What Is the VIN Number and What Does It Look Like?
The VIN is a 17-character alphanumeric code assigned uniquely to each vehicle by the manufacturer. It follows the international ISO 3779 standard and is used worldwide as a unique vehicle identifier.
The terms VIN, Vehicle Identification Number and chassis number all refer to exactly the same thing: the 17-character code on your vehicle and in your documents. In Europe, “VIN” is the most widely used international term, while “chassis number” is also commonly used in vehicle registration and import procedures.
Structure of the 17-character VIN
The VIN is not a random code — each character has a defined meaning:
- Characters 1–3 (WMI): World Manufacturer Identifier — identifies the manufacturer and the country of production, for example “WVW” for Volkswagen or “WBA” for BMW.
- Characters 4–9 (VDS): Vehicle Descriptor Section — vehicle type, body style, engine and equipment.
- Character 9: Check digit in North America — used differently by manufacturers in other markets.
- Characters 10–17 (VIS): Vehicle Identifier Section — model year, production plant and serial number.
The VIN does not contain the letters I, O or Q, to avoid confusion with the numbers 1 and 0. The VIN always appears in capital letters — without spaces or special characters.
Where Can I Find the VIN Number in the Vehicle Documents?
Before checking the vehicle itself: in most cases, the VIN is easier to find and read in your vehicle documents. In European vehicle registration documents, it is usually shown in the vehicle identification field, commonly referred to as field E or its national equivalent.
Vehicle registration document I
Vehicle registration document I is the document that is usually kept with the vehicle and presented during road checks, vehicle sales or administrative procedures. You can normally find the VIN in the vehicle identification field, often marked as field E or labelled “Vehicle Identification Number”. It is usually located in the main technical data section of the document.
Vehicle registration document I also contains the registration number, registered keeper details and the vehicle’s key technical data — it is the document commonly presented to the competent transport authority, the national registration authority or during roadside checks.
Vehicle registration document II
Vehicle registration document II also contains the VIN in the vehicle identification field. This document is generally used to confirm vehicle ownership or legal title and should be stored safely at home; the vehicle itself is not a suitable place to keep it.
When buying a used vehicle, vehicle registration document II is especially important: always compare the VIN entered there with the VIN on the vehicle itself to ensure that the documents and the vehicle match.
Older Vehicle Documents and Insurance Papers
Vehicles with older national registration documents may show the VIN in a different format or under another label. Look for terms such as “chassis number”, “Vehicle Identification Number”, “VIN” or the relevant national equivalent.
Your insurance documents, such as the insurance certificate or policy, often include the VIN because insurers must clearly identify the vehicle. Technical inspection or roadworthiness documents may also contain the VIN.
Tip: If you order COC documents through COC Online, enter the VIN from your vehicle registration document — without spaces or special characters. The online service can help check whether the right Certificate of Conformity is available for your vehicle.
Where Is the VIN Number Located on the Vehicle?
In addition to the documents, the VIN is also attached directly to the vehicle — stamped, engraved or displayed on a manufacturer’s plate. The VIN can be found in several typical locations. Check these one by one:
- Dashboard and windscreen
- Door frame and B-pillar on the driver’s side
- Engine compartment and engine block
- Boot and spare wheel well
Find the VIN Number by Brand: VW, BMW, Mercedes and More
Each manufacturer places the VIN according to similar basic principles, but the exact position varies depending on the brand and model. The following overview shows the most common VIN locations by brand — so you can find your number faster.
| Brand | Main location | Other locations | Special notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen (VW) | Windscreen, lower left corner | Driver-side door frame, engine compartment/firewall | Easy to read from outside through the windscreen. On older models, often only stamped in the engine compartment. |
| BMW | Windscreen, upper left area near the A-pillar | Engine block, driver-side door frame | On models from around 2000 onwards, the manufacturer’s plate is often clearly visible near the A-pillar. On some 7 Series models, also in the boot. |
| Mercedes-Benz | Windscreen, lower left corner | Driver-side B-pillar, engine compartment/firewall | Often also shown on the manufacturer’s plate behind the front left wing. On Sprinter models: driver-side door frame. |
| Audi | Windscreen, lower left corner | Driver-side sill, engine compartment | As part of the VW Group, locations are similar to VW. On the sill: sticker under the door entry area. |
| Toyota | Windscreen, lower left corner | Driver-side door frame, engine compartment | On older models, often also in the boot under the floor covering. Hybrid models: VIN may also be located in the load area. |
| Opel | Windscreen, lower left corner | B-pillar, engine compartment | On Corsa and Astra models, the VIN is often on the sill under the driver’s door. Newer Stellantis models: similar to Peugeot/Citroën. |
| Ford | Windscreen, lower left corner | Engine compartment/firewall, door frame | On Focus and Mondeo models, very easy to read through the windscreen. On Transit models: manufacturer’s plate on the B-pillar or door frame. |
| Renault | Windscreen or dashboard on the driver’s side | Driver-side door frame, under the bonnet on the manufacturer’s plate | On Clio and Mégane models, often a sticker under the bonnet on the cross member. Older models: often only stamped in the engine compartment. |
| Peugeot / Citroën | Windscreen or dashboard on the driver’s side | Door frame, engine compartment/manufacturer’s plate | PSA/Stellantis Group: positions are largely identical. On DS models: manufacturer’s plate often clearly visible in the engine compartment. |
| SEAT / Cupra | Windscreen, lower left corner | Driver-side sill, engine compartment | Part of the VW Group — identical locations to VW and Audi. On the sill: sticker under the left door entry area. |
Note: The exact position may vary depending on model and year of manufacture. If in doubt, you can always find the VIN in the vehicle identification field of your vehicle registration document.
