What’s a VIN number and where do I find mine?

Your vehicle identification number, better known as a VIN, is the 17-digit number tied to most modern cars and trucks. The VIN is like a serial number and is unique to the vehicle manufacturer. It can be found in different locations on a vehicle including on the vehicle identification number plate, the frame, and the engine block. It can also be found on your car’s insurance card or your car registration.

The VIN has several purposes including DMV registration, tracking the service histories of vehicles, filing car insurance claims, and identifying the car in cases of theft or a car accident.

Why are vehicle identification numbers important?

A VIN is important because it is used to identify, register, and track specific vehicles. It helps you register your car with the state and track your vehicle for recalls in case something goes wrong with your make and model vehicle. They can also help you look up a vehicle’s history using a VIN number lookup tool like CARFAX. It can help prevent you from buying a car with flood damage or to see if a car was imported from another country.

Reading your VIN

The most common vehicle identification numbers are 17 characters long, though the length can vary depending on the vehicle manufacturer and year. The 17-digit VIN starts with a number or letter country code identifying where your car was built. For example, “1,” “4,” or “5” means it was made in the United States, while “2” represents Canada, and “W” represents Germany.

The next two digits identify the vehicle make and the company that manufactured it. VIN characters four through eight are related to the vehicle specifications, including platform code, series number, body type, safety code, and engine. The last six digits are unique to each vehicle made that year, acting like a serial number.

Where to find your VIN

You can find your VIN in the documents associated with your vehicle:

• Vehicle registration: Your car’s VIN is always listed on the vehicle registration document
  
• Insurance card/policy: Auto insurance cards and policies usually include your VIN
  
• Vehicle title: The VIN is listed on the vehicle’s title or pink slip (proof of ownership).

You can also find your VIN on your vehicle in the following places: 

• Driver’s side dashboard: The most common location is on the driver’s side, at the bottom of the windshield. Look for a small metal plate or sticker visible through the windshield from outside the car.
  
• Driver’s side door frame: Open the driver’s side door and check the sticker or plate on the door frame or the door itself. It’s usually near where the door latches.
  
• Under the hood: Some vehicles have the VIN stamped on parts under the hood, like the engine block or along the firewall.
  
• Front of the engine: Look for the VIN on the engine block itself.
  
• Spare tire well: Some cars have the VIN printed near or inside the spare tire compartment.
  
• Chassis/frame: On older or some specific vehicle models, the VIN may be engraved on the frame of the vehicle, typically under the car or on a part of the frame that’s visible.

About VINs and refinancing

Knowing your VIN is important when buying, selling, registering, refinancing loans, or maintaining your car. 

If you’re looking to refinance your car loan, it can be helpful to know your vehicle identification number. You will need to enter the VIN during the refinancing process to identify your vehicle. The lender uses the VIN to check the car’s value and confirm that it meets the loan terms. Having a good credit score and a clean vehicle history report may help you qualify for a lower interest rate, improving your monthly payment.

At Caribou, we help you find the best lenders in your area and refinance at rates as low as 4.39% APR**. Our platform allows you to pre-qualify without impacting your credit score+. You can easily start the refinance process and lower your monthly payments in just minutes.