How to Find a Vehicle’s VIN — Step-by-Step

1. On the dashboard — lower corner of the windshield (driver’s side)

Stand outside the car and look at the lower left corner of the windshield near the dashboard. This is the most common place and can be read without opening doors.

2. Driver's door jamb

Open the driver’s door and inspect the door frame where the door latches. Look for a sticker or metal plate listing the VIN, tire pressures, and manufacture info.

3. Under the hood / engine bay

Pop the hood and check the front of the engine block, the firewall, or structural frame rails. Useful when the windshield VIN is obscured.

4. Trunk or spare wheel well (older cars)

Open the trunk and check under the spare wheel or under the carpet. Some older models place a VIN plate here.

5. Vehicle documents

If the VIN on the car is hard to read, check the vehicle title, registration, insurance card, or service records — the VIN should be recorded there.

Motorcycles & ATVs

Look on the steering neck (headstock), under the seat, or near the engine. VIN placement varies more on two- and three-wheel vehicles.

Tips & common mistakes

• Use a flashlight and tilt your head to reduce glare when reading the windshield VIN.
• Compare at least two VIN locations; mismatches may indicate tampering.
• VIN is 17 characters for vehicles made since 1981 — older vehicles may differ.
• Do not rely on dealer stickers alone — always verify stamped plates and documents.

How to record the VIN for lookup

1. Read the VIN from the windshield or door jamb.
2. Take a clear photo (wide + closeup).
3. Type the 17 characters exactly (no spaces) into a VIN lookup service.