We're all familiar with our car's registration numbers, as displayed on our number plates. If we weren't, we'd have a hard time identifying our cars in busy supermarket car parks. Many of us know that the registration number is changeable and that it is possible to replace it with a different one, as happens when we buy a private number plate to replace the rather dull one that was assigned to the car when it was new.
So, if a car's registration number isn't set in stone, so to speak, how can a car be reliably identified throughout its lifetime on the road? Every car has a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), usually consisting of 17 characters.
Note: The name Vehicle Identification Number is a little misleading, as a VIN contains both numerical digits and letter characters.
Unlike the registration number that is issued by DVLA, the VIN is not only unique, but it is permanent and, under all normal circumstances, unchangeable.
Where is the VIN number?
The VIN is stamped into the chassis of the vehicle, usually in the engine bay. It can often be found in a number of locations on the car, including on a plate or sticker inside the driver's door; under the driver's side door sill trim; inside the bottom of the windscreen; on the front of the engine block and/or stamped into the body near the driver's seat. It also appears on your V5C registration document ("logbook").
No matter how many different places your VIN appears, all instances must match. If they don't, then something isn't right.
What do the VIN's letters and digits mean?
It's more than just a simple ID number. The VIN is an encoded string representing a number of pieces of information about your car.
The European format for VIN codes may be broken down as follows.
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The first three characters specify the country where the vehicle was made, the manufacturer and vehicle type or category (car, truck etc).
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The fourth to eighth characters inclusive provide more details about the car's construction and components, including engine and transmission type etc. This includes the engine type, restraint system, engine code, transmission type and car model.
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The 9th character is a check character used to verify VINs.
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The tenth character indicates the car's year of manufacture.
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The eleventh character specifies the manufacturing facility where the vehicle was made.
- Characters twelve to seventeen specify the car's production sequence numbers.
Why do we need VIN numbers?
The VIN makes it possible to trace a vehicle's history. It also provides a way to identify a vehicle even if all other distinguishing numbers, makes and codes have been removed. Here are some key areas in which VIN numbers are invaluable:
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Reliable identification
The VIN code is a reliable identifier that can be referred to when changes to registration or ownership take place. It is present on the vehicle's V5C registration document as well as being physically stamped into the car itself.
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Safety and maintenance
The VIN provides a way for manufacturers and mechanics to identify vehicles that may be subject to recalls or safety notices, and for other maintenance purposes.
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Buyer safety and security
Used vehicle history reports based on VIN numbers are available online from a number of providers. The reports can include information on previous accidents, previous ownership, odometer readings, emissions ratings, finance status, proof of service history and more. A VIN check can reveal stolen vehicles and those which have been cobbled together from parts of other vehicles (which may be unsafe to drive). A used vehicle check of this kind is one of the most useful tools available to potential buyers. The cost (often less than £20) is a very modest outlay for the peace of mind it can provide.
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Law enforcement
VINs can be used by police when identifying recovered or abandoned vehicles, even when number plates have been removed and, often, even if a car has been substantially destroyed by fire. VINs can also reveal if a car is displaying fake, stolen or cloned number plates.
Is it true that a VIN number stays with a car for life and can never be changed?
Most explanations you may read regarding VIN numbers will tell you that they arefor the life of the vehicle and can never be changed. That is true - under normal circumstances; however, there are rare exceptions to this rule, including kit cars and some "radically altered" vehicles.
The government's website explains it thus:
When you may need a new VIN or registration
If you have a kit car, rebuild, or radically altered vehicle, DVLA will usually have to assess it.
You may be able to keep its original registration number if you can prove the vehicle’s original VIN. If you cannot, you’ll have to apply for a replacement identity number.
DVLA will give you an authorisation letter to get the vehicle stamped with the new VIN if your vehicle passes its assessment.
You then need to register the vehicle - you can only do this when DVLA receives confirmation it’s been stamped with the correct VIN.
Familiarise yourself with your VIN
Next time you spend a few minutes with your car - cleaning it, checking your tyre pressure or whatever - take the time to locate at least one or two of the places the VIN appears. Also, take a look at your V5C registration document. At the very least you'll know a bit more about your car, but the knowledge may be useful if you contemplate buying a used car at some point in the future.
If you're feeling really curious, you could also investigate online and find out what the specific codes in your VIN say about your car. The information is all there for the finding and it doesn't take long.
