VIN Information

About the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

A VIN or chassis number as it is sometimes known, is a unique identification number for every vehicle manufactured. A registration number can be changed and may appear on different vehicles over a period of time, but the VIN is a constant throughout the lifetime of the vehicle. It will be documented on the V5C registration certificate issued by the DVLA or DVLNI, and usually in the service book.

You can find the VIN in several places on the vehicle. It is engraved on a metal plate usually found in the engine compartment. Be suspicious if it shows signs of having been tampered with such as rivets having been disturbed and if it has been removed and ask why. The VIN is also stamped in several places on the chassis of the vehicle, often under the bonnet or in the floor panel on the driver's side. Check the surrounding area for signs of any alteration, the 17 digits should be evenly stamped. If you cannot find the stamped VIN, contact a franchised dealer for advice.

The VIN on the registration certificate, and held in our data, does not contain the alphabetic letters I or O, these are always shown as numbers one and zero.

If the VIN begins with the letters SABTVRO the VIN has been re-stamped by the Ministry of Transport. This can indicate a new body shell or a query over the true identity or age of the vehicle.

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