Where to Find the VIN on a Chinese Car: BYD, Geely, Haval & More

Finding the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), often called the chassis number, is the first step to decoding your car's history. The VIN is typically located in several standardized places on a vehicle to ensure it can be easily found.

What Is a VIN Number?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every motor vehicle manufactured since 1981. Think of it as your car's fingerprint — no two vehicles in the world share the same VIN. The VIN contains encoded information about the vehicle's manufacturer, country of origin, model year, engine type, body style, and production sequence.

For Chinese vehicles, the VIN is especially important because it serves as the primary key for accessing vehicle history reports, verifying authenticity, checking for recalls, and confirming specifications. Whether you are buying a used BYD, importing a Geely, or verifying a Haval's service history, the first step is always finding the VIN.

What Does a VIN Number Look Like?

A VIN is a combination of 17 uppercase letters and numbers. It uses all capital letters and digits, but never includes the letters I, O, or Q because they can be confused with the numbers 1 and 0. The VIN appears in several different physical formats depending on where it is located on the vehicle.

• Metal VIN Plate: A small riveted aluminum or steel plate, typically found on the dashboard near the windshield. The characters are stamped or laser-etched into the metal. This is the most common VIN format on Chinese vehicles.
• Door Jamb Sticker: A paper or vinyl label affixed to the driver's door frame. This sticker includes the VIN along with other data like tire pressure, paint code, and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
• Stamped VIN: Characters physically stamped directly into the vehicle's body metal, usually on the firewall, frame rail, or engine bay. These stampings are permanent and very difficult to alter.
• Laser-Etched VIN: Some newer Chinese vehicles etch the VIN into the windshield glass or window corners using a laser or acid-etching process. This serves as an anti-theft measure.
• VIN Barcode Label: A barcode sticker with the VIN printed below it, often found inside the trunk lid, under the spare tire cover, or on the B-pillar.

Example Chinese Vehicle VIN:

L S G C 5 A D 5 2 H G 1 2 3 4 5 6
| | |                 | |           |
| | |                 | |           +-- Production Sequence (Positions 12-17)
| | |                 | +------------- Assembly Plant (Position 11)
| | |                 +---------------- Model Year: H = 2017 (Position 10)
| | +---------------------------------- Vehicle Descriptor Section (Positions 4-9)
| +------------------------------------ Manufacturer Code (Positions 2-3)
+-------------------------------------- Country: L = China (Position 1)

How Long Is a VIN Number?

A modern VIN is exactly 17 characters long — no more, no less. This standard has been universal since 1981 and applies to all vehicles manufactured worldwide, including every Chinese car brand. The 17 characters are divided into three sections: the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI, positions 1-3), the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS, positions 4-9), and the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS, positions 10-17).

If you find a number on your vehicle that is shorter or longer than 17 characters, it is not the full VIN. All Chinese vehicles use the full 17-character format as specified by the Chinese national standard GB/T 16737 and the international standard ISO 3779. A shorter number may be a partial VIN, a body number, or an engine serial number.

Is the Chassis Number the Same as the VIN?

Yes — the chassis number and the VIN are the same thing. The term "chassis number" is simply an older name for what is now officially called the Vehicle Identification Number. You may also hear it called the frame number, body number, or serial number, though these terms can sometimes refer to different identifiers depending on the country and context.

• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): The official, globally standardized 17-character identifier. This is the correct modern term used in all official documentation worldwide.
• Chassis Number: The same 17-character code. This term is still widely used in the UK, Australia, India, and many Asian countries including China, where it appears on documents as the vehicle frame number (Chinese: 车架号 chejiahao).
• Serial Number: Can refer to the VIN but sometimes refers only to the manufacturer's production sequence number, which is the last 6 digits of the full VIN.
• Vehicle ID: A generic term that typically means the VIN but may occasionally refer to the registration number or license plate in some countries.
• Engine Number: This is NOT the same as the VIN. The engine number is a separate identifier stamped on the engine block that identifies the specific engine unit, not the vehicle itself.

Where Is the VIN Number on a Car? Complete Location Guide

Every vehicle has its VIN displayed in multiple locations — both visible and hidden — to ensure it can always be found and to deter tampering. While specific placement varies by manufacturer, the following locations are standard across virtually all Chinese vehicles sold domestically and internationally.

Dashboard VIN Plate (Windshield Base)

The most universally recognized VIN location is the metal plate on the dashboard, visible through the lower-left corner of the windshield from outside the vehicle. On left-hand-drive Chinese vehicles (domestic market and most exports), this plate sits on the driver's side dashboard where it meets the windshield. On right-hand-drive exports (such as MG and BYD models sold in the UK, Australia, and Japan), the plate is on the left side. Stand outside the car and look through the windshield at the base of the glass — the VIN plate should be clearly visible.

