Free VIN Check: Check a Used Car Before You Buy

 Buying a used car? A free VIN check is a simple place to start. A VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, is a unique 17-character code used to identify most vehicles manufactured after 1988.

You can use the VIN to confirm important details about the vehicle before you buy. A free VIN check can help you make sure you have the correct vehicle information, while a full vehicle history check can provide more information about the car's recorded history.

What is a VIN?

A VIN is made up of 17 letters and numbers. It is not just a random number. Different sections of the VIN can identify the manufacturer, vehicle type, model information, model year, production plant and serial number.

You can usually find the VIN:

  • At the bottom of the windscreen

  • On the driver's side door frame

  • On the vehicle identification plate

  • In registration documents

  • In service records

Always compare the VIN on the car with the VIN on the paperwork before buying. If the numbers do not match, stop and investigate the difference.

How do you read a VIN?

Knowing how to read a VIN can help you check that you are looking at the right vehicle.

The first three characters are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI). They can identify the vehicle's country or region and manufacturer.

Characters 4 to 8 can provide information about the vehicle, such as its model, body type, engine and features. The exact meaning depends on the manufacturer. 

The 10th character usually represents the model year, while the 11th character identifies the manufacturing plant. The final six characters are generally the vehicle's production or serial number.

For a simple guide, see How to Read a VIN.

How can I do a free VIN check?

You can start with a free VIN check to confirm the basic identity of the vehicle.

Enter the 17-character VIN into a VIN checking tool and compare the result with the car in front of you. Make sure every character is correct, as a single wrong letter or number can return incorrect information.

VinVerify lets Australian buyers search by VIN, registration or chassis number. Its VIN search is designed to help identify a vehicle before purchasing it.

Does a VIN check show the full history?

A VIN by itself does not tell you the complete history of a car. It identifies the vehicle, but recorded information about finance, stolen status, written-off history and other vehicle records requires a vehicle history or PPSR check.

If you are seriously considering buying the car, use the VIN to check the vehicle's recorded history and then arrange a test drive and independent mechanical inspection.

Check before you buy

A free VIN check is a useful first step when buying a used car. It helps you confirm that the VIN belongs to the vehicle you are inspecting and gives you a starting point for further checks.

Check the VIN, check the history and check the car before you hand over your money.

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