Need to find your Vehicle Identification Number but not sure where to look? The VIN is placed in several locations on every vehicle. Here are all the places you can check.

What Does a VIN Look Like?

Before you start looking, know what you're looking for: a VIN is a 17-character code made up of letters and numbers. It never includes the letters I, O, or Q (to avoid confusion with 1, 0, and 9).

Example VIN: 1HGCM82633A123456

7 Places to Find Your VIN

1. Driver's Side Dashboard

The most common location. Look at the base of the windshield on the driver's side. You should see a small metal plate with the VIN stamped or printed on it. It's easiest to read from outside the car, looking through the windshield.

2. Driver's Side Door Jamb

Open the driver's door and look at the door jamb — the area where the door latches when closed. There's usually a sticker or plate that includes the VIN along with other information like tire pressure specs and paint codes.

3. Vehicle Registration

Your state vehicle registration document includes the VIN. If you have the paperwork handy, this is the easiest place to find it without going to the car.

4. Insurance Card

Your auto insurance card or policy documents will list your VIN. Check your glove box or your insurance company's app.

5. Vehicle Title

The certificate of title for your vehicle includes the VIN. This is the official ownership document, usually kept in a safe place at home.

6. Under the Hood

Some vehicles have the VIN stamped on the engine block or on a plate mounted to the firewall (the metal wall between the engine bay and the cabin). This is less common on newer vehicles but is still used by some manufacturers.

7. Rear Wheel Well

On some trucks and SUVs, the VIN is stamped on the frame, visible through the rear wheel well on the driver's side.

Where to Find the VIN on Specific Vehicle Types

Trucks

In addition to the standard locations, trucks often have the VIN stamped on the frame rail — you may need to crouch down and look underneath.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles typically have the VIN on the steering neck (the area where the front fork attaches to the frame). Some bikes also have it on the engine or on a plate near the motor.

Trailers

Travel trailers and utility trailers usually have the VIN on the tongue (the front A-frame section) or on a plate attached to the left side of the frame.

What to Do Once You Have Your VIN

Once you've located your VIN, you can use it to:

Decode the VIN for free — Get detailed specs including engine, safety features, dimensions, and manufacturing details
Check for recalls — See if your vehicle has any open safety recalls
Get a vehicle history report — Check for accidents, title issues, and ownership history
Retrieve the window sticker — Dealerships can get original Monroney stickers for any VIN

Decode VINs Faster with Our Chrome Extension

If you're regularly looking up VINs — whether you're shopping for a car, working at a dealership, or doing research — our free Chrome extension lets you highlight any VIN on any website and get instant vehicle details. No copy-pasting, no switching tabs.

Learn More

What is a VIN number? — Complete guide to understanding VINs
How to get a window sticker from a VIN — For dealers and buyers

Where to Find the VIN on a Car: 7 Locations to Check