Q&A for How to Find Your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

Is the VIN number in more than one place?

Audra Fordin
Certified Automotive Technician
Audra Fordin is a Certified Automotive Technician, the Founder of Women Auto Know, and the Owner of Great Bear Auto Repair in Flushing, New York. With more than 38 years of experience, she has intensive knowledge about foreign and domestic auto repairs. Audra has been featured on numerous news and talk shows such as The Today Show, Inside Edition, and Anderson Cooper.

Audra Fordin

Certified Automotive Technician

Expert Answer

Yes, depending on the type of car you have! Newer cars have the VIN number stamped on nearly every single part to help in case of a potential car theft.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 4
Question

How can I get my car's VIN if it was towed?

Community Answer

If your car was towed and you don't have any vehicle information on it at all, you may want to call your local police department as all towing companies are required to notify the authorities when a vehicle is towed. Provide the time and place where the vehicle was towed, and they may be able to help you retrieve your car from the towing company. If it was towed from a private property, like an apartment complex or shopping center, you will need to get with the management office to obtain the towing company's information. If you have insurance on the vehicle, the policy or proof of insurance card will have the VIN number. (You should also be aware that in order to claim your vehicle, you will have to show proof of ownership by way of title.)

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 13
Question

I have changed the door of my car due to an accident. How and where can I retrieve my VIN on the new door?

Dan Rich

Community Answer

Cars have several places where VINs are located. Check on the dashboard near the bottom corners of the windshield, and look under the hood in the engine compartment. Also check paperwork like insurance, registration, and title. They will all have your vehicle's VIN.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 1
Question

How can I obtain my VIN number if all my paperwork is missing and I can't find my car?

Wayne Kibby-Roth

Community Answer

You can check your title or dealership paperwork, contact the bank that handles your car payments, or try reaching out to the secretary of state.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0