What is a VIN Number?
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code assigned to every motor vehicle during manufacturing. This 17-character string of letters and numbers (excluding the letters Q, I, and O to avoid confusion with numbers 0 and 1) provides specific details about the vehicle's manufacturer, model, year, and place of production, with no intermediate spaces.
Each section of the VIN offers distinct information about the vehicle, including make, model, year, and serial number. This alphanumeric code, typically printed in a single line on the vehicle's chassis or documents, is essential for registration, insurance, and tracking the vehicle's history.
VIN typically located on driver's side dashboard, visible through windshield
VIN Example
VSSZZZ5FZER058590
VSS
Manufacturer identifier (World Manufacturer Identifier)
ZZZ5F
Vehicle descriptor section (model, body type, engine type)
Z
Check digit for validation
E
Model year code
R
Plant code (manufacturing location)
058590
Sequential production number
The VIN was not standardized before 1981
When the VIN was first introduced, it wasn't standardized. Each manufacturer used its own format, so lengths and structures varied widely.
In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) required all vehicles to use a unique 17-character VIN. This is the standard format still in use today.
If the VIN doesn't follow the modern standard, make sure to include the manufacturer in your search.
The VIN (also called the chassis or serial number) is listed on your registration certificate and is physically stamped on your vehicle. Now you know where to look!
VIN Model Year Character Codes
The 10th position in the VIN represents the model year of the vehicle. This character follows a specific pattern that repeats every 30 years. Here's a comprehensive reference for model year codes from 1980 to 2030:
A = 1980
B = 1981
C = 1982
D = 1983
E = 1984
F = 1985
G = 1986
H = 1987
J = 1988
K = 1989
L = 1990
M = 1991
N = 1992
P = 1993
R = 1994
S = 1995
T = 1996
V = 1997
W = 1998
X = 1999
Y = 2000
1 = 2001
2 = 2002
3 = 2003
4 = 2004
5 = 2005
6 = 2006
7 = 2007
8 = 2008
9 = 2009
A = 2010
B = 2011
C = 2012
D = 2013
E = 2014
F = 2015
G = 2016
H = 2017
J = 2018
K = 2019
L = 2020
M = 2021
N = 2022
P = 2023
R = 2024
S = 2025
T = 2026
V = 2027
W = 2028
X = 2029
Y = 2030
1 = 2031
2 = 2032
3 = 2033
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI): Country Codes
The first characters of a VIN indicates the country where the vehicle was manufactured.
| WMI | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A–H | Africa | AA–AH = South Africa |
| J–R | Asia | J = Japan KL–KR = South Korea L = China MA–ME = India MF–MK = Indonesia ML–MR = Thailand MS = Myanmar PA–PE = Philippines PL–PR = Malaysia RF–RG = Taiwan |
| S–Z | Europe | SA–SM = United Kingdom SN–ST, W = Germany SU–SZ = Poland TA–TH = Switzerland TJ–TP = Czech Republic TR–TV = Hungary TW = Portugal VA–VE = Austria VF–VR = France VS–VW = Spain VX–V2 = Yugoslavia XL–XM = Netherlands XS–XW = USSR X3–X0 = Russia YA–YE = Belgium YF–YK = Finland YS–YW = Sweden ZA–ZR = Italy |
| 1–5 | North America | 1, 4, 5 = United States 2 = Canada 3 = Mexico |
| 6–7 | Oceania | 6A–6W = Australia 7A–7E = New Zealand |
| 8–0 | South America | 8A–8E = Argentina 8F–8J = Chile 8X–82 = Venezuela 9A–9E, 93–99 = Brazil 9F–9J = Colombia |
How many characters?
17 (digits and capital letters)
Where to find?
Dashboard on the driver's side for most of the cars
What is EU Type Approval?
EU Type Approval is a certification process that ensures vehicles, systems, components, and technical units designed for vehicles comply with EU safety, environmental, and technical standards before they can be sold in the European market.
