What is a Vehicle Identification Number?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and RVs. The VIN is typically made up of 17 characters and is used to identify a vehicle's make, model, year, and other important details.

The VIN itself does not contain any financial information about a vehicle, but can be used to access a vehicle's history report, which may include information about any liens, loans, or financial obligations. The VIN can also be used to to find ownership records, accident history, and recalls. It is often used by law enforcement agencies to identify stolen vehicles.

The VIN can be found in several locations on a vehicle, including on the dashboard near the windshield, on the driver's side door jamb, and on the vehicle's registration and insurance documents.

When purchasing a vehicle, it is important to run a VIN check to ensure there are no outstanding financial issues that could affect ownership or value. This can be done through services such as Carfax or AutoCheck, which provide comprehensive vehicle history reports based on the VIN. Lenders and financial institutions may use the VIN to verify the identity and history, and helps them assess the value and condition of the vehicle as collateral for the loan.