VIN Number — What It Is and Where to Find It
A VIN number is like a car's passport — a unique 17-character code that identifies every vehicle in the world. In this guide you will learn what a VIN code is, where to find the VIN number on a car and in documents, how to decode it, and why a VIN check is so important before buying a used car.
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📋 Table of Contents
What is a VIN number?
VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every car during the manufacturing process. It is like a car's DNA — no two VIN numbers in the world are the same.
The VIN system was introduced in 1981 to standardize vehicle identification worldwide. Before that, each manufacturer used its own numbering system, which created great confusion and made it easier to hide a vehicle's history. Since 1981 every new car receives a VIN code that remains unchanged for its entire lifetime.
⚠️ Important to remember
The VIN number must match across all documents and on all parts of the car where it is displayed. If the VIN on the vehicle differs from the VIN in the documents, or the plate looks damaged/scratched/altered — that is a serious red flag that may indicate a stolen or accident-damaged vehicle.
A VIN code contains only letters and digits, but never includes the letters I, O, and Q to avoid confusion with the digits 1 and 0. If you see these letters in a VIN number — it is not a valid VIN.
Where to find the VIN number?
The VIN number is located in several places on the car and in documents. This is done intentionally — to make it harder for thieves to forge or change all VINs, and so that owners can always find it.
🚗 On the car
- 📍Lower left corner of the windshield — visible from outside, most commonly used location
- 📍Driver's door jamb — open the door and look at the frame, usually on a sticker
- 📍Engine compartment — on a special metal plate
- 📍Under the passenger seat or in the trunk (for some makes)
📄 In documents
- ✓Vehicle registration certificate — field E
- ✓MTPL and CASCO insurance policies — insurers always include the VIN
- ✓Service booklet — if available, the VIN is noted on the first page
- ✓Purchase agreement — must be included as a mandatory item
🚨 Red flag
If the VIN number on the car differs from the VIN in the documents, or if the plate looks damaged, scratched, or altered — never buy such a car without a professional inspection! It may indicate a stolen vehicle or an attempt to hide serious accident history.
VIN number structure — meaning of 17 characters
Each of the 17 characters in a VIN code is meaningful and provides specific information about the vehicle. The VIN number is divided into three main parts: WMI, VDS, and VIS.
WMI — World Manufacturer Identifier
The first 3 characters identify the manufacturer and country of production. For example: WVW = Volkswagen (Germany), WAU = Audi (Germany), WBA = BMW (Germany), VF1 = Renault (France).
VDS — Vehicle Descriptor Section
Characters 4-8 describe the car model, body type, engine type, and other specifications. This part may vary depending on the manufacturer but usually contains information about the model version.
Check digit
The 9th character is a check digit calculated using a special mathematical formula from the other characters. It allows verification of whether the VIN number has been forged or contains errors.
Model year
The 10th character indicates the year of production. Letters and digits repeat every 30 years: A=2010, B=2011... K=2019, L=2020, M=2021, N=2022 etc.
VIS — Vehicle Identifier Section
The 11th character indicates the factory where the car was manufactured. Characters 12-17 are the unique serial number that identifies a specific vehicle from all other cars of the same model.
What does a VIN code reveal about a car?
The VIN number is the key that opens the door to a vehicle's complete history. With a professional VIN check you can learn much more than just manufacturer information.
🏭 Manufacturer information
Where and when the car was manufactured, at which factory, and for which market it was originally intended (European, US, or other market).
📊 Technical data
Original specifications — engine type and displacement, gearbox, safety equipment, original color, and other options.
📍 Registration history
Which countries the car has been registered in, mileage in each country, number of previous owners, and registration dates.
🔧 Service history
Maintenance and repairs performed at authorized service centers, warranty work, and recall campaigns.
💥 Accident history
Information about accidents, insurance claims, and extent of damage. Very important before buying a used car!
🚨 Safety checks
Whether the car has been written off, whether it has been stolen, whether it has been involved in fraud schemes, or is encumbered with debt.
Most common manufacturer country codes
The first character of a VIN number indicates the region where the car was manufactured, while the first two or three characters identify the specific country and manufacturer.
Example: If a VIN starts with WVWZZZ, it means the car is a Volkswagen manufactured in Germany. If it starts with WAUFA — it is an Audi from Germany.
Why is a VIN check important?
In Latvia's used car market there are unfortunately many dishonest sellers who hide important information about a vehicle's history. A VIN check is the only way to find out the truth before purchasing.
⚠️ Latvian market statistics:
- •30-50% of used cars in Latvia have a tampered odometer
- •Many imported cars were previously taxis or rental cars abroad
- •Every year hundreds of accident-damaged cars are sold without disclosure of the damage
A VIN check allows you to verify mileage history from multiple countries, uncover accidents and damage, find out if a car has been written off or stolen. It is a small investment that can protect you from thousands of euros in losses.
How to check a VIN number?
A VIN check is simple and fast — all you need is the 17-character VIN code. Here is how to do it:
Find the VIN number
Locate the VIN number on the car or in the documents. Make sure it is the full 17-character code and matches in all locations.
Enter the VIN in our system
Enter the VIN number in the search field. The system automatically checks format correctness and warns about possible errors.
Receive a full report
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📌 Summary
VIN number is a unique 17-character code that identifies every car in the world. It can be found on the windshield, the door frame, and in documents. The VIN code contains information about the manufacturer, model, and year of production. A VIN check before buying a used car is essential — it reveals the true mileage, accident history, and other important information that sellers often hide.
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This guide has been prepared based on international VIN standards and the specifics of the Latvian car market. Updated January 2026.