How to read a VIN
A VIN is a 17-character fingerprint for a vehicle. Here's how to read it and why it matters when you buy.
Where to find the VIN
On most vehicles the VIN is on a metal plate at the base of the windshield on the driver's side, on the driver's door jamb sticker, and on the title and registration documents. All of them should match.
What the characters mean
The first three characters are the World Manufacturer Identifier — they tell you the country and manufacturer. Characters 4–8 describe the vehicle: model, body style, engine, and restraint system. The 9th character is a check digit, the 10th is the model year, the 11th is the assembly plant, and the last six are the serial number.
Letters I, O, and Q are never used
VINs never contain the letters I, O, or Q (they're too easy to confuse with 1 and 0). If you see one, the VIN was copied wrong.
Why it matters on VORIMO
When a seller enters a VIN on VORIMO, we decode it automatically to pre-fill the year, make, model, and engine — so the listing is accurate from the start. Listings with a VIN also get a "VIN provided" badge, and you should always confirm the VIN on the vehicle matches the title before paying.
Red flags
Walk away if the VIN plate looks tampered with, the VIN doesn't match the paperwork, or the seller refuses to share it. A free VIN check through the seller's listing is a good sign; secrecy is not.