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02 Feb, 2025

What Is the VIN Number and Where to Find It in Your Car?

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-character alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies your car. It contains key details such as manufacturer, model, year of production, country of origin, and technical specifications.

Since 1981, all vehicles must have a VIN, following ISO 3779 standards. This number is essential for vehicle registration, insurance, theft prevention, and maintenance records.


Where to Find the VIN on Your Car

Your VIN number is located in multiple places on the vehicle and in official documents.

On the Car Body

  • Dashboard – Driver’s side, near the windshield
  • Driver’s door frame – Inside the door, visible when open
  • Engine bay – Stamped on a metal plate or chassis
  • Trunk or spare tire compartment – Some manufacturers place a secondary VIN here

On Vehicle Documents

  • Registration certificate (logbook)
  • Insurance policy
  • Owner’s manual
  • Purchase invoice or bill of sale

For motorcycles, the VIN is usually found on the frame near the handlebars or on the engine casing.


Why Is the VIN Important?

  • Registration & Compliance – Required for registering, importing, and verifying a vehicle’s legal status.
  • Insurance & Ownership History – Used to check accident records and past owners.
  • Theft Prevention & Recovery – Law enforcement agencies track stolen vehicles using the VIN.
  • Maintenance & Recalls – Identifies specific vehicle parts and recalls issued by manufacturers.

Check Your VIN for Registration & COC

If you are importing a car or need to register your vehicle in Europe, your VIN helps determine if you need a Certificate of Conformity (COC). At Certificato-COC, we provide:

Official COCs for all major car brands
Fast processing & delivery
Hassle-free vehicle registration support

Enter your VIN on our website or contact us via WhatsApp to get your COC today.

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