When a manufacturer produces a series of vehicles of the same type, they can apply for type approval at designated authorities. The authorities test a vehicle sample to verify it meets all requirements. Once approved, the manufacturer ensures that all vehicles produced conform to this approved type without needing individual inspections.
How to Find Your Vehicle's Type Approval Number
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Manufacturer's Homologation Label: Look for a mandatory label (also called approval plate or type plate) typically located in the engine compartment, on a door pillar, or under the hood. For vehicles type-approved in the EU, this label will display the EC type-approval number.
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Vehicle Registration Documents: The type approval number should be listed on your vehicle registration certificate in most EU countries.
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Certificate of Conformity (COC): This document is provided by the manufacturer and contains the complete type approval number, confirming that your vehicle conforms to an approved type.
Understanding the EU Type Approval Number
The EC type-approval number consists of several parts separated by asterisks (*), with each part conveying specific information.
e1*2007/46*2064*07
- First part:
Lowercase 'e' followed by the code of the country issuing the type-approval (e1 = Germany)
- Second part:
Number of the basic directive or regulation (2007/46 = Framework Directive)
- Third part:
Four-digit sequential number designating the base approval number (2064)
- Fourth part:
Two-digit sequential number indicating the extension of type approval (07 = seventh extension)
Example of a manufacturer plate with type approval information
Why Type Approval Matters
The type approval system offers several important benefits:
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Free Movement: EU type approval ensures that vehicles can be registered and used in any EU country without requiring additional technical inspections.
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Safety Standards: It guarantees that vehicles meet stringent safety, emissions, and technical standards before being allowed on European roads.
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Documentation: The COC (Certificate of Conformity) issued for type-approved vehicles simplifies the registration process across the EU.
Multi-Stage Type Approval
Some vehicles, particularly commercial vehicles or specialized vehicles, undergo a multi-stage approval process:
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Stage 1: The base vehicle manufacturer obtains approval for the incomplete vehicle.
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Stage 2: Another manufacturer completes or modifies the vehicle and obtains additional approval.
Multi-stage vehicles have separate homologation labels for each stage, and separate COC documents may be issued by different manufacturers involved in the process.
Important Note:
The extension number in the type approval never changes for a manufactured vehicle. If your vehicle was manufactured with approval number e1*2001/116*0242*09, this is the number that will appear on any duplicate COC document, regardless of how many extensions have been issued since manufacture.
What's on a COC?
Manufacturer details, vehicle specifications, type approval numbers, and technical characteristics
Why does it matter?
Simplifies vehicle registration across EU countries and confirms compliance with safety and environmental standards
What if there's a mismatch?
If the type approval number on your registration document differs from your COC, the COC takes precedence for registration purposes
What is a Swiss Homologation Number?
In Switzerland, the Federal Office of Roads (OFROU) is responsible for homologating registered vehicles. The TARGA software manages homologation records and data files containing technical specifications and emission data for all vehicles.
Three Generations of Swiss Homologation Numbers
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First generation: Established before 1985
Numerical designation format (e.g., 1234)
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Second generation: Established between 1985 and 1995
Alphanumeric designation with one letter (e.g., 1B3261)
- 3
Third generation: Established after 1995
Alphanumeric designation with two letters (e.g., 3MA023)
How to Find Your Swiss Homologation Number
You can find the Swiss homologation number in field 24 of the Swiss vehicle registration document.
Why Swiss Homologation Matters
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Required for vehicle registration in Switzerland
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Contains important technical specifications specific to Swiss regulations
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Helps identify the exact vehicle configuration approved for Swiss roads
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Important for importing vehicles into Switzerland
Important Note:
Swiss homologation numbers are specific to Switzerland and differ from EU Type Approval numbers. A vehicle may need both certifications if it moves between Switzerland and EU countries.
Swiss homologation information document
Swiss vs EU Approval
While EU type approval is valid across all EU member states, Swiss homologation is specific to Switzerland's requirements, which can sometimes be more stringent or different.
When do you need it?
You'll need the Swiss homologation number when registering a vehicle in Switzerland, especially for imported vehicles. It confirms the vehicle meets Swiss road safety and environmental standards.