What's the difference between a car number plate and VIN?

Cars and vehicles that travel the UK roads can be identified using a couple of different numbers, these are car number plates; the white and yellow plates displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle, and the VIN; the Vehicle Identification Number. Both serve different purposes and are located on different areas of the vehicle, and while a number plate may be swapped or changed, a VIN remains in place for the life of the vehicle. 

Number plates are easy-to-see combinations of numbers and letters which can be used to quickly identify a vehicle and its owner. The letters and digits show where a vehicle was registered, and the vehicle's age. This can be useful in the event of the vehicle being used in a crime, involved in an accident, or breaking speeding laws. Police and other authorities can track cars which have been lost or stolen by checking the number plate. 

Assigned number plates are unique, but may not stay in place for the life of the vehicle. Private number plates and personalised registrations may be purchased to reflect the driver's name or to display a favourite hobby. Or on some occasions, private plates may be given as a gift to vehicle owners as a birthday or a graduation present. These new plates may be legally transferred to a vehicle, replacing the original number plates. 

VIN, on the other hand, are not easily visible and are situated on the vehicle chassis, engine, or driver’s door. In more recent cars, affixed to the dashboard and can be viewed through the windscreen. Where number plates can provide some details about the car's year and location of manufacture, 17-digit VIN reveals a wealth of information about the vehicle and will be listed on the VC5 (vehicle log book) document.

A VIN is unique to each vehicle and cannot be switched or altered by anyone other than the DVLA. In some cases, a new VIN may be issued for a rebuild or kit car. The vehicle will need to be assessed and if the information doesn’t match that of the original VIN the DVLA can issue a new number. 

A standard VIN contains information about a vehicles - 

• Location and manufacturer

• Manufacturer’s security code

• Model year

• Assembly plant

• Serial number

• Car engine (brand, size, and fuel type)

When buying a new car a VIN can be used to verify the identity of the vehicle and it may flag any criminal activity. Car buyers should ensure that the VIN on the vehicle matches the one on the logbook (VC5). If the numbers do not match then the sale should not proceed. Non-matching VINs could be the result of ‘VIN cloning’. An illegal activity which removes the original number from the chassis and other locations, hiding the identity of the car. VINs can be checked through the DVLA or on a number of online sites for validity.