Vehicle Identification Number - VIN Numbers Explained
Every skip tracer will encounter VIN numbers from time
to time. If you are skip tracing for a repossession
service you will probably deal with VIN numbers on a
daily basis.
What is a Vehicle Identification
Number or VIN Number? Every vehicle that was
manufactured or sold in the United States since 1981
was issued a unique 17 digit number that identifies
information about the vehicles year, make, model,
manufacturer, engine, and frame.
Prior to 1981 every vehicle manufacturer created their
own serial number, to their own specifications.
There were no standards or uniformity in VIN
numbers. After 1981 all vehicle manufactures agreed
to the current standardization.
The VIN number on most cars is
can be found just above the bottom edge of the driver's
side of the windshield. The VIN is also on a tag on the
inside of the driver's door along with other
manufacturer information. The vin number is stamped
into the vehicle's frame and engine in several
locations.
| Digit |
|
Description |
| 1st |
|
Country of Origin |
| 2nd |
|
Manufacturer |
| 3rd |
|
Make |
| 4th |
|
Line |
| 5th & 6th |
|
Body Style |
| 7th |
|
Restraint System |
| 8th |
|
Engine |
| 9th |
|
Check Digit |
| 10th |
|
Year |
| 11th |
|
Assembly Plant |
| 12th - 17 |
|
Sequence Number
|
NOTE: VIN Numbers cannot contain
the letter o or the letter i. This is to prevent
confusion with the number 0 and 1.
Validating your VIN number is an
important step in skip tracing. You need to make sure
that you are sending your driver out with as much
information as possible. From the driver's viewpoint it
is helpful to know if he is looking for a 2 door
or a 4 door. It also assists the driver to know when
the vehicle they are after is a 4x4. All of this
information is returned to you when you check the VIN.
