VIN, or Vehicle Identification Digit, is the figure printed on every vehicle produced.In the 1950s, car manufacturers began stamping every car and some parts with an identification number to help keep track of the growing number of vehicles.Standardization
In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began to require a VIN on every vehicle produced, thus standardizing the system and giving each car a distinguishable mark.Length
Since every vehicle's number is unique, the VIN serves as the identification for each vehicle's history and record.
Importance
The VIN serves as a vehicle's "fingerprint" or "DNA." It contains manufacturing, purchasing, selling, accident and damage information and is found on car history reports, insurance identification cards and body shop records.History
Since the early 1980s, every vehicle's VIN is 17 digits long. However, earlier VINs were often varying lengths.
Placement
Most VINs are located on the driver's side in the lower left corner of the dashboard. It could also be in the engine block, at the rear wheel well, inside the driver's side door or under the spare tire.
