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How to find your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

Your VIN is a 17-character code that uniquely identifies your vehicle—check your car's mobile app, insurance app, or look through the driver's side windshield from outside.

What is a VIN?

A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code that identifies your specific vehicle. Using your VIN on Chaiz gives you the most accurate pricing because it tells providers your exact engine size, transmission type, trim level, and options.

Where to find your VIN (fastest methods first)

1. Your car's mobile app or insurance app

This is the quickest way—no need to go outside. Check:

  • Your vehicle's app (OnStar, MyChevrolet, FordPass, Tesla app, etc.)
  • Your insurance company's app (look under your vehicle or policy details)

2. Dashboard (driver's side)

Look through your windshield from outside the car on the driver's side. You'll see a small metal plate on the dashboard with your VIN printed on it.

3. Driver's side door jamb

Open the driver's door and look at the sticker where the door latches. Your VIN is printed there along with tire pressure information.

4. Vehicle registration or insurance card

Check the registration card in your glove box or your physical insurance card—your VIN is printed on both.

5. Under the hood

Some vehicles have the VIN stamped on a metal plate under the hood, near the engine or firewall.

What does a VIN look like?

A VIN is always exactly 17 characters and looks like this:

1HGBH41JXMN109186

  • Contains numbers (0-9) and letters (A-Z)
  • Never contains I, O, or Q (they look too similar to 1 and 0)

Can't find your VIN? Use your license plate instead

If you can't fine your VIN, Chaiz lets you enter your license plate number and state instead. It's quick and easy—and just as accurate as using your VIN.

You can also:

  • Check old maintenance records or repair invoices
  • Contact your insurance company—they can provide it over the phone
  • Look in your vehicle's owner's manual for the exact VIN location

Common mistakes when entering your VIN

  • Wrong number of characters – VINs are always exactly 17 characters
  • Confusing O (letter) with 0 (zero) – Remember: VINs never have the letter O
  • Confusing I (letter) with 1 (one) – VINs never have the letter I
  • Mixing up similar characters – Take your time: Z looks like 2, S looks like 5

Quick tips

✓ Fastest: Check your car or insurance app first
✓ No VIN handy? Use your license plate number instead
✓ Double-check: VINs are exactly 17 characters—no more, no less
✓ Take a photo: Save it for next time