Door Jamb VIN Sticker

Open the driver's door and look at the area where the door meets the body frame. A certification label or sticker is affixed here containing the VIN along with the vehicle's manufacturing date, gross vehicle weight rating, tire pressure specifications, and paint code. On Chinese vehicles, this sticker is typically located on the B-pillar (the vertical post between the front and rear doors) or on the inside edge of the door itself. This location is protected from weather and road debris, making it one of the most reliable places to read the VIN.

Engine Bay VIN Stamping

The VIN is commonly stamped directly into the metal of the engine compartment. Look on the firewall (the metal panel separating the engine from the passenger cabin), on the inner fender panel, or on the strut tower. On many Chinese vehicles, the stamping is on the right-side firewall. The characters are physically pressed into the bare metal, making this a permanent and tamper-resistant VIN location. You may need to clean away dirt or grease to read it clearly.

VIN Number Under Windshield and VIN in Windshield

Many newer Chinese vehicles, especially those from BYD, NIO, and XPeng, have the VIN etched or engraved directly into the windshield glass, usually in the lower corner. Some vehicles also have the VIN etched into all window glass as a factory anti-theft measure. This etching is subtle — you may need to angle the glass against light to read it. Note that the VIN under the windshield (on the dashboard plate) and the VIN in the windshield (etched into the glass) are two different locations that both display the same number.

Additional VIN Locations on a Car

• Frame Rail: On body-on-frame vehicles like the Tank 300 and Tank 500, the VIN is stamped on the frame rail beneath the vehicle, usually on the driver's side near the front suspension.
• Trunk Floor / Spare Tire Well: Some Chinese vehicles have a VIN sticker under the trunk carpet or inside the spare tire compartment.
• B-Pillar Label: A VIN label on the structural pillar between the front and rear doors, visible when the driver's door is open.
• Front Strut Tower: A stamped or etched VIN on the top of the front suspension strut mount in the engine bay.
• Under the Rear Seat: Some BYD models (Atto 3, Seal) have a stamped VIN accessible by lifting the rear seat cushion.
• Battery Pack (EVs): Electric vehicles from NIO, XPeng, BYD, and Li Auto have a separate VIN or identification label on the high-voltage battery pack casing, visible from underneath the vehicle.

How Many VIN Numbers Are on a Car?

A typical Chinese vehicle has the same VIN displayed in 4 to 8 different locations. At minimum, you will find it on the dashboard plate, door jamb sticker, and engine bay stamping. Many vehicles add windshield etching, frame stamps, trunk labels, and under-seat stampings. Every VIN on the vehicle must be identical — they are all the same 17-character number.

If you find even a single character that differs between locations, this is a serious red flag indicating possible VIN tampering, vehicle cloning, or parts from a different vehicle. Always check the VIN in at least three locations and compare them character by character before purchasing any vehicle.

Where Is the VIN on a BYD? (Atto 3, Seal, Dolphin, Han, Tang)

BYD places the VIN in several locations that differ slightly from traditional automakers. The primary VIN plate on most BYD models is located at the base of the windshield on the passenger side (left side on left-hand-drive models), rather than the driver's side used by most Western manufacturers. This catches many buyers off guard when they look in the expected driver's side location and see nothing.

• BYD Atto 3 (Yuan Plus): Passenger-side windshield base (metal plate), under the front passenger seat carpet (stamped into floor pan), driver's door B-pillar sticker, engine bay firewall stamping, and a label inside the charging port door.
• BYD Seal: Passenger-side windshield base, under the rear seat cushion (lift the bench to access the stamped VIN on the floor pan), B-pillar certification label, and frunk compartment wall.
• BYD Dolphin: Passenger-side windshield base plate, B-pillar door jamb sticker, under the front passenger seat, and a stamping on the front subframe visible from underneath.
• BYD Han: Passenger-side windshield base, driver's door jamb certification label, engine bay firewall (Han DM models with ICE), and battery pack casing label underneath the vehicle.
• BYD Tang: Passenger-side windshield base, B-pillar sticker, engine compartment firewall stamping (Tang DM), and frame rail stamping on the driver's side.

Where Is the VIN on a Geely? (Coolray, Atlas, Monjaro, Emgrand)

Geely follows a more conventional VIN placement pattern. The primary dashboard VIN plate is on the driver's side windshield base, consistent with most global automakers. Geely vehicles also carry detailed certification stickers with comprehensive vehicle data.

