Every car built since 1981 has a unique 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It never contains the letters I, O or Q (to avoid confusion with 1 and 0). Here is how it breaks down:
- Characters 1–3 — World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI): the country and maker. A VIN starting with 1, 4 or 5 was built in the USA; J = Japan; W = Germany; etc.
- Characters 4–8 — Vehicle Descriptor Section: model, body style, engine and restraint system.
- Character 9 — check digit: a math-derived character that validates the whole VIN.
- Character 10 — model year (e.g. A=1980/2010, B=2011, … H=2017, with a repeating cycle).
- Character 11 — assembly plant.
- Characters 12–17 — serial number, unique to that specific vehicle.
Where to find it: the base of the windshield on the driver's side, the driver's door-jamb sticker, your title, registration, or insurance card.
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