Which character in a VIN is the check digit?

The check digit in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the 9th character. This character is crucial for validating the entire VIN, as it is calculated using a specific formula that incorporates the other characters. The purpose of the check digit is to help identify potential errors or counterfeit VINs by ensuring that the number follows the expected mathematical relationships. This validation is particularly important given that VINs are used in various legal and regulatory contexts, such as vehicle registration and tracking stolen vehicles.

The remaining characters in the VIN serve different functions: the 1st character often indicates the country of origin, the 5th character can denote the vehicle's brand or engine type, and the 17th character is typically used to identify the model year.Thus, understanding the role of each character in the VIN is essential for interpreting vehicle information correctly and ensuring compliance with legal standards.