• Geely Coolray (Binyue): Driver-side dashboard VIN plate visible through windshield, B-pillar certification sticker with full vehicle specifications, engine compartment firewall stamping on the passenger side, and a label under the hood near the latch mechanism.
• Geely Atlas (Boyue): Dashboard plate on driver's side, door jamb sticker on the B-pillar, firewall stamping in the engine bay, and a barcode label inside the glove box.
• Geely Monjaro (Xingyue L): Driver-side windshield base plate, B-pillar label, engine bay stamping, trunk floor label under the carpet, and windshield corner etching.
• Geely Emgrand: Dashboard plate, driver's door jamb sticker, engine firewall stamping, and a label on the inner fender panel in the engine bay.

Where Is the VIN on a Haval or Tank? (Great Wall Motors)

Great Wall Motors uses standard VIN placement across its Haval SUV, Ora EV, and Tank off-road brands. The dashboard VIN plate is on the driver's side. Tank models, being body-on-frame vehicles, have an additional frame rail stamping that Haval unibody models do not.

• Haval H6 / Haval Jolion: Driver-side dashboard VIN plate, B-pillar certification sticker, engine bay firewall stamping, and a label inside the fuel filler door.
• Haval Dargo (Big Dog): Dashboard plate, door jamb sticker, engine bay stamping on the inner fender, and a barcode label in the trunk.
• Ora Funky Cat (Good Cat): Driver-side dashboard plate, B-pillar sticker, stamping on the front subframe, and a label on the battery pack casing underneath.
• Tank 300: Dashboard plate, B-pillar sticker, engine bay firewall stamping, and a stamped VIN on the ladder frame rail on the driver's side (visible from underneath, near the front suspension mount).
• Tank 500: Dashboard plate, door jamb sticker, engine bay stamping, frame rail stamping on both sides, and a label inside the tailgate.

Where Is the VIN on a Changan? (CS75, UNI-T, UNI-K, Deepal)

Changan vehicles follow the conventional driver-side dashboard placement. The brand is known for placing comprehensive certification stickers on the door jamb that include not just the VIN but also detailed weight ratings, tire specifications, and color codes.

• Changan CS75 Plus: Driver-side dashboard VIN plate, B-pillar certification sticker with full specifications, engine bay stamping on the firewall, and a label inside the spare tire well.
• Changan UNI-T: Dashboard plate, driver's door jamb sticker, engine compartment firewall stamping, and windshield corner etching.
• Changan UNI-K: Dashboard plate, B-pillar label, engine bay stamping, trunk floor label, and a barcode sticker on the inner fender panel.
• Deepal S07 / SL03: Dashboard plate on driver's side, B-pillar sticker, front subframe stamping, battery pack identification label, and a label inside the frunk compartment.

Where Is the VIN on a Chery? (Tiggo, Omoda, Jaecoo, Arrizo)

Chery places the VIN in standard locations with one notable feature: many Chery models have the VIN etched into the windshield corner glass as a factory standard, which serves as an additional anti-theft identifier. This is especially common on export-market vehicles.

• Chery Tiggo 4 Pro / Tiggo 7 Pro / Tiggo 8 Pro: Driver-side dashboard VIN plate, windshield lower-right corner etching, B-pillar certification sticker, and engine bay firewall stamping.
• Omoda C5 / Omoda E5: Dashboard plate, B-pillar sticker, windshield corner etching, engine bay stamping (C5 ICE models), and front subframe stamping (E5 EV models).
• Jaecoo J7 / J8: Dashboard plate, door jamb sticker, windshield etching, engine compartment stamping, and a barcode label inside the tailgate.
• Chery Arrizo 8: Dashboard plate, B-pillar sticker, windshield corner etching, engine firewall stamping, and a label under the trunk carpet.

Where Is the VIN on NIO, XPeng, and Li Auto EVs?

Chinese EV startups follow modern VIN placement practices with one key addition: all of them include a VIN or identification label on the high-voltage battery pack. Since the battery is the most expensive component (often 40-60% of vehicle value), having a traceable identifier on it is critical for warranty claims, insurance, and theft recovery.

• NIO ES6 / ES8 / ET5 / ET7: Driver-side dashboard VIN plate, B-pillar certification sticker, front trunk (frunk) compartment wall stamping, windshield corner etching, and a separate battery pack identification label on the underside of the vehicle. NIO's swappable battery packs have their own serial numbers in addition to the vehicle VIN.
• XPeng P7 / G6 / G9: Driver-side dashboard plate, B-pillar sticker, frunk area stamping, windshield etching, and battery pack casing label. XPeng also embeds the VIN in the vehicle's digital systems accessible through the infotainment screen.
• Li Auto L7 / L8 / L9: Driver-side dashboard plate, B-pillar sticker, engine bay stamping (range extender engine area), front subframe stamping, and battery pack label underneath.

