The vehicle identification number or VIN is available on every vehicle manufactured after 1981. Until then, some manufacturers had added a VIN code, but the numbering sequence was not the same throughout the industry. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has changed all of this, requiring manufacturers to enter a 17-digit VIN code on every car, light truck, trailer, motorcycle, and moped. Like fingerprints, each number is unique and cannot be reused in another vehicle.

History

VIN codes have been available since the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette, but that doesn’t mean those numbers can’t be changed. You'll find your car's VIN code on the dash, usually on the driver's side, and where the dash fits under the windshield. VINs are often found elsewhere, including chassis, engine, and other key components. If the vehicle is found in more than one location, these numbers should match. Otherwise, the car may be stolen or its part replaced.

Locate and Copy

Find the VIN code and write this number on a piece of paper. If you can’t find it, the current owner needs to know where to find it. Various websites offer VIN lookup free. Search for "VIN-locator" and check the results. Click on the website that offers the free service and follow the instructions. Consider using a paid service like CarFax, which will give you information and car maintenance details for a fee.

Review the Report

The more detailed the report, the better for you. Check the report to see if the car has ever been stolen or recovered. If he had been rescued, the car could have been renamed in another state. Be careful, the car may be damaged due to flooding. The local police department can also help you, especially if you think the car’s VIN code is illegal. Police can search and report multiple databases to determine if a vehicle has been stolen.

Final Things to Consider

If you have purchased a stolen vehicle and are unaware of the theft, you are expected to return the vehicle to its rightful owner and without compensation. You can avoid legal problems, but you will be left without a car and a ton of cash.