Where is the VIN Number on a Car?

One of the most common questions we’re asked here at Bob Luegers Motors, Inc. near Huntingburg is, “Where is the VIN number on a car?” It’s easier to find than might think to find the VIN number on your new Buick, GMC or pre-owned car:

• Stand outside of your car on the driver’s side and inspect the corner of the dashboard where it and the windshield meet. You should be able to find the VIN there.
• If you can’t find it on the corner of the dash, open the driver’s side door and check where the door latches; it’s likely shown right there on the door post.

Now that you know where to find the car VIN number, read on to learn more about what the individual numbers and letters mean!

What is a VIN Number?

VIN is an acronym for vehicle identification number. VINs are 17-character codes (VINs are 17 characters long if the cars they’re attached to were manufactured after 1981.) that serve as a fingerprint for cars — no two vehicles on the road have the same VIN. Here’s an example of what a VIN looks like:

1G1YZ23J9P5803427 

Your car’s VIN provides identifying information about the car’s manufacturer, specifications, features, and more. The VIN can also provide insight into registration information, active recalls, warranty claims, theft, and insurance coverage.

What Do the Different Characters in a VIN Mean?

Here’s a quick breakdown of what type of information each of the numbers and letters in a VIN contains:

• Character 1: Country
• Character 2: Manufacturer
• Character 3: Vehicle Type
• Character 4: Body Type
• Character 5: Engine
• Character 6: Series
• Character 7: Restraint
• Character 8: Model
• Character 9: Check Digit
• Character 10: Model Year
• Character 11: Plant
• Last Six Characters: Car’s Serial Number

Learn More About Your Car’s VIN from Bob Luegers Motors, Inc.

One of our service technicians would be more than happy to show you where to find your VIN number at your next service appointment. In the meantime, if you have any questions about your car’s VIN number? Don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at (877) 417-1301 to speak with one of our friendly team members near Evansville and Loogootee.