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Identifying my vehicle – VIN
Identifying my vehicle – VIN
What a VIN is
A VIN is a unique vehicle identifier made up of 17 VIN characters. Characters 1–3 form the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), characters 4–9 the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), and characters 10–17 the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS). The exact meaning of individual positions can vary by manufacturer and market, so a VIN alone does not establish the complete equipment or service specification without the matching records.
Vehicle documents
In a registration certificate, look for field E or wording that identifies the vehicle identification number (VIN). Older and newer certificates, and documents issued in different countries, use different layouts, so one fixed position cannot be stated for every document.
Where the VIN may be found on the vehicle
Some versions display the VIN in a field visible from outside through the windscreen. The VIN is also marked directly on the body; its exact location depends on the model, generation and body version, not only the brand. Follow the manual for the exact vehicle and compare the number with its documents.
Labels and service documents
Where fitted, a vehicle data sticker may be located in the luggage compartment or service documents. A vehicle data sticker containing vehicle codes is different from the manufacturer’s plate carrying approval and production data and from the VIN marked directly on the body.
- VINThe complete 17-character vehicle identifier.
- Vehicle typeType and model information; depending on the sticker version, also engine output and gearbox type.
- Engine and gearboxIdentification codes for the engine and gearbox.
- Paint and interiorPaint colour and interior-trim codes, where stated.
- Equipment codesProduction equipment codes. Their meaning must be checked in documentation for the exact vehicle.
- Data stated only on some vehicle data stickers
- Urban consumptionType-approval value in l/100 km, where stated on the sticker.
- Extra-urban consumptionType-approval value in l/100 km, where stated on the sticker.
- Combined consumptionCombined type-approval value in l/100 km, where stated.
- Combined CO₂ emissionsCombined type-approval CO₂ value in g/km, where stated.
Examples of initial identifiers
Documented examples of WMI identifiers for the selected brand include: WVW, WVG. These are examples, not a complete list. The identifier alone does not establish the exact engine, equipment or complete vehicle version; the full VIN and matching documentation are required.
Data stored in the key
In some vehicles, identification data and selected service information are also stored in the key. A workshop with suitable equipment can read them with a specialised reader. The availability and scope of the data depend on the vehicle model and key version.
What a VIN is
A VIN is a unique vehicle identifier made up of 17 VIN characters. Characters 1–3 form the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), characters 4–9 the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), and characters 10–17 the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS). The exact meaning of individual positions can vary by manufacturer and market, so a VIN alone does not establish the complete equipment or service specification without the matching records.
Vehicle documents
In a registration certificate, look for field E or wording that identifies the vehicle identification number (VIN). Older and newer certificates, and documents issued in different countries, use different layouts, so one fixed position cannot be stated for every document.
Where the VIN may be found on the vehicle
Some versions display the VIN in a field visible from outside through the windscreen. The VIN is also marked directly on the body; its exact location depends on the model, generation and body version, not only the brand. Follow the manual for the exact vehicle and compare the number with its documents.
Labels and service documents
Where fitted, a vehicle data sticker may be located in the luggage compartment or service documents. A vehicle data sticker containing vehicle codes is different from the manufacturer’s plate carrying approval and production data and from the VIN marked directly on the body.
- VINThe complete 17-character vehicle identifier.
- Vehicle typeType and model information; depending on the sticker version, also engine output and gearbox type.
- Engine and gearboxIdentification codes for the engine and gearbox.
- Paint and interiorPaint colour and interior-trim codes, where stated.
- Equipment codesProduction equipment codes. Their meaning must be checked in documentation for the exact vehicle.
- Data stated only on some vehicle data stickers
- Urban consumptionType-approval value in l/100 km, where stated on the sticker.
- Extra-urban consumptionType-approval value in l/100 km, where stated on the sticker.
- Combined consumptionCombined type-approval value in l/100 km, where stated.
- Combined CO₂ emissionsCombined type-approval CO₂ value in g/km, where stated.
Examples of initial identifiers
Documented examples of WMI identifiers for the selected brand include: WAU, WUA. These are examples, not a complete list. The identifier alone does not establish the exact engine, equipment or complete vehicle version; the full VIN and matching documentation are required.
Data stored in the key
In some vehicles, identification data and selected service information are also stored in the key. A workshop with suitable equipment can read them with a specialised reader. The availability and scope of the data depend on the vehicle model and key version.
