How many sections is a VIN divided into?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is divided into three distinct sections: the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), and the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS).

The first section, the WMI, is composed of the first three characters of the VIN and identifies the manufacturer and the country of origin. The second section, the VDS, consists of characters four through nine and provides information about the vehicle's model, body style, engine type, and other features. Lastly, the VIS, made up of the final eight characters, uniquely identifies individual vehicles, often incorporating details such as the production year, factory location, and production number.

Understanding these sections is crucial because each part of the VIN serves a specific purpose in vehicle identification, registration, and history tracking. This knowledge is essential for law enforcement and automotive professionals for tasks such as verifying vehicle ownership, tracking stolen vehicles, and ensuring compliance with regulations.