Where Is the VIN on an MG? (SAIC Motor)

MG vehicles, manufactured by SAIC Motor, use standard European-market VIN placement since they are primarily sold in export markets. The dashboard VIN plate is on the driver's side, and the certification sticker meets the regulatory requirements of the destination country.

• MG ZS / MG ZS EV: Driver-side dashboard VIN plate, B-pillar certification sticker (formatted to EU or UK standards on export models), engine bay firewall stamping, and windshield corner etching.
• MG4 Electric: Dashboard plate, B-pillar sticker, front subframe stamping, battery pack identification label, and a barcode label inside the charging port door.
• MG HS / MG HS PHEV: Dashboard plate, door jamb sticker, engine compartment firewall stamping, and a label inside the fuel filler door (HS PHEV has both fuel filler and charge port labels).

Where Is the VIN on Jetour, Dongfeng, FAW, and GAC Vehicles?

Other major Chinese brands follow similar VIN placement conventions. While these brands are less common in Western export markets, they are widely available in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa.

• Jetour X70 / X90 / Dashing: Driver-side dashboard VIN plate, B-pillar door jamb sticker, engine bay firewall stamping, and a label inside the spare tire compartment.
• Dongfeng (Forthing, Voyah): Dashboard plate, door jamb sticker, engine bay or front subframe stamping, and trunk floor label. Voyah EV models include a battery pack label.
• FAW (Bestune, Hongqi): Dashboard plate on driver's side, B-pillar certification sticker, engine compartment stamping. Hongqi luxury models include windshield etching and trunk floor labels.
• GAC (Trumpchi, Aion): Dashboard plate, door jamb sticker, engine bay stamping. Aion EV models add a battery pack identification label and frunk compartment stamping.

VIN Number on Car Registration and Documents

The VIN appears on every official document associated with your vehicle. These documents serve as a secondary source for finding the VIN when you cannot physically access the car, and they are essential for cross-referencing against the VIN stamped on the vehicle itself.

• Vehicle Registration Certificate: The VIN is printed on the front of your registration document in every country. In the US, it appears on the state-issued registration card. In the UK, it is listed on the V5C logbook under Section 4 (Vehicle Identification Number / Chassis Number / Frame Number).
• Vehicle Title (Certificate of Ownership): The title document issued by your state or country's motor vehicle authority always includes the full 17-character VIN. This is the legal proof of ownership linking you to a specific vehicle.
• Insurance Policy Documents: Your auto insurance policy and insurance card list the VIN for each covered vehicle. This is often the quickest way to find your VIN without going to the car.
• Purchase Invoice / Bill of Sale: The original purchase receipt or sales contract from the dealer includes the VIN, along with the sale price, date, and buyer/seller information.
• Vehicle Inspection Reports: Annual safety inspections, emissions test certificates, and pre-purchase inspection reports all record the VIN of the inspected vehicle.
• Loan or Financing Documents: If the vehicle is financed, the lender's paperwork and lien documents include the VIN to identify the collateral.

Where Is the VIN Number on a V5C Log Book?

For UK buyers of Chinese vehicles (MG, BYD, Ora, GWM), the V5C registration certificate is the primary ownership document. The VIN is printed in Section 4 of the V5C, labeled as "VIN/Chassis/Frame No." on the front page. The V5C also includes the engine number (a separate identifier), first registration date, and registered keeper details. When buying a used Chinese vehicle in the UK, always compare the VIN on the V5C against the physical VIN on the dashboard and door jamb before completing the purchase.

Chinese Vehicle Documents That Contain the VIN

If you are importing a Chinese vehicle or purchasing one that was originally sold in China's domestic market, several China-specific documents will contain the VIN. These are important for verifying the vehicle's origin and legal status.

• Vehicle Registration Certificate (行驶证 xingshizheng): China's equivalent of the registration card, issued by the local traffic police. Contains the VIN, license plate number, owner name, and vehicle specifications.
• CCC Certificate (中国强制性产品认证 CCC): The China Compulsory Certification document confirms the vehicle passed mandatory safety and quality standards. The VIN is tied to this certificate.
• Customs Declaration (报关单 baoguandan): For exported Chinese vehicles, the customs export declaration lists the VIN along with the declared value, destination country, and manufacturer details.
• Export Certificate of Conformity: Issued by the manufacturer for vehicles built for export, this document confirms the vehicle meets the destination country's regulations and includes the VIN.
• Vehicle Purchase Invoice (购车发票 gouchefapiao): China's official tax invoice for vehicle purchases, which serves as proof of legal purchase and always includes the VIN.
• Vehicle Inspection Certificate (检验合格证 jianyan hegezheng): The factory quality inspection certificate issued with every new Chinese vehicle, listing the VIN, engine number, and production date.