What a VIN is
A VIN is a unique vehicle identifier made up of 17 VIN characters. Characters 1–3 form the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), characters 4–9 the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), and characters 10–17 the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS). The exact meaning of individual positions can vary by manufacturer and market, so a VIN alone does not establish the complete equipment or service specification without the matching records.
Vehicle documents
In a registration certificate, look for field E or wording that identifies the vehicle identification number (VIN). Older and newer certificates, and documents issued in different countries, use different layouts, so one fixed position cannot be stated for every document.
Where the VIN may be found on the vehicle
Some versions display the VIN in a field visible from outside through the windscreen. The VIN is also marked directly on the body; its exact location depends on the model, generation and body version, not only the brand. Follow the manual for the exact vehicle and compare the number with its documents.
Labels and service documents
Where fitted, a vehicle data sticker may be located in the luggage compartment or service documents. A vehicle data sticker containing vehicle codes is different from the manufacturer’s plate carrying approval and production data and from the VIN marked directly on the body.
- VINThe complete 17-character vehicle identifier.
- Vehicle typeType and model information; depending on the sticker version, also engine output and gearbox type.
- Engine and gearboxIdentification codes for the engine and gearbox.
- Paint and interiorPaint colour and interior-trim codes, where stated.
- Equipment codesProduction equipment codes. Their meaning must be checked in documentation for the exact vehicle.
- Data stated only on some vehicle data stickers
- Urban consumptionType-approval value in l/100 km, where stated on the sticker.
- Extra-urban consumptionType-approval value in l/100 km, where stated on the sticker.
- Combined consumptionCombined type-approval value in l/100 km, where stated.
- Combined CO₂ emissionsCombined type-approval CO₂ value in g/km, where stated.
Examples of initial identifiers
Documented examples of WMI identifiers for the selected brand include: TMB. These are examples, not a complete list. The identifier alone does not establish the exact engine, equipment or complete vehicle version; the full VIN and matching documentation are required.
Data stored in the key
In some vehicles, identification data and selected service information are also stored in the key. A workshop with suitable equipment can read them with a specialised reader. The availability and scope of the data depend on the vehicle model and key version.
What a VIN is
A VIN is a unique vehicle identifier made up of 17 VIN characters. Characters 1–3 form the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), characters 4–9 the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), and characters 10–17 the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS). The exact meaning of individual positions can vary by manufacturer and market, so a VIN alone does not establish the complete equipment or service specification without the matching records.
Vehicle documents
In a registration certificate, look for field E or wording that identifies the vehicle identification number (VIN). Older and newer certificates, and documents issued in different countries, use different layouts, so one fixed position cannot be stated for every document.
Where the VIN may be found on the vehicle
Some versions display the VIN in a field visible from outside through the windscreen. The VIN is also marked directly on the body; its exact location depends on the model, generation and body version, not only the brand. Follow the manual for the exact vehicle and compare the number with its documents.
Labels and service documents
Where fitted, a vehicle data sticker may be located in the luggage compartment or service documents. A vehicle data sticker containing vehicle codes is different from the manufacturer’s plate carrying approval and production data and from the VIN marked directly on the body.
- VINThe complete 17-character vehicle identifier.
- Vehicle typeType and model information; depending on the sticker version, also engine output and gearbox type.
- Engine and gearboxIdentification codes for the engine and gearbox.
- Paint and interiorPaint colour and interior-trim codes, where stated.
- Equipment codesProduction equipment codes. Their meaning must be checked in documentation for the exact vehicle.
- Data stated only on some vehicle data stickers
- Urban consumptionType-approval value in l/100 km, where stated on the sticker.
- Extra-urban consumptionType-approval value in l/100 km, where stated on the sticker.
- Combined consumptionCombined type-approval value in l/100 km, where stated.
- Combined CO₂ emissionsCombined type-approval CO₂ value in g/km, where stated.
Examples of initial identifiers
Documented examples of WMI identifiers for the selected brand include: VSS. These are examples, not a complete list. The identifier alone does not establish the exact engine, equipment or complete vehicle version; the full VIN and matching documentation are required.
Data stored in the key
In some vehicles, identification data and selected service information are also stored in the key. A workshop with suitable equipment can read them with a specialised reader. The availability and scope of the data depend on the vehicle model and key version.
