What is a VIN number? {{ currentPage ? currentPage.title : "" }}

Indicated both on the gray card and in several places on the vehicle, the VIN code corresponds to the serial number of a vehicle. Composed of a series of letters and numbers, this code is unique and thus makes it possible with simple VIN lookup to precisely identify a car, a truck, a utility vehicle, or even a motorcycle.

Car: What is the VIN number?

The VIN number, for " Vehicle Identification Number ", is a unique code assigned to each new vehicle produced (car, motorcycle, utility vehicle, etc.). Also called vehicle identification number or vehicle serial number, this code identifies a vehicle and consists of 17 characters since 1981.

All vehicles around the world have their own VIN number, the format of which is based on an international ISO standard. This serial number is engraved in at least two places on each vehicle. It is also possible to read it on the gray card. Note also that the code must be identical in these different places.

Good to know: Although it consists of letters and numbers, your car's VIN code cannot contain the letters "I", "O", and "Q". Why? Simply to avoid confusion with the numbers 0 and 1.

Where can I find the vehicle serial number?

As we have mentioned, the VIN number is first of all present on your vehicle registration document, at the level of the E mark. This is also the case for all vehicles that have been registered at the European level. This code should also appear in a minimum of two places on your car. Most often, you will be able to find the serial number of the vehicle:

  • at the level of the manufacturer's plate, generally located on the lower side of the front door or under the bonnet;

  • on the chassis of the vehicle, at the level of the shock absorber head or the cross member of the engine, where it is struck when cold;

  • on the lower part of the windscreen, mainly on older models;

  • in the car's on-board computer, provided it is recent;

  • on the vehicle's official documents, in particular the maintenance booklet and the Histovec report.

How to read the VIN code on the gray card?

Present in particular on the registration certificate of your car, the serial number of the vehicle can be broken down into 3 series of characters in order to facilitate its reading and checking for it on the VIN decoder website.

  • The WMI manufacturer code: the first three characters, constituting the WMI code (“ World Manufacturer Identifier ”), is used to identify the manufacturer who manufactured the vehicle. The first character designates a geographical area (example: V for France, Spain, Austria, Croatia, and Estonia), the second a country within this area (example: F for France) and the last a specific manufacturer (example: 1 for Renault). Thus, a vehicle produced by Renault France will carry the VF1 code.

  • The VDS descriptor code: the next 6 characters of the VIN number (from the 4th to the 9th) designate the VDS code (“ Vehicle Descriptor Section ”). It is used to describe the technical characteristics of the vehicle, such as vehicle type (car, truck, etc.), model identification, model generation, and roof type.

  • The VIS indicator code: the last 8 characters (from the 10th to the 17th) designate the VIS code (“ Vehicle Indicator Section ”). It makes it possible to identify the vehicle, in particular by providing its year of production, the production plant, and its number in the series.

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