Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Check
- Matthias Hartmann
- Nov 10
- 4 min read
What Is the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – also known as the chassis number – is a globally unique 17-character combination of letters and numbers that identifies each vehicle individually. It serves as the car’s “fingerprint,” containing key details about the manufacturer, model, year of production, and place of assembly.
Anyone looking to buy a used car safely should check the VIN to detect possible tampering or inconsistencies early on. A VIN check helps confirm a vehicle’s authenticity and review its history — for example, through providers such as checkdenwagen.de, carVertical, AutoDNA, or DAT. This ensures the vehicle has no hidden damage or falsified mileage records.
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Where Can You Find the VIN on the Vehicle and in the Documents?
The VIN is affixed to several fixed locations on the vehicle and is also recorded in the official vehicle documents. In most cars, it can be clearly seen on the dashboard (visible from outside through the windshield), on the B-pillar, or on a nameplate in the engine bay. Depending on the manufacturer, additional locations may include the trunk area or under the rear seat.
In the vehicle documents, you can find the VIN in the registration certificate Part I under section “E” and in the registration certificate Part II under “Vehicle Identification No.”
Structure and Meaning of the 17-Character VIN
The Vehicle Identification Number consists of 17 characters divided into three sections, each providing specific information about the vehicle. The first three characters form the WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier), which identifies the manufacturer and the country of production. This is followed by the VDS (Vehicle Descriptor Section), containing details such as model, body type, engine specification, and safety features. The final eight characters make up the VIS (Vehicle Identifier Section), which includes the model year, manufacturing plant, and a sequential serial number.
Why Is the VIN So Important When Buying a Used Car?
When buying a used car, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a key tool for tracing a vehicle’s history with transparency. A VIN check can reveal whether the car has been reported stolen, involved in accidents, registered or exported in another country, or if there are inconsistencies in the mileage. Cross-checking data from multiple sources can also help detect possible odometer fraud.
Online providers such as checkdenwagen.de, carVertical, AutoDNA, or DAT offer digital vehicle history reports based on international databases. These reports provide valuable insights into a car’s usage, maintenance, and damage history. However, it’s important to note that a VIN check can only display information that has been officially recorded or reported in those systems — not every repair, damage, or mileage entry is necessarily documented.
Therefore, the VIN check should always be considered an important first step — it helps identify potential risks early and gives a clearer understanding of the vehicle’s origin and history. For a truly reliable assessment of the technical and visual condition, a complementary on-site inspection by experts remains essential.
Checking the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
A VIN check can be conveniently performed online and provides valuable information about a vehicle within minutes. Simply enter the 17-character chassis number on the website of a provider such as checkdenwagen.de, and the number will be cross-checked with various international databases.
The result is a digital vehicle report that—depending on data availability—may include details about accidents, mileage records, theft reports, previous registrations, or the car’s original factory specifications.
Why a Professional VIN Check with checkdenwagen.de is Worth It
A VIN check can provide valuable insights into a vehicle’s history — but to accurately assess its current condition, an on-site inspection is essential. This is where checkdenwagen.de comes in: an experienced automotive expert examines the vehicle directly at the seller’s location, inspecting the mechanics, body, paintwork, and interior using modern diagnostic tools.
Afterward, you receive a detailed inspection report with photos, measurements, and an objective evaluation — independent and transparent. This ensures that the information in the listing matches the actual condition of the car. Combining a VIN check with a professional on-site vehicle inspection offers maximum security and protects you from costly mistakes or hidden defects when buying a used car.
Check your vehicle now and make a confident decision!
1. What Is the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?
The Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN (also known as the chassis number), is a unique 17-character combination of letters and numbers that identifies every vehicle. It contains information about the manufacturer, model, year of production, and place of assembly, and is used to identify the vehicle — for example, for insurance, registration, or when buying a used car.
Why Should You Check the VIN?
Checking the VIN allows you to trace a vehicle’s history and identify potential risks such as accident damage, odometer fraud, or theft records. This is especially important when buying a used car to ensure that the vehicle is being offered honestly and that the details in the listing match the actual condition.
3. What Information Does a VIN Check Provide?
Depending on the available data, a VIN check can reveal details such as mileage records, accident history, registration changes, theft status, and the vehicle’s original factory equipment. However, the information shown depends on whether these details have been recorded in the relevant international databases.
4. Where Can I Find the VIN on My Vehicle?
The chassis number can be found in several locations: commonly on the dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the B-pillar, in the engine bay, or on a nameplate. In the vehicle documents, it appears under field “E” in the registration certificate Part I and under “Vehicle Identification No.” in Part II.
5. Which Providers Offer a VIN Check?
The most well-known providers include checkdenwagen.de, carVertical, AutoDNA, and DAT. They compare the entered VIN with international data sources and generate reports on the vehicle’s history and origin. For maximum security, the VIN check can be complemented by an on-site inspection from checkdenwagen.de.
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