Where to Find Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code for your car. Whether you're checking for recalls, verifying ownership, or tracking down key vehicle details, knowing your VIN is essential. In this guide, we explain what a VIN number is, where to find it—both on and off the vehicle—how to read it, and why it’s so important for car safety, security, and legal documentation in the UK.
What is the VIN Number?
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN number) is a vehicles’ specific identity code. It has essentially got the same effect as a fingerprint, as no two vehicles will have the same VIN number and is made up of 17 digitals and letters that tells you when and where the car was built.
Where is the VIN Located?
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On the dashboard on the driver’s side of the vehicle
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On the driver’s side door either on a plate or as a sticker
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Stamped on the engine’s firewall
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On your insurance card and insurance policy
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On your vehicle’s title and registration
Finding the VIN Number without the Car
If you don’t have access to the car, you can usually find the VIN on other sources such as:
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Car insurance policy
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V5C logbook
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Owner’s manual
How to Find Your VIN Number Online
You can find the VIN number online using Auto Traders car vehicle check, it will cost you £4.95 and you’ll need the registration plate.
If you are just after some of the other details about your vehicle, you can use the DVLA vehicle information check for free to get information such as:
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Vehicle tax
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Sworn status
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MOT expiry
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Engine type
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Fuel type
How Do You Read a VIN on a UK Car?
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-character code that uniquely identifies your car. UK vehicles follow the international ISO VIN format, and the code is divided into three key sections:
World Manufacturer Identification (WMI)
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Digit 1: Identifies the country where the vehicle was manufactured (e.g., 'S' for the UK, 'W' for Germany).
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Digit 2: Indicates the vehicle manufacturer (e.g., 'F' for Ford).
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Digit 3: Together with the first two digits, this specifies the vehicle type or manufacturing division.
Vehicle Description Section (VDS)
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Digits 4–8: Describe the vehicle’s body style, engine type, transmission, and model variant.
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Digit 9: May be used as a check digit by some manufacturers, but this is not a legal requirement in the UK and may not be present or meaningful on all UK vehicles.
Vehicle Identifier Section
Digits 10–17: These identify the individual vehicle. This includes:
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Manufacturing plant code
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Vehicle’s unique serial or production number
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Some manufacturers may include a model year code at digit 10, but this is not standardised in the UK.