Is your brand not included in the table? As a rule of thumb: first check the lower left corner of the windscreen — this is where VIN plates are located on the vast majority of vehicles registered in Europe.
Where Can I Find the VIN Number on a Motorcycle?
Motorcycles and scooters also have a 17-character VIN — the principle is the same as for passenger cars, but the locations differ because of the vehicle design.
Typical VIN locations on a motorcycle
· Steering head: The most common location. The VIN is usually stamped into the steering head of the frame — the connection between the fork and the frame. Look from the rider’s side directly at the area where the fork enters the frame.
· Frame, lower tube or main tube: On many motorcycles, the VIN is also stamped on the main frame tube or lower frame section — often on the left side, visible after removing fairings or looking from the side.
· Manufacturer’s plate: A glued or riveted manufacturer’s plate with the VIN is often located on the frame below the fuel tank or near the steering head.
Tip: Stamped VIN numbers on motorcycle frames can be difficult to read because of dirt, rust or corrosion — especially on older bikes. Clean the area with a damp cloth before writing down or photographing the number.
If you need a COC document for your motorcycle, COC Online can support the request process for Certificates of Conformity for motorcycles, light motorcycles and scooters in category L. To place a request, the 17-character VIN from your vehicle documents or directly from the vehicle is usually sufficient.
Where Can I Find the VIN Number on Commercial Vehicles and Trucks?
Commercial vehicles, vans and trucks follow the same basic VIN locations as passenger cars — however, because these vehicles are larger, the search can sometimes take a little longer.
Locations on light commercial vehicles (N1) and vans
· Cab, door frame: Open the driver’s door — the VIN is usually located on a sticker or plate in the door frame or on the B-pillar.
· Dashboard behind the windscreen: As with passenger cars, on the driver’s side.
· Chassis frame: On the front left longitudinal frame member, often stamped.
Locations on heavy commercial vehicles and trucks (N2/N3)
· Cab frame or cab door: In the cab entry area, on a manufacturer’s plate.
· Front frame area: On the chassis frame near the front axle, stamped or displayed on a plate.
· Under the windscreen: On newer truck models, increasingly in the same position as passenger cars.
COC Online can help manage requests for Certificates of Conformity for light commercial vehicles (N1) as well as heavy commercial vehicles and trucks (N2, N3). For commercial operators and fleets, complete COC documentation can be essential for registration, cross-border procedures and compliance. For fleet requests, the B2B area is available.
When Do I Need the VIN Number? Vehicle Registration, Purchase & COC Document
The VIN is required in the following situations:
- First registration and re-registration: Required information in all registration forms, including ownership changes or address changes.
- Vehicle import from another EU country: The VIN is the starting point for requesting the COC document, which may be required by the competent registration authority.
- Buying or selling a used vehicle: Always compare the VIN in the documents with the VIN on the vehicle, because any discrepancy is a warning sign.
- Loss of the COC document: With your VIN, COC Online can help you request a new, authentic Certificate of Conformity through the appropriate process.
What Should I Do If the VIN Number Is Not Readable?
If the VIN on the vehicle is no longer readable due to rust, dirt or accident damage, first check the vehicle identification field in your vehicle registration document — the number in the documents is usually the fastest and most reliable starting point. Alternatively, a qualified vehicle workshop may be able to read the VIN electronically, and the competent registration authority may be able to confirm it using the registration number.
If these options do not help, COC Online can support you in requesting a new COC document. The authentic document contains the VIN and is linked to the manufacturer’s vehicle data — provide the brand, model, year of manufacture and registration number where available so the vehicle can be identified and the correct document requested.
