What is a VIN?
A VIN(Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-digit identification number for each vehicle. It is assigned when the vehicle is manufactured and does not change until the vehicle is scrapped. Records accumulated in Korea, such as accident, insurance, and mileage records, require this number to begin checking based on that specific vehicle.
VIN example
Brand(manufacturer)
2
Security code
9
Production plant
11
Country of manufacture
1
Vehicle type
3
Vehicle characteristics
4~8
Engine, safety equipment, etc.
Production year
10
Vehicle production number
12~17
17-character combination of letters and numbers (the letters I, O, and Q are not used)
You cannot find the records for the same vehicle using only the model and model year
Korean vehicle history data is stored separately for each vehicle by VIN. Therefore, even for the same vehicle type, accident, insurance, and mileage records differ from vehicle to vehicle, and the full 17-digit VIN is needed to view the history of one vehicle accurately.
If you search without VIN
It may be mixed with records of another vehicle of the same type and model year, or the search itself may not be possible. With only the information shown in the advertisement, it is difficult to accurately identify the listing’s Korean registration history.
When you search by VIN
Within the available search scope, the Korean records for that VIN are organized. This helps reduce the possibility of confusion with records from another vehicle, and lets you compare the information item by item against the listing advertisement and the seller’s description.
Where can you check the VIN?
The VIN is marked in several places on a vehicle, so if it is not clearly visible in one location, you can check another location. When requesting a VIN photo from the seller, you can guide them to the locations below to help receive a more accurate photo.
Left corner of the dashboard
It is exposed below the windshield on the driver’s side, so you can check it from outside the vehicle. This is the most common location.
Inside pillar of the driver’s door
When you open the driver’s door, you can check the VIN together with manufacturer and production information on the label attached to the inside pillar.
Vehicle registration certificate
It is listed in the "Chassis No." field on the Korean vehicle registration certificate or UAE registration documents.
Insurance certificate
You can also check the VIN on the vehicle insurance certificate or card for vehicle identification.
When requesting a VIN photo from the seller
If you search using only the model and model year shown in the listing advertisement, the records may be confused with those of another vehicle. It is best to request a photo of the vehicle’s VIN directly from the seller or dealer, and ask that all 17 characters be clearly visible in a single shot.
Ask them to take a close-up photo from the front so that all 17 characters are clearly visible in one shot.
Avoid angled shots, as the characters may be distorted and make it difficult to read all 17 characters.
If sunlight reflection or shadows cover some characters, ask for one more photo from another location, such as the inside door pillar or the registration certificate.
If you receive only the last few characters of the VIN, it cannot be used for the search. All 17 characters are required.
Common misconceptions about VIN
Here are the three questions most often asked by people who are new to VIN. Knowing these in advance can help reduce mistakes from searching with the wrong number.
The VIN and vehicle number (license plate) are different
A vehicle number is assigned at registration and may change when the owner changes or the vehicle is re-registered, but the VIN is assigned when the vehicle is manufactured and remains the same until the vehicle is scrapped.
The letters I·O·Q are not used in VIN
Because they can be visually confused with the numbers 1 and 0, the English letters I, O, and Q are intentionally excluded from VIN. If you see any of these three letters among the 17 characters, check again.
A search cannot be performed with only the model and model year
Even for the same vehicle model and model year, each vehicle has a different history. To search Korean registration history accurately, all 17 characters of the VIN are required.
If you have checked the VIN, search the Korean registration history now.
By entering the 17-character VIN, you can first organize accident and flood-related indicators, insurance accident history, mileage trends, usage history, and recall reference materials on one screen.