Where is the VIN Number on a Car?

One frequent question we receive at Serra Cadillac Of Traverse City from our customers in Manistee who have recently purchased a new Cadillac is, “Where is the VIN number on the car?” Finding your car VIN number is quite easy:

• You can find your car VIN number by standing outside of your car on the driver’s side by checking the corner where the windshield and dashboard meet. 
• If it’s not there, pop open the driver’s door and check where the door latches. It should be there on the door post.

Now that you know where to locate a VIN number, what is a VIN number, and what purpose does it serve? Get all the information and more with the car experts at Serra Cadillac Of Traverse City.

What is a VIN Number? 

VIN stands for vehicle identification number, and consists of 17-character codes. The 17-character code only applies to vehicles manufactured after 1981. And if you haven’t already guessed it, yep, vehicle identification numbers are used to identify vehicles—like a finger print for cars. You can’t find the same VIN on any two cars in Cadillac and Grayling or anywhere else for that matter. Here’s an example of a VIN:

1G1YZ23J9P5803427 

A car’s VIN number provides information regarding the car’s manufacturer, specifications, features, and more. The VIN also sheds insight on registration information, active recalls, warranty claims, theft, and insurance coverage. 

What Do the Different Characters in a VIN Mean? 

Here’s a breakdown of what type of information each of the numbers and letters in a VIN represents: 

• Character 1: Country 
• Character 2: Manufacturer 
• Character 3: Vehicle Type 
• Character 4: Body Type 
• Character 5: Engine 
• Character 6: Series 
• Character 7: Restraint 
• Character 8: Model
• Character 9: Check Digit 
• Character 10: Model Year 
• Character 11: Plant 
• Last Six Characters: Car’s Serial Number 

Learn More About Your Car’s VIN from Serra Cadillac Of Traverse City 

Have any questions or concerns regarding your Cadillac’s VIN number, or are still having trouble finding it? Our service technicians are happy to show you the next time you visit our shop for a service appointment. Feel free to call us at (231) 642-2465 or contact us online to get in touch with one of our representatives today.