Every car built since 1981 has a unique 17-character Vehicle Identification Number. Here are the places to look.
Windshield
Look through the glass at the bottom corner on the driver's side.
Driver's door pillar
Open the driver's door — a sticker on the frame usually shows the VIN.
Registration document
The VIN is printed on the vehicle registration certificate.
Engine bay
Often stamped on the bulkhead or on a plate near the front of the engine.
Insurance & service papers
Insurance policies and service books normally list the VIN.
Under the floor mat
Some cars have the VIN stamped into the floor next to the driver's or passenger's seat.
Tip: compare all of them
The VIN on the car should match the VIN on the documents. If they differ, or a plate looks tampered with, walk away.
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