How to Find Your VIN Number Without the Car

There are several ways to find your VIN when you do not have physical access to the vehicle. This is useful when filing insurance claims, ordering parts remotely, or verifying a vehicle's identity before traveling to see it in person.

• Check Your Insurance Card or Policy: The VIN for every insured vehicle is listed on your insurance documentation. Most insurance apps also display the VIN digitally.
• Look at Your Registration Documents: Your vehicle registration card or certificate has the VIN printed on it. Keep a photo of this document on your phone for quick access.
• Log Into Your Dealer or Manufacturer Account: Many Chinese brands (BYD, NIO, XPeng, Geely) offer owner apps or online portals where the VIN is displayed in your vehicle profile.
• Check Previous Service or Repair Receipts: Any service invoice from a dealer or repair shop will have recorded the VIN when the work was performed.
• Contact Your Financing Company: If the vehicle has an active loan, your lender has the VIN on file and can provide it over the phone or through their online portal.
• License Plate to VIN Lookup: In some countries, you can use a license plate number to retrieve the associated VIN through government databases or third-party lookup services. Availability varies by jurisdiction.
• DMV or Motor Vehicle Authority: Your local motor vehicle authority can provide the VIN for any vehicle registered in your name, usually by presenting identification at a branch office or through their online services.

VIN on the Purchase Invoice and Bill of Sale

The purchase invoice or bill of sale is one of the most overlooked sources for finding a VIN. This document is created at the time of sale and records the exact vehicle being transferred. For Chinese vehicles purchased from authorized dealers, the invoice will include the full 17-character VIN, the vehicle's make, model, color, engine or motor type, and the transaction price. Keep this document in a safe place — it serves as both a VIN reference and proof of purchase history for future buyers.

What Is a VIN Inspection and When Do You Need One?

A VIN inspection is an official process where a certified inspector physically examines the VIN on a vehicle and confirms that it matches the VIN on the vehicle's documents. This is not the same as a general vehicle inspection — a VIN inspection focuses specifically on verifying the vehicle's identity. It is typically required when registering an out-of-state vehicle, importing a vehicle from another country, registering a vehicle with a rebuilt or salvage title, or when the VIN plate has been damaged or replaced.

For Chinese vehicles imported into the US, UK, Australia, or other markets, a VIN inspection or VIN verification is almost always required as part of the registration process. The inspector will check the VIN on the dashboard, door jamb, and engine bay, compare all three against the import documents, and certify that the vehicle is what the paperwork claims it to be.

What Is a VIN Verification?

VIN verification is the broader process of confirming that a vehicle's identity is legitimate and consistent across all locations and documents. While a VIN inspection is a formal procedure conducted by an authorized agent, VIN verification is something any buyer can and should do before purchasing a vehicle. The goal is to ensure that the VIN has not been tampered with and that all identifiers on the vehicle match.

• Step 1: Record the VIN from the dashboard plate (visible through the windshield). Write down or photograph all 17 characters.
• Step 2: Open the driver's door and record the VIN from the door jamb certification sticker. Compare character by character with the dashboard VIN.
• Step 3: Open the hood and locate the VIN stamping in the engine bay (firewall or strut tower). Compare with the first two.
• Step 4: Compare all three physical VINs against the VIN on the vehicle's registration, title, and insurance documents.
• Step 5: Check for signs of tampering — look for scratched or re-stamped characters, mismatched fonts, replaced rivets on the VIN plate, fresh paint or adhesive around VIN locations, or stickers placed over stampings.
• Step 6: Run the VIN through a vehicle history report service to verify the vehicle's recorded history matches what the seller claims.

Hidden VIN Locations: What Are Confidential VINs?

In addition to the visible VIN locations (dashboard, door jamb, engine bay), most vehicles have one or more hidden VINs — also called confidential VINs or secret VINs. These are VIN stampings placed in concealed locations that are known only to the manufacturer and law enforcement. The purpose of hidden VINs is to provide a tamper-proof way to identify a vehicle even if all visible VIN plates and stickers have been removed or altered.

Hidden VIN locations vary by manufacturer and are intentionally not publicized. Common hidden VIN locations across the automotive industry include stampings inside body panels that are only accessible by removing interior trim, markings under the carpet or sound-deadening material, stampings on structural components hidden behind welded panels, and micro-dots or chemical markers embedded in the paint. For Chinese vehicles, the hidden VIN locations follow each manufacturer's internal protocols and are shared with law enforcement databases for theft recovery purposes.

