Looking up a car's chassis number

A chassis number, also called a frame number or vehicle identification number (VIN), is a special code that every motor vehicle has. This number allows you to tell vehicles apart. The chassis number is on the frame of the car and consists of numbers and letters. Each vehicle has its own unique number. This number is important to recognize a car.

Where can you find the chassis number?

The number is engraved into the car's chassis or frame. The location of the number varies from car to car, but it is usually on a part that is difficult to replace. This prevents fraud. Forging or removing the number is almost impossible. This number remains the same, even if you import the car imports or export.

You can find the number on a metal plate in the engine compartment of each car. This plate also contains other information about the car, such as its weight and engine type. Because the plate is in this location, you can still read the chassis number even after a severe collision. Often the number is also visible on the dashboard on the driver's side.

Looking up chassis number on the registration certificate

The chassis number is not only found in the car itself, but is also always found on the registration certificate of the car. This is because the chassis number is linked to your car's registration number.

Therefore, it is also prohibited to simply mount a different license plate on the vehicle without the RDW is aware of this.

Why is the chassis number important?

The chassis number helps identify vehicles. So it is not linked to your car insurance, but it is linked to your car.

For repairs and maintenance

It allows a mechanic to see when the car was made and what parts are needed for repairs. If a vehicle is imported or exported, the chassis number remains the same even if the registration number changes.

In case of theft and fraud

The chassis number is also used in police investigations. For example, when a vehicle is registered as stolen. This is because license plates are much easier to forge and the chassis number is not.

To check the mileage

Getting the chassis number is a good way to find out if there has ever been any damage to the car. The mileage and number of owners can also be found out this way. This information is often withheld by the seller.

You can also use the chassis number to check how many miles a car has driven and whether it has had any damage. This is especially useful if you want to buy a used car. This way you can be sure that the information about the car is correct.

When importing from abroad

Are you planning to buy a car abroad? Since all information is stored centrally within the EU, this is a useful tool to find out the condition of the car.

Forgery of a chassis number is not possible

Criminals sometimes try to clone the chassis number, only to place it on a stolen car. For criminals, changing or "re-catting" a chassis number is a well-known way to hide stolen vehicles.

If the chassis number on the vehicle does not match the registration certificate, it may indicate fraud or theft.

This is how a chassis number is constructed

A chassis number has 17 characters, with capital letters and numbers. The letters O, I and Q are never used because they resemble the digits 0, 1 and 9. The last 6 characters are always digits. This unique structure allows any vehicle with a chassis number to be identified worldwide.

A chassis number is divided into 3 groups according to ISO standards:

1. Manufacturer and country of origin

The first group indicates where and by whom the vehicle was manufactured.

2. Technical specifications

This section contains information about the type of vehicle, such as engine, fuel type, and other technical characteristics.

3. Serial number

The last section is unique to each vehicle and distinguishes vehicles produced in close succession.

The chassis number and your insurance

To take out a car insurance you need the report code of your car. This report code consists of the last 4 digits of the chassis number. The insurer uses this code to register the car with the National Road Administration (RDW). Without this report code, you cannot get car insurance.

It is not possible to insure a car on the chassis number alone.

Frequently asked questions about a car's chassis number

How do I check if a chassis number is correct?

You can check a chassis number through the RDW or specialized online services. Entering the number gives you insight into the vehicle details, such as make, model, year of manufacture and registration history. If these details do not match the car, it could be a case of fraud.

Is the chassis number the same as the VIN?

Yes, the chassis number and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) mean the same thing. Both terms refer to the unique identification code that each vehicle has. In the Netherlands the term chassis number is more commonly used, internationally VIN is more common.

What does a chassis number look like?

A chassis number consists of 17 characters: capital letters and numbers, excluding the letters O, I and Q. The structure is standardized and provides information about the manufacturer, technical characteristics and a unique serial number. This makes each vehicle identifiable worldwide.

Can I check damage and mileage with the chassis number?

Yes, with the chassis number you can find out through a license plate check or chassis check if a car has had damage or if the mileage makes sense. This is especially useful when buying a used car, to avoid hidden defects.

What does it mean if a chassis number does not match the registration certificate?

If the chassis number on the vehicle does not match the registration certificate, this may indicate fraud or theft. You should always report this immediately to the RDW or police, as the vehicle may have been stolen or "reverse engineered.

How do I use the chassis number when importing a car?

When importing a car, you use the chassis number to check vehicle data abroad. In many EU countries, you can use the chassis number to obtain damage history, maintenance and mileage information before bringing the car to the Netherlands.

What is a car's report code and how is it related to the chassis number?

The report code consists of the last four digits of the chassis number and is used when taking out car insurance. The insurer uses this to register the car with the RDW. Without this code you cannot insure the car.