Where To Find A VIN Number

Primary

Engine bay VIN plate

A stamped metal plate riveted to the bulkhead or firewall in the engine bay. This is the most tamper-evident physical location. Look near the base of the windscreen or on the inner wing.

Primary

Dashboard / windscreen base

Visible through the lower driver's side corner of the windscreen without opening the bonnet. Stamped into a visible plate or on a label. Quickest way to verify during a viewing.

Secondary

Windscreen glass etch

The full VIN or a partial code etched into the windscreen glass. Tamper-evident — replacing an etched windscreen is costly. Not all vehicles have this.

Secondary

Door sill / B-pillar

Many manufacturers include a VIN label on the driver's door sill or B-pillar (the post between front and rear doors). Check the jamb area when you open the door.

Secondary

Under the spare wheel

Some manufacturers stamp or label the VIN in the spare wheel well in the boot floor. Less common but worth checking if other sources are unclear.

Document

V5C logbook

Section 1 of the V5C lists the VIN as 'Chassis/VIN number'. This must match all physical locations exactly.

Document

MOT certificate

The VIN is recorded on the MOT certificate at the time of the test. Compare this to the physical VIN and V5C.

Document

Service history / invoices

Most dealer service records include the VIN at the top of the invoice. Useful for additional cross-referencing.