VIN Tampering Signs to Watch For

When locating and reading the VIN on any Chinese vehicle, inspect each VIN location for signs of tampering. VIN fraud is a serious crime that involves altering, removing, or replacing VIN identifiers to disguise a stolen vehicle, hide a salvage history, or misrepresent a vehicle's origin.

• Mismatched Characters: The font, size, depth, or spacing of stamped characters should be consistent. If any characters look different from the others, the VIN may have been re-stamped.
• Replaced VIN Plate Rivets: Factory VIN plates are attached with rosette (star-shaped) rivets. If the plate is held by standard pop rivets or screws, it may have been replaced.
• Scratches or Grinding Marks: Look for tool marks, scratches, or areas where metal has been ground smooth around VIN stampings. Legitimate stampings have clean, undisturbed surrounding metal.
• Fresh Paint or Adhesive: New paint, touch-up coating, or adhesive residue around a VIN location suggests the area has been tampered with to hide alterations.
• Sticker Over Stamping: A sticker or label placed directly over where a body stamping should be is suspicious. Legitimate VIN stickers are always in addition to stampings, not covering them.
• VIN Plate Edges: Run your finger around the edges of the dashboard VIN plate. A factory-installed plate sits flush and feels firmly attached. A loose, raised, or poorly aligned plate may be a replacement.
• Different VINs at Different Locations: The most obvious sign of fraud — if the dashboard, door jamb, and engine bay VINs do not match exactly, do not purchase the vehicle.

What Does the VIN Number Tell You?

Once you have found the VIN, each of the 17 characters reveals specific information about the vehicle. Understanding what the VIN tells you helps verify that the vehicle matches the seller's description and confirms key details like the country of manufacture, brand, model year, and assembly plant.

• Position 1 — Country of Origin: L indicates China. All Chinese-manufactured vehicles have a VIN starting with L, regardless of brand.
• Positions 2-3 — Manufacturer: Identifies the specific automaker. For example, LFV = FAW-Volkswagen, LSG = SAIC-GM, LBV = BYD, LB3 = Geely, LGX = Dongfeng, LCC = Great Wall.
• Positions 4-8 — Vehicle Attributes: Encodes the model, body type, engine or motor type, drivetrain, and restraint system. The exact meaning varies by manufacturer.
• Position 9 — Check Digit: A calculated verification digit (0-9 or X) used to detect transcription errors and confirm the VIN's mathematical validity.
• Position 10 — Model Year: A single character code representing the year of manufacture. For example, R = 2024, S = 2025, T = 2026.
• Position 11 — Assembly Plant: Identifies the specific factory where the vehicle was built.
• Positions 12-17 — Production Sequence: A unique serial number assigned to the vehicle in the order it rolled off the assembly line.

VIN Plate Types Explained

Different types of VIN identifiers serve different purposes on a vehicle. Understanding the difference between a VIN plate, a VIN sticker, and a VIN stamping helps you know what to look for and which identifiers carry the most weight for verification.

• Riveted Metal VIN Plate: A stamped or laser-etched aluminum or steel plate attached to the dashboard with factory rosette rivets. This is the primary legal VIN identifier on most vehicles worldwide. Removing or replacing this plate is a crime.
• Certification Label (Door Jamb Sticker): A regulatory compliance label containing the VIN plus additional vehicle data. In the US, this is the FMVSS certification label required by federal law. It is a durable vinyl or paper sticker that is difficult but not impossible to remove.
• Body Stamping: Characters permanently pressed into the bare metal of the vehicle body, engine bay, or frame. This is the most tamper-resistant VIN location because it cannot be removed without physically cutting or grinding the metal.
• Window Etching: The VIN acid-etched or laser-etched into the windshield or side window glass. Serves primarily as an anti-theft deterrent since replacing all etched glass is expensive and conspicuous.
• Barcode Label: A machine-readable barcode or QR code sticker with the VIN printed in human-readable text below. Found in secondary locations like the trunk, spare tire well, or tailgate interior. Used for manufacturing tracking and dealer service scanning.

How to Find and Record the VIN on Any Chinese Vehicle: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to locate, verify, and record the VIN on any Chinese-manufactured vehicle, whether you are buying, selling, importing, or registering the car.

