What is VIN number?

The VIN is a vehicle identification number. It’s made up of 17 numbers and letters (ISO 3780 standard), and provides information about vehicle. Each VIN is unique to the vehicle and can be used to track history, damages, accidents, recalls, registrations, warranty claims, thefts, insurance coverage etc.

Before 1981 different manufacturers used different formats and in 1981 the VIN was standardized (ISO 3780 standard). This standard requires all vehicles to contain a 17-character VIN, which does not include the letters I (i), O (o), or Q (q) (to avoid confusion with numerals 1 and 0).

So if the VIN is not 17 characters long then first double-check to make sure that the VIN is correct. If after verification VIN remains shorter then this vehicle is probably produced before 1981.