When buying a used vehicle, one of the most important steps is to perform a VIN check to uncover its history. However, if the vehicle identification number is entered incorrectly, you’ll likely get an error or an incomplete report. That’s why it’s essential to ensure the VIN number is accurate before you run a check.
So, how to check if a VIN number is valid? There are a few straightforward techniques to identify an invalid or incorrect VIN and correct it. Read on to learn how to validate a VIN properly and avoid common errors.
Ensure the VIN Has 17 Alphanumeric Characters
A valid VIN must contain exactly 17 characters. This is the standard used internationally for vehicles manufactured since 1981. Any VIN shorter or longer than 17 characters is either incorrect or belongs to a classic car made before VIN standards were enforced. If you’re copying a VIN from a registration document or dashboard, always count to ensure it has 17 characters. An 18 digit VIN or any other variation is not valid under current ISO guidelines, so if you’re seeing an 18 digit VIN number, it’s either an error or from a non-standard source.
Do VIN Numbers Have Zeros?
Yes, VIN numbers do have zeros, and they can appear in any part of the sequence. It’s common for people to confuse the number 0 with the letters O or Q, which are not used in VINs. If you see an O or Q in your VIN, it should be corrected to a 0. Likewise, the letter I is also excluded to prevent confusion with the number 1.
So, the answer to “do VINs have zeros” or “are there zeros in VIN numbers” is yes—but there are no letters I, O, or Q.
Use the Checksum: What Is the 9th Digit in a VIN?
In North American VINs, the 9th digit serves a special purpose—it’s the checksum, used to validate the VIN through a mathematical algorithm. If you’re wondering what is the 9th digit in a VIN, it’s either a number from 0–9 or the letter X. This digit doesn’t tell you about the vehicle’s specs, but it helps confirm whether the VIN is legitimate.
VIN decoders use this checksum to perform VIN number validation, and if the 9th digit doesn’t match the expected result, the VIN is flagged as invalid. Using a VIN corrector or a reliable decoder can help identify if the issue lies with the checksum or another digit.
Common VIN Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common scenarios that may cause a VIN to be rejected:
- Typos or character transposition (e.g., 3 instead of 8)
- Misreading letters and numbers (e.g., typing I instead of 1)
- Extra or missing characters (resulting in an 18 or 16 digit VIN)
- Damaged or dirty VIN plates that obscure characters
Whenever you encounter issues with a VIN, always double-check the printed location—either on the dashboard near the windshield, the driver-side door jamb, or the vehicle registration documents.
Use Online Tools for Assistance
ClearVIN offers a free car VIN number decoder that can alert you to common issues and help ensure the VIN is valid before running a full vehicle history report. Alternatively, if you’re having trouble with a VIN, you can use ClearVIN’s license plate lookup as a backup tool to access the same data.
Another helpful resource is the VIN Mentor website, where you can find the right service or decoder based on your needs.
Final Advice
Validating a VIN is the first step to getting accurate information about a used car. If your check results in an error, apply the steps above to verify the number. Remember, there’s no such thing as a clean report without a clean VIN number. Once you’ve corrected any mistakes, you’ll be able to access detailed specs, safety information, and ownership history with confidence.
With more than 10 years of experience in vehicle data services, ClearVIN makes it easy to retrieve the right information through reliable VIN number validation tools. For more information, visit our website or reach out with your questions. You can also call us at +1 (844) 268-5991 (8:00 AM–3:00 PM EST, Monday–Friday).
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