Washington Vehicle Identification Number

Whether you purchase a new car or a used one in Washington, vehicle identification number is something you simply cannot do without. This simple code is reported on all important documents, including your insurance policy, and is the most effective way of keeping a track of your car.

The vehicle identification number is a 17 digit code which is also known as the DNA of a car. Contained within these 17 digits is information about the manufacturer of the car, the make and model of the car itself, and the year of production. In fact, the vehicle identification number can tell you the exact point at which the car rolled off the assembly line!

In Washington, vehicle identification number is required by all government agencies dealing in transport queries. From licensing to registration of your vehicle, this number must be consistent across all documents. Misreporting the number or failing to correct errors can result in heavy fines and even a confiscation of your driving privileges. If you are purchasing a used car, the first thing you should check is the identification number, to identify the year of manufacture of the car and determine its age. This number offers some protection to the buyer against a refurbished car.

In the event that your vehicle gets stolen in Washington, vehicle identification numberis used to help recover and identify it. Because it is present on all official documents against the name of the current owner, it is a surefire way of returning the vehicle to the right person.
Locating the vehicle identification number can be tricky. However, there are a few locations which most manufacturers prefer to place this number. These include the doorpost on the driver’s side of the car, close to the seatbelt return. Another favorite location is on either of the rear wheels, directly above the wheel itself. However, one of the easier places to find this number is at the front of the engine block.

The vehicle identification number is an excellent device to help buyers, law enforcers, and the government in dealing with different vehicles on the road.