---

Essentially every means of transport in the world has a “first and last name”, and this does not refer to the make or model, but to the VIN number.

The term VIN or Vehicle Identification Number is a code formed by an alphanumeric series capable of identifying in a particular and unique way each vehicle that is circulating on the planet.

Below, thanks to the https://www.carvertical.com/gb portal, experts in VIN decoding help us break down and explain what it consists of, where to find it and how to configure the VIN number on a vehicle, given that it is the alphanumeric key used to give each car its identity, as well as being used to corroborate its veracity.

– VIN and chassis number: two different things

In a nutshell, VIN numbering is used in the same way as the DNI with people, and is a sequence of alphanumeric characters that started to be implemented as a standard measure since 1980 under the settings of the ISO 3779 standard. Prior to this, there was no universal standard to regulate its identification.

It should be clarified that the chassis number and the VIN numbering is not the same, since the numbers found on the chassis are only a part of the VIN number, as explained by MyFreeVIN.com, adding that the VIN is printed directly on the skeleton or frame of the car, and is even engraved on an identification plate, which is then incorporated into the chassis of the car.

What each of its characters and numbers represent

As most of the population, even today, is unaware, the VIN number is made up of 17 alphanumeric digits and incorporates all the numbers from 0 to 9 and all the letters of the alphabet except for the “I”, the “O” and the “N” to prevent misunderstandings. Within this sequence the standard division or group of characters are distributed as follows in relation to the same 3 components:

Worldwide Manufacturer Identification – WMI:

Represented by the first 3 characters, it refers to the country or region where the manufacturing company is installed on the basis of ISO, i.e. the International Organization for Standardization.

Vehicle Description Section – VDS:

The second group of 6 preceding characters contains all kinds of information about the vehicle itself, such as the type of fuel used, engine model, structure and all kinds of absolutely technical factors.

Vehicle Identification Section – VIS:

Consisting of the last 8 characters, it is the chassis number. Its composition provides information about the year in which the car was assembled, which company carried it out and in which manufacturing line.

As you may have noticed, the VIN is like the DNA or DNA strand of a vehicle, and is always included in its documentation. It is important to mention that the adulteration or falsification of the VIN number is capable of revealing criminal or fraudulent acts involving penalties under art. 392 of the Penal Code with prison sentences ranging from 6 months to 3 years.

---