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What is a VIN number?
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle manufactured since 1981. It's the equivalent of an identity card for your car. This number precisely identifies the manufacturer, model, year of manufacture, and even the assembly plant of the vehicle.
In France, the VIN is found on the registration card (certificat d'immatriculation) in field E, as well as on a plate riveted to the chassis, usually visible at the bottom of the windshield on the driver's side or on the door frame.
VIN Example
VF1RFD00061234567
VF1
Renault
·
RFD00
Description
·
0
Check
·
6
2006
VIN Structure
| Positions | Section | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | WMI — Manufacturer identifier | Identifies the manufacturer and country of origin |
| 4-8 | VDS — Vehicle description | Encodes the model, body type, engine, and transmission |
| 9 | Check digit | Verifies VIN integrity (mandatory in North America) |
| 10 | Model year | Letter or digit code corresponding to the year of manufacture |
| 11 | Assembly plant | Code identifying the plant where the vehicle was assembled |
| 12-17 | VIS — Serial number | Unique sequential production number for each vehicle |
Where to find your VIN?
Registration card
Field E of the registration certificate. The most reliable place to read the VIN.
Windshield
Plate visible at the bottom of the windshield, driver's side. Readable from outside.
Manufacturer plate
On the driver's door frame or in the trunk, depending on the manufacturer.
French manufacturer VIN codes
| WMI Code | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
VF1 | Renault |
VF2 | Renault |
VF3 | Peugeot |
VF7 | Citroën |
VF8 | Citroën |
VF9 | Bugatti |
VFA | Alpine |
VR1 | Dacia (France) |
VIN Frequently Asked Questions
What is a VIN number used for?
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character identifier assigned to each vehicle. It allows you to find the complete vehicle history: manufacturer, model, year of manufacture, country of origin, declared accidents, real mileage, and manufacturer recalls.
Where is the VIN on the registration card?
On the French registration card (certificat d'immatriculation), the VIN is found in field E. It's also called the 'vehicle identification number' or 'serial number'. You can verify it by comparing it with the VIN engraved on the vehicle chassis.
Can you check a car's history for free?
Basic VIN decoding (manufacturer, country, year) is free on Automano. For complete history (accidents, mileage, owners), you can check HistoVec for free for French vehicles, or use the Automano report at €7.90 for a complete European check.
Is HistoVec really free?
Yes, HistoVec is a free service from the French Ministry of the Interior that lets you check the administrative history of a vehicle registered in France. However, it only covers French vehicles and administrative data. For imported vehicles or a complete technical history, a complementary service like Automano is needed.
Why is the VIN 17 characters long?
The ISO 3779 standard (1977) set the VIN at 17 characters to allow unique identification of every vehicle worldwide. The first 3 identify the manufacturer (WMI), the next 6 describe the vehicle (VDS), and the last 8 make up the serial number (VIS). The letters I, O, and Q are excluded to avoid confusion with the digits 1, 0, and 9.
How to check if a car is stolen?
In France, you can check a vehicle's status through the SIV (Vehicle Registration System) or ask the seller for a HistoVec report. The Automano VIN report also checks theft and lien status against European databases.
Can the VIN verify mileage?
The VIN itself doesn't contain the mileage, but it allows access to databases that record mileage declared during technical inspections, maintenance, and ownership changes. This is the most reliable way to detect odometer fraud.
How to check an imported vehicle?
For an imported vehicle, the VIN is essential. It allows you to check the history in the country of origin (accidents, mileage, recalls). The Automano report covers major European countries. Also verify that the VIN on the registration card matches the one engraved on the chassis.
VIN Decoder by Brand
Each manufacturer encodes the VIN differently. Check brand-specific guides for WMI codes, VIN locations, and common issues.
BMW
WMI codes: WBA, WBS, WBY, WBX, 5UX
Mercedes-Benz
WMI codes: WDB, WDC, WDD, WMX, VSA
Audi
WMI codes: WAU, WUA, TRU, 93U
Renault
WMI codes: VF1, VF2, VF6, UU1, GA1
Peugeot
WMI codes: VF3, VR3, VF3
Citroën
WMI codes: VF7, VF8, VR7
Volkswagen
WMI codes: WVW, WV2, 3VW, WV1
Toyota
WMI codes: JTD, JTE, SB1, VNK, NMT
Ford
WMI codes: WF0, 1FA, 6FP, WFO
Opel
WMI codes: W0L, W0V, VXK
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Sources: NHTSA vPIC data (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) · ISO 3779 standard — Vehicle Identification Number
Need a complete history?
The free VIN decoder gives you basic information. For the complete history — accidents, mileage, owners — order the Automano report.