What a VIN is
A VIN is a unique vehicle identifier made up of 17 VIN characters. Characters 1–3 form the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), characters 4–9 the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), and characters 10–17 the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS). The exact meaning of individual positions can vary by manufacturer and market, so a VIN alone does not establish the complete equipment or service specification without the matching records.
Vehicle documents
In a registration certificate, look for field E or wording that identifies the vehicle identification number (VIN). Older and newer certificates, and documents issued in different countries, use different layouts, so one fixed position cannot be stated for every document.
Where the VIN may be found on the vehicle
Some versions display the VIN in a field visible from outside through the windscreen. The VIN is also marked directly on the body; its exact location depends on the model, generation and body version, not only the brand. Follow the manual for the exact vehicle and compare the number with its documents.
Labels and service documents
Where fitted, a vehicle data sticker may be located in the luggage compartment or service documents. A vehicle data sticker containing vehicle codes is different from the manufacturer’s plate carrying approval and production data and from the VIN marked directly on the body.
- VINThe complete 17-character vehicle identifier.
- Vehicle typeType and model information; depending on the sticker version, also engine output and gearbox type.
- Engine and gearboxIdentification codes for the engine and gearbox.
- Paint and interiorPaint colour and interior-trim codes, where stated.
- Equipment codesProduction equipment codes. Their meaning must be checked in documentation for the exact vehicle.
- Data stated only on some vehicle data stickers
- Urban consumptionType-approval value in l/100 km, where stated on the sticker.
- Extra-urban consumptionType-approval value in l/100 km, where stated on the sticker.
- Combined consumptionCombined type-approval value in l/100 km, where stated.
- Combined CO₂ emissionsCombined type-approval CO₂ value in g/km, where stated.
Examples of initial identifiers
Documented examples of WMI identifiers for the selected brand include: VSS. These are examples, not a complete list. The identifier alone does not establish the exact engine, equipment or complete vehicle version; the full VIN and matching documentation are required.
Data stored in the key
In some vehicles, identification data and selected service information are also stored in the key. A workshop with suitable equipment can read them with a specialised reader. The availability and scope of the data depend on the vehicle model and key version.
What a VIN is
A VIN is a unique vehicle identifier made up of 17 VIN characters. Characters 1–3 form the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), characters 4–9 the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), and characters 10–17 the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS). The exact meaning of individual positions can vary by manufacturer and market, so a VIN alone does not establish the complete equipment or service specification without the matching records.
Vehicle documents
In a registration certificate, look for field E or wording that identifies the vehicle identification number (VIN). Older and newer certificates, and documents issued in different countries, use different layouts, so one fixed position cannot be stated for every document.
Where the VIN may be found on the vehicle
Some versions display the VIN in a field visible from outside through the windscreen. The VIN is also marked directly on the body; its exact location depends on the model, generation and body version, not only the brand. Follow the manual for the exact vehicle and compare the number with its documents.
Labels and service documents
Where fitted, a vehicle data sticker may be located in the luggage compartment or service documents. A vehicle data sticker containing vehicle codes is different from the manufacturer’s plate carrying approval and production data and from the VIN marked directly on the body.
- VINThe complete 17-character vehicle identifier.
- Vehicle typeType and model information; depending on the sticker version, also engine output and gearbox type.
- Engine and gearboxIdentification codes for the engine and gearbox.
- Paint and interiorPaint colour and interior-trim codes, where stated.
- Equipment codesProduction equipment codes. Their meaning must be checked in documentation for the exact vehicle.
- Data stated only on some vehicle data stickers
- Urban consumptionType-approval value in l/100 km, where stated on the sticker.
- Extra-urban consumptionType-approval value in l/100 km, where stated on the sticker.
- Combined consumptionCombined type-approval value in l/100 km, where stated.
- Combined CO₂ emissionsCombined type-approval CO₂ value in g/km, where stated.
Examples of initial identifiers
Documented examples of WMI identifiers for the selected brand include: WV1, WV2. These are examples, not a complete list. The identifier alone does not establish the exact engine, equipment or complete vehicle version; the full VIN and matching documentation are required.
Data stored in the key
In some vehicles, identification data and selected service information are also stored in the key. A workshop with suitable equipment can read them with a specialised reader. The availability and scope of the data depend on the vehicle model and key version.
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