You can find the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on a car in several common locations:
- On the dashboard near the windshield on the driver's side, visible from outside the vehicle through the glass
- On a metal plate or sticker on the driver's side door jamb or door frame, often near the door latch
- Stamped on the car’s chassis, usually in the engine bay or on the firewall
- On official vehicle documents such as the registration, title, insurance card, and owner's manual
- In some cases, on build plates, compliance plates, or even under the spare tire in the trunk
These locations are standard across most vehicles, but exact placement can vary by make and model. For older cars or specific brands, the VIN might also be found inside the glove compartment, on the right-hand dash panel, or in other less obvious places
. Taking a photo or writing down the VIN is recommended since it is a 17-character unique identifier important for vehicle history, registration, insurance, and ownership verification
. In summary, the easiest places to check first are the driver's side dashboard near the windshield and the driver's side door jamb. If not found there, check the engine bay and vehicle documents.
