Why Are VIN Numbers 17 Digits Long?
VIN numbers came in vogue in the 1950s, when American automakers started stamping serial numbers on vehicles to track their production lines. But chaos began to unfold with this system because Ford had their own VIN system, General Motors had another, and Chrysler had its own entirely different format. For decades, identifying and tracking vehicles was like trying to solve a puzzle with pieces from different boxes.
The confusion later ended in 1981 when the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandated the standardized 17-character VIN system we know today. So, even if you're purchasing a Toyota manufactured in Japan, a Mercedes from Germany, or a Ford from the United States, every vehicle built after 1981 carries the same standardized 17-character code.
This universal system makes it possible to verify the history of imported vehicles and understand their health condition using international databases, regardless of where the car originated. This means that each number is not just a random string of numbers and letters. They actually hold specific information about the vehicle, and together, they form a universal code that tells you everything from where the car was built to its exact production details.
The VIN number is divided into three main sections.
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)
The first three characters on a VIN are used to identify the manufacturer and country of origin.
For example:
- A VIN with 1, 4, or 5 indicates it was made in the United States.
- 2 shows the car was made in Canada.
- 2 shows the car was made in Canada.
- 3 is for Mexico.
- J is simply for Japan.
- K is for South Korea.
- W means made in Germany.
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
The Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) runs from the 4th to the 9th character. This section provides key details such as the vehicle’s model, engine type, body style, and safety features. The 9th character also serves as a check digit, used to verify that the VIN number is valid and not a forgery
What Information Does Your VIN Reveal?
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is like a fingerprint for every car manufactured after 1980. When you are considering buying a vehicle, you need to find the 17-character VIN. It can be located in different parts of the car, which we will explain later. Once you have the number, you can enter it into a VIN checker such as Tokunbo.io or other reliable VIN lookup services. This will reveal important details about:
- The car's complete accident and damage history reveals whether it has been involved in minor collisions or major crashes that could impact its safety and performance.
- The odometer records for each owner help you spot if the mileage has been rolled back. This ensures that you are not purchasing a car that has been driven significantly more than its advertised mileage.
- Ownership records from the first buyer to the most recent owner abroad, which give you a clear picture of how many hands the vehicle has passed through and how it was used.
- Flood damage records and insurance claims, which are especially important since many cars exported from the United States may have been affected by hurricanes or flooding.
- The vehicle’s salvage report indicates if it was ever declared a total loss by insurers, which can warn you that you may soon face significant issues with the mechanic.
A professional VIN verification typically costs between ₦6,000 and ₦25,000 for a comprehensive report. This is a small investment compared to the potential financial risks of buying an imported car without proper checks.
Get a Vehicle history report for ₦5,999
Without a VIN check, you face the possibility of spending ₦500,000 to ₦2,000,000 on unexpected flood damage repairs. Even more serious is the risk of buying a stolen vehicle. Through VIN numbers, Nigerian Customs connects to international databases that flag cars reported as stolen abroad. If your car appears on such a list during clearance, Customs can seize it immediately, and you lose the entire purchase price with no compensation.
Aside from car theft, improper VIN verification can also trigger Customs penalties and legal complications, especially if the car’s declared details do not match its VIN records. In the worst-case scenario, this could result in a complete loss of your investment.
When you weigh the options, paying for a VIN report is an insurance against devastating losses. A small amount spent upfront can save you millions and give you peace of mind that your car is safe and worth the price.
9 Places to Locate Your Vehicle's VIN
Finding your VIN might seem straightforward, but knowing all possible locations can save you time and help verify authenticity. Here are the nine most common places to look:
Dashboard (Driver's Side)
The most common VIN location is on the driver’s side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield. This placement makes it quick to check without opening the car, which is why Customs and FRSC officers often inspect this spot first.
Driver's Side Door Frame
Open the driver’s door and look at the door jamb, where the door meets the car frame. A sticker here usually displays the VIN along with tire pressure and manufacturing details. Since stickers can be removed, this location is useful but should always be cross-checked.