• Step 1 — Check the Dashboard Plate First: Stand outside the vehicle on the driver's side (or passenger side for BYD models) and look through the lower corner of the windshield. You should see a small metal plate with 17 characters. Write down or photograph the entire number.
• Step 2 — Verify at the Door Jamb: Open the driver's door and locate the certification sticker on the B-pillar or inside edge of the door. Read the VIN printed on this label and compare it character by character against the dashboard VIN.
• Step 3 — Check the Engine Bay Stamping: Open the hood and look for a VIN stamped into the firewall, inner fender panel, or strut tower. You may need a flashlight and a rag to clean the area. Compare this stamped VIN against the first two.
• Step 4 — Inspect for Tampering: At each VIN location, check for signs of alteration — mismatched fonts, grinding marks, replaced rivets, fresh adhesive, or stickers covering stampings. All three VINs must be identical with no signs of modification.
• Step 5 — Cross-Reference Documents: Compare the physical VIN against the vehicle's registration certificate, title, insurance documents, and purchase invoice. Every document should show the same 17-character number.
• Step 6 — Photograph Every VIN Location: Take clear, well-lit photos of each VIN — the dashboard plate, door jamb sticker, engine bay stamping, and any additional locations you find. These photos serve as evidence for your records and can be shared with a mechanic or history report service.
• Step 7 — Run a VIN History Report: Enter the verified VIN into a vehicle history report service to check for accident records, title issues, recall notices, odometer discrepancies, and theft status. This is especially important for Chinese vehicles where international history records may be harder to access.
• Step 8 — Save the VIN Securely: Store the VIN in your phone contacts, a note-taking app, or a dedicated vehicle folder. Having the VIN readily available saves time when ordering parts, filing insurance claims, scheduling service, or selling the vehicle.

Common Mistakes When Locating VINs on Chinese Cars

Chinese vehicles have some VIN placement quirks that catch buyers unfamiliar with these brands. Knowing these common mistakes helps you avoid confusion and find the VIN quickly.

• Looking on the Wrong Side for BYD: BYD places the dashboard VIN plate on the passenger side, not the driver's side. Many buyers look at the driver's side windshield corner, see nothing, and assume the plate is missing.
• Confusing the Engine Number with the VIN: Chinese vehicles have both a VIN and a separate engine number stamped in the engine bay. The engine number is shorter (typically 10-15 characters) and identifies the engine unit, not the vehicle. Make sure you are reading the 17-character VIN, not the engine number.
• Missing the Stamping Under Dirt or Grease: Engine bay VIN stampings on Chinese vehicles are often covered by road grime, oil residue, or underbody coating. Bring a rag and flashlight — the stamping is there, it just needs cleaning.
• Ignoring Right-Hand-Drive Differences: For Chinese vehicles exported to right-hand-drive markets (UK, Australia, Japan, Thailand), the dashboard VIN plate location may shift to accommodate the different steering position. Check both sides of the windshield base.
• Not Checking the Battery Pack VIN on EVs: Chinese EVs from BYD, NIO, XPeng, and others have a separate identification label on the battery pack. This is important because the battery may have been swapped or replaced, and its identifier should be recorded alongside the vehicle VIN.

VIN Location Differences: Chinese Domestic Market vs Export Models

Chinese vehicles built for the domestic market and those built for export often have differences in VIN plate formatting and placement, even though the VIN itself follows the same 17-character standard. Understanding these differences is important if you are importing a Chinese-market vehicle or comparing a domestic-spec car against its export-market equivalent.

• Certification Label Format: Domestic Chinese vehicles carry a CCC (China Compulsory Certification) label near the VIN plate. Export models replace this with the destination country's certification — FMVSS label for the US, EU type approval label for Europe, ADR compliance plate for Australia.
• Label Language: Domestic VIN plates and stickers are printed in Chinese with some English abbreviations. Export models use English-only labels or bilingual labels depending on the destination market.
• Additional Identifiers: Domestic Chinese vehicles include a separate QR code linking to the MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) vehicle database. This QR code is not present on export models.
• VIN Plate Material: Some domestic-market vehicles use a simpler adhesive VIN label where export models of the same vehicle use a riveted metal plate to meet stricter international regulations.
• Placement Consistency: The physical VIN stamping locations (engine bay, frame rail) are identical between domestic and export versions since they are part of the body-in-white manufacturing process. Only the applied labels and stickers differ.

Frequently Asked Questions About Finding Chinese Vehicle VINs

Where is the VIN number on a car?

The VIN number is located in multiple places on every car. The most common location is the dashboard VIN plate, visible through the lower-left corner of the windshield from outside the vehicle. You can also find it on the door jamb certification sticker (open the driver's door and check the B-pillar), stamped into the engine bay firewall, and printed on your vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Is the chassis number the same as the VIN?

Yes, the chassis number and VIN are the same thing. Chassis number is an older term still commonly used in the UK, Australia, and Asia (including China, where it is called 车架号). The modern official term is Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and it is the standardized 17-character code found on all vehicles manufactured since 1981.

