Where to Find Your VIN (7 Common Locations)

Updated 2026-07-01 · Sourced from NHTSA public data

Your VIN appears in several places on the vehicle and your documents. The easiest:

  1. Windshield — driver’s side, at the base, visible from outside.
  2. Driver’s door jamb — on the sticker where the door latches.
  3. Engine bay — stamped on the firewall or a strut tower.
  4. Insurance card and policy documents.
  5. Vehicle title and registration.
  6. Dashboard plate under the glass.
  7. On a motorcycle — the steering neck (headstock) or frame near the engine.

Once you have all 17 characters, paste them into the decoder to read the specs. Remember VINs use only numbers and letters (never I, O, or Q).

Decode a VIN now

Free, no signup — specs and recalls from NHTSA.

Open the VIN decoder

OPTIONAL CHECKING TOOLS

Tools for reading a hidden marking

For a VIN plate, engine stamping or equipment label you cannot see clearly, a small light or mirror may help.

Read a hard-to-see label

Telescoping LED inspection mirror

An adjustable lighted mirror for viewing a serial plate or engine marking at an awkward angle.

Inspect only with the vehicle or machine safely parked, switched off and cool.

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Light up identification markings

LE LED pen flashlights

Two pocket lights with clips for reading VIN plates, equipment labels and engine markings.

Each light uses two AAA batteries (not included).

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