Where is my Acura device serial number?
The quick answer: for an Acura vehicle, the serial number you’ll most often need is the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is located on the driver's side windshield and on the driver’s door jamb; for infotainment/navigation units or accessories, you’ll find separate serial numbers in the system menus or on labels attached to the hardware.
Understanding exactly what you’re looking for matters: a car VIN is different from the navigation or infotainment unit’s serial number, and both differ from a key fob or accessory label. This guide walks you through the common places to check, with model-year variations and practical tips for how to use each serial number when contacting Acura support or updating software and maps.
Find the vehicle identification number (VIN) for your Acura
Locating the VIN is the first step if you’re trying to register your vehicle, order parts, or verify ownership. The VIN is a 17-character code that uniquely identifies your car.
Common places to look on the car
Before you search the following locations, have a clean surface to read the characters clearly. Here are the most reliable spots:
- Windshield on the driver's side, lower corner (visible from outside the car).
- Driver’s door jamb sticker (center pillar area) when you open the door; the VIN is listed along with other vehicle data.
- Under the hood on the engine bay stamping or plate near the firewall (less common but present on some models).
These locations cover most Acura models from recent years. If you own a vintage Acura, a similar position may apply, but always check the owner’s manual for exact guidance.
Where to find the VIN in documents
In addition to the physical locations on the vehicle, the VIN appears in official documents and records:
- Registration card and title documents
- Insurance policy card or digital insurance records
- Owner’s manual or maintenance booklet (often near the front or back pages)
Keeping your VIN handy is useful for service appointments, recalls, and ordering correct parts or software updates.
Find the infotainment/navigation system serial number
Some Acura models require the serial number for map updates, software renewals, or service records. This is separate from the VIN and is associated with the head unit or navigation system.
In-system discovery
Many Acura infotainment systems store their own serials or IDs within the settings menu. Try these steps, which apply to many current models:
- Turn on the vehicle and access Settings or System menu.
- Navigate to About, System Information, or similar subsection.
- Look for a line labeled Serial Number, Serial No., or Device ID.
Note that some model years present the serial number only when a map update is available or when you initiate a diagnostic query.
Labeling and external labels
If the in-system method isn’t available or you can’t access the menu, try the hardware labels often found on or near the head unit itself or inside the glove box. The serial can also appear on:
- Back of the navigation unit or inside the dash assembly near the unit
- On a label affixed to the SD card slot or the removable media housing
- On the side or bottom of the main infotainment module, sometimes covered by trim
Having the serial number from the navigation unit can assist with map upgrades and dealer support requests.
Serial numbers for key fobs and accessories
Some users refer to “serial numbers” for accessories like key fobs, remote starters, or aftermarket devices. These numbers are found on the hardware itself and sometimes on packaging or documentation.
Where to check key fobs and related accessories
Look for identification marks in these common places:
- Back or underside of the key fob, often near the battery compartment or on the clip side
- Inside the key fob case after removing the battery cover (some fobs hide the serial under the battery)
- On a label attached to the original packaging or user manual
For specialized accessories such as remote start modules or OEM add-ons, the dealer can verify the exact serial number and confirm compatibility or warranty status.
When to contact Acura support or a dealer
If you cannot locate the serial number using the steps above, or if you need the serial for software updates, recalls, or verification, contact your local Acura dealer or Acura Customer Service. Have the VIN ready, along with your model year and trim, and mention whether you’re seeking infotainment, navigation, or accessory serial information.
Summary
The most common serial number you’ll need for an Acura vehicle is the VIN, found on the driver’s side windshield and the driver’s door jamb, and also on registration documents. For infotainment or navigation systems, use the Settings/About section or inspect hardware labels for the system’s serial number. For key fobs and accessories, check the back or battery area of the device or its packaging. If in doubt, your dealer or Acura support can confirm the correct serial and guide you through any required steps for updates or service.
