A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code used to identify a specific vehicle. It is composed of a combination of letters and numbers that can be used to identify the make, model, year, and other information about the vehicle. The VIN system is used by automotive manufacturers, insurance companies, and law enforcement to track and identify vehicles. It is also used to help identify stolen vehicles and to help with vehicle recalls.
The first three characters are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), which identifies the vehicle's manufacturer. The next five characters are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), which identifies the vehicle's model, body type, and engine type. The ninth character is the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS), which identifies the vehicle's model year, assembly plant, and production sequence. The tenth character is the check digit, which is used to verify the accuracy of the VIN. The remaining characters are the Vehicle Attribute Section (VAS), which identifies the vehicle's features, such as color, trim, and other options.
