Windshield and door label
The most visible VIN is usually at the lower corner of the windshield on the driver side. A second label is commonly on the driver door or door jamb. Photograph both without posting the number publicly. Read all 17 characters.
Registration, title, and insurance
Paper documents should show the same VIN. Spacing may differ; letters and digits must not. Service invoices and the online listing should match as well. Type the number into VinSentry from the metal or label, not from a seller message you have not verified.
When the numbers disagree
A mismatch can be a clerical error, a replaced panel, or documents that do not belong to the car. Stop the transaction until the issuing authority explains it. Do not “fix” a VIN by editing characters to make a report run.
After you have a matching VIN
Use the form on this page for a free identity and recall-campaign preview. A paid CARFAX report can add US or Canadian history when CARFAX returned it. Location of the VIN and history of the VIN are separate checks.