How many VIN numbers are on a car?

A typical car has the same VIN displayed in 4 to 8 different locations. At minimum, you will find it on the dashboard plate, door jamb sticker, and engine bay stamping. Many Chinese vehicles add windshield etching, trunk floor labels, under-seat stampings, and battery pack labels (on EVs). All VINs on the vehicle must be identical.

What does a VIN number look like?

A VIN is a sequence of exactly 17 uppercase letters and numbers, such as LGXC56A52N0123456. It never contains the letters I, O, or Q. On the vehicle, it appears as stamped characters on a metal plate (dashboard), printed text on a sticker (door jamb), characters pressed into bare metal (engine bay), or etched into windshield glass.

How long is a VIN number?

A VIN is always exactly 17 characters long. This has been the global standard since 1981 and applies to every Chinese vehicle brand including BYD, Geely, Haval, Changan, Chery, NIO, XPeng, MG, and all others. If you find a number that is shorter or longer than 17 characters, it is not the VIN — it may be an engine number, body stamp, or partial identifier.

Is the VIN number on the registration?

Yes, the VIN is always printed on the vehicle registration certificate. In the US, it appears on the state registration card. In the UK, it is listed in Section 4 of the V5C logbook. In Australia, it appears on the registration certificate. Your insurance card, vehicle title, and purchase invoice also include the VIN.

Where is the VIN on a BYD?

BYD places the primary VIN plate on the passenger side of the windshield base — not the driver's side like most other manufacturers. Additional VIN locations include the B-pillar certification sticker, under the front passenger seat carpet (stamped into the floor pan), the engine bay firewall (on DM hybrid models), and a label on the battery pack casing underneath the vehicle.

Can I find my VIN number online?

Yes, you can find your VIN online without physically accessing the car. Check your insurance company's app or website (the VIN is listed for each covered vehicle), your manufacturer's owner portal (BYD, NIO, XPeng, and Geely all offer owner apps showing the VIN), your state or country's motor vehicle website, or any previous service receipts stored in your email.

Is the VIN the same as the serial number?

Not exactly. The VIN includes a serial number component (the last 6 digits, called the production sequence number), but the full VIN is 17 characters and contains much more information — the country of origin, manufacturer, vehicle attributes, model year, and assembly plant. When someone asks for the serial number of a car, they usually mean the VIN.

Where is the hidden VIN on a car?

Hidden VINs (also called confidential VINs) are stamped in concealed locations known only to the manufacturer and law enforcement. Their exact positions are not publicized because they serve as a last-resort identification method for stolen or tampered vehicles. They are typically found inside body panels, under carpet or insulation, behind welded structural components, or embedded as chemical markers in the paint.

What does the VIN number tell you?

The VIN tells you the vehicle's country of manufacture (position 1 — L for China), manufacturer (positions 2-3), vehicle attributes like model and engine type (positions 4-8), a check digit for error detection (position 9), model year (position 10), assembly plant (position 11), and unique production sequence number (positions 12-17). You can use the VIN to access the vehicle's full history report, check for recalls, verify specifications, and confirm authenticity.

Where is the VIN number on a V5C?

On the UK V5C registration certificate (log book), the VIN is listed in Section 4, labeled "VIN/Chassis/Frame No." on the front page of the document. This is the same 17-character number found on the vehicle's dashboard plate and door jamb sticker. When buying a used Chinese vehicle in the UK, always compare the V5C VIN against the physical VIN on the car.

Common VIN Locations:

• Driver's Side Dashboard: Look through the windshield on the driver's side. The VIN is often on a metal plate affixed to the dashboard.
• Driver's Side Door Jamb: Open the driver's door and look for a sticker on the door frame or the door itself. This sticker also contains other important information like the vehicle's weight and tire pressure.
• Engine Bay: The VIN may be stamped on the engine block or on the firewall in the engine compartment.
• Vehicle Registration & Insurance Documents: Your VIN will always be printed on your car's official registration and insurance paperwork.

Finding the VIN on Popular Chinese Vehicles:

• BYD Vehicles (Atto, Seal, Dolphin): Passenger side windshield base, under front passenger seat carpet
• Great Wall Motors (Haval, Ora, Tank): Driver side dashboard, door frame sticker
• Geely Vehicles (Coolray, Atlas): Dashboard plate, engine compartment firewall
• Changan Vehicles (CS75, UNI-T): Door jamb sticker, engine bay stamping
• SAIC/MG Vehicles: Dashboard VIN plate, registration documents
• Chery Vehicles (Tiggo, Arrizo): Windshield corner, door frame
• Jetour Vehicles (X70, X90): Dashboard plate, engine compartment