Factsheet 6 – April 2008

VINs: Vehicle identification numbers

What is a VIN?

A vehicle identification number (VIN) is a unique, 17-character number, which is assigned and attached to a motor vehicle.

VINs are a security feature, as they help to combat fraud, and are the main way vehicles are identified for administrative purposes. They are checked at each warrant of fitness or certificate of fitness inspection. Because they're recorded on a centralised database, all VIN records are accessible to the Police and vehicle inspectors.

VINs are used in New Zealand, Australia, Europe, the United States and other countries.

Why not use the registration plate for identification?

Registration plates aren't permanently attached to a vehicle. Personalised registration plates, for example, can be traded and moved from one vehicle to another. VINs, on the other hand, remain attached to the vehicle. This makes them a better form of vehicle identification.

Why not use the frame or chassis number for identification?

Each make of vehicle uses a different frame or chassis numbering system. The systems don't match each other and sometimes numbers are duplicated. There's an internationally recognised code for VINs, so they're standardised for all vehicles.

Which vehicles need a VIN?

All vehicles that go through the entry certification process in New Zealand need a VIN.

All vehicles that must be entry-certified must have a VIN before they're sold. (It's the manufacturer's or importer's responsibility to ensure a new vehicle has a VIN.) Some vehicles already have VINs assigned and attached overseas; these VINs are accepted in New Zealand. Otherwise a New Zealand VIN is assigned and attached at entry inspection.

Vehicles first registered in New Zealand before 1 April 1994 and vehicles that entered or were manufactured in New Zealand before 1 February 1994 don't require a VIN if they've got a frame or chassis number. If their frame or chassis number has been removed, they must have a VIN.

Who can issue VINs?

VINs are allocated and fixed on vehicles by organisations authorised to do this by the NZ Transport Agency. These organisations are called entry certification agents.

Entry certification agents are:

• the Automobile Association (AA)
• On Road NZ
• Vehicle Inspection NZ (VINZ)
• Vehicle Testing NZ (VTNZ)
• Safer Vehicle Testing (SVT).

A VIN can be:

• stamped into the vehicle structure (often the firewall) during manufacture
• stamped on a metal plate and fixed onto the vehicle body
• etched onto the rear window of the vehicle.

Where you can find out more

• Email us: info@nzta.govt.nz.
• Phone our driver licensing contact centre: 0800 699 000.
• Write to us: NZ Transport Agency, Private Bag 6995, Wellington 6141.