VIN guide
Where to find the VIN
Every car built since 1981 has a unique 17-character Vehicle Identification Number. Check that it matches in at least two places on the car and on its papers.
Windscreen
Look through the windscreen at the bottom corner on the driver's side, where the dashboard meets the glass.
Driver's door frame
Open the driver's door and check the sticker or plate on the door pillar (B-pillar).
Engine bay
Often stamped on the firewall at the back of the engine bay or on the front of the frame.
Customs papers
Nigeria Customs Service duty papers and the bill of lading list the VIN (sometimes called chassis number).
Registration documents
Proof of ownership, vehicle licence and the insurance certificate should all show the same VIN.
Under the spare tyre / carpet
Some manufacturers stamp it on the floor pan under the boot carpet or driver's seat.
How to read a VIN
- 1–3: Manufacturer
- Country and manufacturer. 1, 4 or 5 = USA, 2 = Canada, J = Japan, W = Germany.
- 4–8: Vehicle details
- Model, body type, engine and restraint system.
- 9: Check digit
- A security digit calculated from the other 16. North American VINs must pass this check.
- 10: Model year
- For example C = 2012, L = 2020, S = 2025.
- 11: Assembly plant
- The factory that built the car.
- 12–17: Serial number
- The unique production number.
VINs never use the letters I, O or Q, so they can't be confused with 1 and 0.