How many digits is the Toyota chassis number?
The Toyota chassis number, known as the VIN, is 17 characters long and uses a mix of digits and capital letters rather than just numbers.
Since the VIN became the global standard in 1981, Toyota vehicles typically carry a 17-character VIN across markets that follow ISO 3779/3780. Some older Toyotas or regional models may differ, but the 17-character format is the norm for modern cars and most trucks.
Understanding the VIN and its importance
The VIN is a unique identifier that encodes the vehicle’s origin, model, year and production details. It helps buyers verify identity, check recalls, and access service histories.
VIN length and alphanumeric format
The VIN is 17 characters long and must be composed of uppercase letters and digits. To reduce confusion, the letters I, O and Q are not used.
Before listing the VIN structure, here is how the 17-character VIN is arranged.
- WMI (positions 1-3): World Manufacturer Identifier, identifies Toyota and the country of origin
- VDS (positions 4-9): Vehicle Descriptor Section, describes model, body style, engine and other attributes; the 9th character is the check digit
- VIS (positions 10-17): Vehicle Identifier Section, including the model year (10th), the manufacturing plant (11th), and the serial number (12-17)
These components create a unique identifier used by regulators, manufacturers, insurers and buyers alike.
Where to locate the VIN on a Toyota
Locating the VIN is usually straightforward, but it can appear in a few standard spots depending on the model and year.
- On the dashboard, visible from outside the car on the driver’s side near the windshield
- Inside the driver's door jamb, on a label or plate
- In the vehicle’s registration, title or insurance documents
- In the engine bay or firewall area for some models
If you can’t locate it in these places, check the owner’s manual or contact a Toyota dealer for guidance. VINs are case-sensitive and must be read exactly as printed.
Summary
In short, Toyota’s chassis number is a 17-character VIN that combines letters and digits. It is not a fixed digit sequence; the digits within it vary by vehicle, and the VIN serves as a comprehensive, tamper-evident identifier for the car’s origin, model, year and production lot.
Are all chassis number 17 digits?
The VIN serves as the car's fingerprint, as no two vehicles in operation have the same VIN. A VIN is composed of 17 characters (digits and capital letters) that act as a unique identifier for the vehicle.
Is a Toyota chassis number the same as a VIN?
A vehicle identification number (VIN; also called a chassis number or frame number) is a unique code, including a serial number, used by the automotive industry to identify individual motor vehicles, towed vehicles, motorcycles, scooters and mopeds, as defined by the International Organization for Standardization in ...
How to check Toyota chassis number?
Additional VINs are printed on tamper-proof stickers located just inside the shut line of the front nearside door. Earlier models may have a metal plate instead of a sticker. The VIN is repeated on the vehicle's chassis, stamped into the metal floor of the car under the right-hand (driver's side) front seat.
How many digits is a Toyota chassis number?
Toyota usually uses seven digits for its serial numbers while Nissan uses six. Because a Chassis (Frame) Number contains far less information than a VIN, Japanese domestic model vehicles also use a Model Code.
