How to Obtain a Car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

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A car's Vehicle Identification Number is the car equivalent of human DNA -- it uniquely identifies it. Here are some places to look for your car's VIN.

Step 1: Check the dash
Look for the number in the lower left of your dashboard, in front of your steering wheel and visible through the windshield.

Tip
This is the first place you should look if your car was manufactured after 1968.

Step 2: Check the engine block
Open the hood and check the front of the engine block. The VIN will be etched into the block.

Step 3: Check the frame
Look for your VIN at the front of the car's frame, near the windshield washer fluid container.

Step 4: Check the wheel well
Get the VIN from the rear wheel well, directly above the tire.

Step 5: Check the doorjamb
Examine the doorjamb on the driver's side, below where the rear-view mirror would be if the door were closed.

Step 6: Check the doorpost
Look for the VIN at the door post on the driver's side, near the door latch.

Step 7: Check under the spare tire
Check for the VIN underneath the spare tire.

Step 8: Call a dealership
Call a dealership or the car's manufacturer if all else fails and ask them where the VIN is located on your car's make and model. If you can't find it in any other place, they will be able to tell you where it's located.

Did You Know?
Although VIN numbers are now standardized, prior to 1981, manufacturers used any number they wanted.