Engine Block
The VIN is often stamped directly onto the engine block. The exact location varies by manufacturer but is usually on the front or side of the engine. The VIN marking is one of the most reliable identifiers because a stamped VIN is far more difficult to alter than stickers or plates.
Under the Hood
Manufacturers frequently place VIN plates or stickers in various places beneath the hood in addition to the engine block. Common areas include the firewall, the radiator support, or the strut towers.
Rear Wheel Wells
On some vehicles, especially trucks and SUVs, manufacturers stamp or place the VIN inside the rear wheel well area.
Frame Rail
For trucks, SUVs, and certain cars, the VIN may also be stamped on the frame rail, typically visible from underneath the vehicle. This stamping is extremely secure because the frame is a fundamental structural component of the vehicle.
Vehicle Registration Document
Your vehicle registration certificate, issued by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), contains the VIN. Always cross-check the information against the physical VIN on the vehicle.
Vehicle Title or Certificate of Ownership
The official ownership documents provided by customs or previous owners contain the VIN. This information should correspond with your import documentation for vehicles that are imported.
Insurance Papers
Insurance policies and certificates list the VIN for identification purposes. This should match both your registration and the physical VIN locations.
The VIN should be identical in every location. If the numbers do not match, it could indicate that the vehicle has undergone tampering or rebuilding, which is a serious red flag.
Why VIN is important in Nigeria
If you're planning to buy a used car in Nigeria, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should be the first thing you verify. This 17-character code is essential because regulatory agencies like the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the National Vehicle Registry (VREG) use it as the primary method to confirm that a vehicle is legitimately registered and hasn't been stolen.
During the vehicle registration process, FRSC's computerized systems automatically retrieve the VIN to verify critical vehicle information, including the manufacturer, model, production year, engine specifications, and transmission type. This automated cross-referencing ensures that the physical vehicle matches the documentation you've provided.
The FRSC also conducts real-time database checks with VREG to flag vehicles that have been reported stolen, involved in criminal activities, or imported through fraudulent channels. This multi-layered verification process protects both you, as a buyer, and the broader automotive industry from illegal vehicle trafficking.
The second reason has to do with Customs clearance. According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, most of the cars Nigerians import come from countries like the United States, Germany, Canada, and Belgium. When your car arrives, Customs will use the VIN to run what’s called a VIN valuation. This helps them confirm the age, engine specs, and true market value of your car before calculating the import duty.
Finally, and most importantly for you as a buyer, the VIN tells you the history of the car. Was it ever in a serious accident? Did it suffer flood damage abroad? Has the mileage been rolled back? These are the kinds of details a vehicle history report reveals when you run the VIN through a service like Tokunbo.io. Knowing this information gives you confidence to either walk away or negotiate the right price before you hand over your hard-earned money.
So, if you remember nothing else, keep in mind that the car's VIN number is the key to avoiding fraud, paying the right import duties (if you import personally), and understanding exactly what kind of car you’re buying.
VIN Number Checklist Before You Buy A Used Car
According to Vanguard, there’s a need to regulate car importation, as many accident-prone vehicles make their way into Nigeria's tokunbo market. These vehicles sometimes may appear flawless on the surface, but purchasing such a vehicle can result in expensive repairs, serious safety hazards, and complete loss of your hard-earned investment.
Before you pay for any used car in Nigeria:
1. Check that the VIN on the car matches all vehicle papers and documents.
2. Get a complete vehicle history report using the VIN number. Car VIN services like Tokunbo.io will provide you with an AI buyer advisory that recommends to either buy or walk away.
3. Confirm Customs duty has been fully paid by requesting the duty documents and ensuring the VIN appears correctly.
4. Make sure the VIN on the car and documents are legitimate and clear, so you don’t run into problems when you go to register it with FRSC later.
Invest a few minutes in a VIN check today.