Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN Numbers)

What is a VIN Number?

A VIN or VIN number (short for "Vehicle Identification Number") is a seventeen-digit code that uniquely identifies every vehicle manufactured since the early 1980's. Every car, truck, motorcycle, trailer, etc. that is built is assigned a VIN and DMVs and insurance companies use the VIN to keep track of which vehicle is which.

The VIN encodes specific information about a vehicle, including country of manufacture, manufacturer, model, body style and even engine and other information. This was standardized in the early '80s and all major manufacturers follow the standard. Here's the VIN for my car: 1HGEG8557SL022455. Here's what CARFAX can tell about the car just by decoding the info in the VIN: 1995 Honda Civic LX, 4 Dr Sedan.

More VIN information:

• online VIN decoder
• history of VIN numbers

Never buy a used car without CARFAX!

Order a CARFAX Vehicle History Report ... the first step to protecting yourself against buying used cars with costly hidden problems. Start your search now by entering your VIN below.

Don't have a VIN?

Where do I find a VIN number for a car I'm thinking of buying?

A lot of used car websites include a VIN in their for-sale listings. When you're shopping online, find the VIN and cut and paste it into the VIN form. Get the unlimited version of the report so you can screen as many VINs as you need to.

If there's no VIN listed in the newspaper or website ad, contact the seller and ask for it before you go see the car. You could save yourself a lot of time by avoiding problem vehicles... and you won't get tempted by a smooth pitch before you have all the info.

When you're test driving a car, you can also get the VIN from the car itself. A VIN is visible on the lower right hand (driver's side) corner of the dash when looking through the front windshield. Most cars actually contain up to 17 VIN plates on parts such as the transmission, engine block, and even the rear bumper.

The owner of the vehicle should also be able to provide you with the Vehicle identification number from the vehicle registration, title or proof of insurance cards.

When you have the Vehicle Identification Number, check it at CARFAX.com.