How To Obtain a Car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?
The VIN, also known as the Chassis Number, is an exclusive car identification number allotted to your car by the manufacturer. Through the car chassis number, registration authorities use this number to register your car. This exclusive number is a 17-digit number which distinguishes it from other models and makes.
There are several ways to know how to find a car chassis number, below are the different methods you can use:
1) Registration Certificate:
When you buy the car, the car dealer registers the car at the local Regional Transport Office (RTO). The RTO prints the Car Chassis Number on the Registration Certificate (RC) of your car. You will find the information on the smart card along with other details of the vehicle.
2) Dashboard:
Certain car manufacturers print the car’s VIN on the dashboard usually found on the driver’s side. Please note that not all manufacturers provide this option.
3) Door:
The car’s chassis number is often printed on the driver side door. It is printed on a metal strip which is found on the B-pillar of the car. This can be seen when the driver side door is opened.
4) Hood:
You can find the car’s VIN under the hood of the vehicle which can be located beside the engine.
5) Boot:
You can locate the chassis number of the car under the spare wheel in the boot. Upon lifting the spare wheel, you can spot the VIN or the chassis number of the vehicle.
6) Rear Wheel:
Some car manufacturers print the chassis number above the rear wheel; however, it might be challenging to locate the same.
7) Car Dealership:
Alternatively, you can visit or call your car dealership from whom you purchased the car. They will be able to trace the chassis number or VIN of the vehicle.
8) Insurance Policy Document:
Since your car is insured, you can find the VIN of your car mentioned on the car insurance policy document. With new-age digital insurers, your policy document is sent to your email as soon as you insure or renew the insurance of the car. So, search your email inbox to find the policy document which contains the car’s chassis number.
9) Front Grille:
Some manufacturers or models have the chassis number or the VIN printed under the front grille of the vehicle. This might not always be the case.
Car: Decode Vehicle Identification Number (VIN):
Each of these 17-digits signifies important statistics of your car. Below is the information regarding each of these VIN:
First Digit: Details of where the car was manufactured.
Second and Third Digit: Details of the manufacturer.
Fourth to Eighth Digits: Details of the car’s brand, engine type, engine capacity and the fuel type of the car.
Ninth Digit: Security code provided by the car manufacturer.
Tenth Digit: Manufacturing year of the car.
Eleventh Digit: Manufacturing plant of the model.
Remaining Six Digits: Unique serial number of the car.
*Please note that the above car chassis number decode is not always the same with all car manufacturers. The above decode is generic which most manufacturers follow.
Where Can I Find the Engine Number of My Car?
Car Engine Number is found printed on the vehicle’s engine casing. Similar to the chassis number of the car, the engine number is used for identification purposes. VIN or Chassis Number of the car and the Engine Number of the car are two different numbers and are unique. Here is how to find your car engine number:
Engine:
The engine number is found on the body of the car’s engine. Car manufacturers ensure that the number is clearly visible. It is imprinted on a metal sticker and placed in such a way that it is easy to see when you open the hood.
Registration Certificate:
The car dealer registers the car at the concerned RTO. The engine number is printed on the Registration Certificate.
Insurance Policy Document:
Your vehicle insurance policy document contains the engine number along with the chassis number. Insurtech companies provide instant car insurance policy and the document is sent to your email ID immediately. You can refer to the policy document to get your car’s engine number.
Car Dealership:
Get on a call or visit your car dealership to find out the engine number. They will be able to track your vehicle’s engine details.
Owner’s Manual:
The car manufacturer stamps the engine number on the engine block. However, the location differs based on the models. You can refer to the Owner’s Manual to check where the engine number is placed in your car’s engine.
How To Get Your Vehicle Details Online?
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways launched an online national registry known as VAHAN. The database of the registry holds the vehicle registration details through which you can trace your vehicle details online. However, to protect personal data, the website will not provide the entire engine and chassis number.
Below is the process through which you can track the details of a vehicle:
Step 1: Visit the official website of VAHAN (https://vahan.nic.in/nrservices/faces/user/login.xhtml).
Step 2: On the menu bar, click on “Know Your Vehicle Details”.
Step 3: You will be asked to provide your car’s registration number.
Step 4: Enter the “Captcha Code”.
Step 5: Click on “Search Vehicle”.
Frequently Asked Questions:
