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Where Can I Find the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)?

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is composed of 17 characters (digits and capital letters) that act as a unique identifier for the vehicle. A VIN displays the car's unique features, specifications and manufacturer.

The VIN can be found in a couple of places including on the car's registration label (1), on the compliance plate in the engine bay (2) or on the passenger side windshield (3), or on one of the door posts (where the door latches when it is closed) (4). See the image below:

Look for the VIN in these other locations:

  • Insurance card/Insurance policy
  • Vehicle title and registration certificate

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What you get in a CarHistory report

Along with car history details, we also cover you with Vehicle Buyback Insurance for 3 months from the date of your report purchase, for added peace of mind (terms and conditions apply).

  • Vehicle financial liability check
  • VIN validation
  • Damages, stolen status and written off check
  • Vehicle Buyback Insurance
  • Vehicle valuation and registration details
  • Sales price and odometer reading comparison
  • Previous sale information
  • ANCAP safety and emission ratings

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CarHistory reports can answer all the important questions

So that buying a car becomes a simple, exciting and rewarding experience for you.

Has the car been reported written off or stolen?

What is the vehicle’s sales history?

What is its rego status?

Is the odometer reading consistent?

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Hear from our customers

I’m so glad I did a full check. The car looked great but turned out to be flood damaged. Best money ever spent. Small outlay for peace of mind and saved me thousands and a nightmare.
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Shane - Algester QLD
I used car history to check the details of a car that looked too good to be true. And it was! It was a repaired write off that was likely to cost me serious dollars down the track. CarHistory potentially saved me thousands...
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Bonnie - Wooloowin QLD
Almost bought a 2005 Mazda3 sedan, advertised with 88,000km. Ran a CarHistory check and realised the odometer was wound back from over 200,000km. Thank you CarHistory for saving me the nightmare.
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Tim - Taree NSW
I went to the mechanic to get a blue slip... when they advised me that my car had been in a major, major accident... I did the check and saw my car was a repairable write off - a lesson I'll only ever learn once.
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Tamara - Lismore Heights NSW
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What you may not know

More than 1 in 4 used cars sold hide a potential issue*
Nearly 4.3mill vehicles registered on the PPSR
CarHistory is Australia’s 1st online automotive bureau
Aussies who buy a "lemon" average up to $2K out of pocket expenses^


*CarHistory Data 2016. National analysis of 166,313 car reports ordered by consumers in all Australian states and territories.
^CarHistory Consumer Research 2017. Galaxy. July 2017. n=1,001 Australian ages 18-49 years.

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Top 5 FAQs

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be found on the vehicle itself, either on the dashboard, or on one of the door posts (where the door latches when it is closed). The vehicle’s VIN is also displayed on the registration certificate and insurance policy documentation.

The CarHistory Report is a comprehensive report on the reported history of a used motor vehicle that has been registered in Australia. The CarHistory Report is designed to alert you to potentially significant information about a vehicle.

A CarHistory Report includes a PPSR Certificate and depending on the information returned, the report can provide you with:

  • A PPSR Certificate - formerly REVS (which indicates if there is existing finance on the vehicle)
  • If the vehicle has suffered damage resulting in a written-off status, e.g. hail, fire, accident, flood
  • If the vehicle’s odometer reading is consistent with what has previously been reported, or if it has potentially been wound back (based on the reading you provide)
  • If the car has previously been reported as written off or stolen
  • Previous sale listings
  • Vehicle safety and emission ratings
  • What the car is expected to be worth in the current market
When you order a vehicle report, CarHistory’s systems immediately access several national databases to compile the report. This usually takes less than 30 seconds, however it can take up to 2 minutes. If you find it is taking too long to generate your report, your report will be emailed to the email address you provided as soon as it is ready. Your report also remains viewable online through the Customer Login section of the website for a period of 90 days after purchase.
You can view the reports that you have purchased over the past 30 days by logging in to the CarHistory website in the Customer Login section. Please note that reports and invoices are only accessible on the website for a period of 30 days from the date of purchase. After this period the report will expire and will be removed from the website.

The CarHistory Report is a comprehensive report on the reported history of a used motor vehicle that has been registered in any state or territory of Australia.The CarHistory report is designed to alert you to potentially significant information about a vehicle, and helps you to decide which vehicle to purchase.

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