vehicle identification number (VIN)

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code assigned to every motor vehicle when it's manufactured. Typically 17 characters long, it includes letters and numbers that provide detailed information about the vehicle, such as the manufacturer, model, year, engine type, and manufacturing location. The VIN helps identify a specific vehicle for registration, ownership, recalls, or history reports. Think of it as a vehicle's fingerprint—distinct to each car—allowing for accurate identification across various systems and records.