How do I perform a classic car VIN check?

To perform a classic car vehicle identification number (VIN) check, you need to find the VIN on various parts of the car or in its associated paperwork.

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1. Locate your classic car's VIN

On the car

There are multiple places to look for the VIN or its equivalent on the car itself. Most VINs for classic cars can be found in one or more of these locations:

On the dashboard, near the windshield on the driver's side, and visible from the outside
Inside the driver's side wheel well
Under the steering column
On the firewall
On a sticker located on the driver's door edge or doorjamb
On the driver's door hinge post
On the driver's or passenger's side frame rail
On major parts like the engine (though the engine may have been replaced)

In the paperwork

The VIN or other unique identifier may also be recorded on these documents:

Bills of sale and other purchase records
The vehicle's registration
The car's title
Insurance policies
Maintenance records

Once you've identified the VIN, double check its authenticity. VINs weren't standardized in the U.S. until 1981. And starting in the mid-1950s, auto manufacturers made up their own VINs. Vehicles made prior to the mid-'50s have serial numbers but may be titled or registered off of a frame or engine number.

Pro tip:

While documentation is useful in tracing the history of a classic car, it's also important to verify that the classic car you own — or the one you're thinking about buying — matches its paperwork. Learn more about inspecting classic cars and shopping for classic cars.

2. Use online tools to decode your VIN

Use online services to trace your classic car's VIN, such as:

Some services require a fee, so make sure to research the reputation of the service you plan to use.

What will your classic car's VIN report show you?

Make and model
Type of car (passenger car, truck, etc.)
Type of engine and type of transmission
Year of manufacture
Location of the manufacturing plant
Title history (including ownership, damage history, and odometer readings; only applies to vehicles built after 1981)

Use additional resources to research your classic car's VIN

With a VIN or its equivalent in hand, you can further research the history of your classic car through several online and offline sources:

National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS): This U.S. government database provides reliable information about the history of a vehicle, including title, brand, and theft data.
Car clubs: Consult national clubs for high-level research and local clubs for stories, tips, and practical advice. You can also search forums and newsletters for help.
Previous owners: Ask them what they know about the car and who owned the car before them. You can also ask family members of previous owners. If you can't talk to a previous owner, talking to their family may lead to stories about the car and information about where it was driven and how it was used.

If you're researching much older cars, our classic car insurance friends at Hagerty recommend using the Standard Catalog of American Cars to learn the history of your particular make and model.

Does a VIN history report affect classic car insurance rates?

A VIN history report isn't used directly to determine classic car insurance rates. Owners who have identified the classic car's VIN and made a history report are more likely to treat the vehicle as a collector item, which can be seen as a positive when insurance companies are establishing a vehicle's value or making an accommodation.