Identification TipsFor Suspected Retagged Autos

Tips on What to Look For

• Paint — Is the color consistent with what the manufacturer used?
• 3rd Brake Light — Does the vehicle contain a manufacturer-installed third brake light, but have a VIN indicating a year prior to 1986?
• Headlights — If it is a GM model, does it have a composite headlight system and VIN prior to 1987?
• Certification Sticker — Does the vehicle display a Federal Government Certification Sticker, and do the numbers match those displayed on the dash?
• Rivets — Are rivets the correct type: rosette for American vehicles; round-head for foreign vehicles?
• VIN Plate — Is it present, scratched, or glued? Is it polished and does it fit the type of vehicle? Does Mylar sticker appear to be tampered with?
• EPA Sticker — Is it present and does the year match the VIN? Bar code match?
• Steering Column — Is it a different color than the interior, and is it aligned properly?
• Ignition Switch — Appear to be tampered with?
• Keys — Does driver have only keys for ignition (not trunk or glovebox)?
• Seat Belts — Are dates within tolerance?
• Interior — Do the colors match?
• Glass — Is there evidence of broken or missing glass?
• Labels — The dealership labels: Are decals on the rear of the vehicle missing, painted over, or scratched off?
• Trunk Lock — Is the trunk lock missing, making it necessary to use a screwdriver?

3rd Brake Light: Year Added by Manufacturer

Vehicle Identification Number by Vehicle and Year

1981 and Newer (Standardized 17-Digit VIN)

For the 1981 and newer standardized 17-digit VIN, the 10th digit indicates year.

Example: 1G6DW51Y4 K R713373 — K = 1989

The letters “I,” “O,” and “Q” are never used in a 17-digit VIN. Note: Some trailer manufacturers will use the letter “I,” although they should not.

Foreign vehicles and motorcycles will meet VIN standardization if they were made to be sold in this country. If they were not made to be imported (gray market vehicle), they may have a non-conforming 17-digit VIN. Most notable are some Mercedes, and Dodge pickups from Mexico.

Prior to 1981

Prior to 1981 there was no standardization on VINs. The manufacturers used the VIN they wanted, and used different positions in the VIN to denote model year.

Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Passenger Cars (Pre-1981)

Ford/Lincoln/Mercury passenger cars older than 1981 have an 11-digit VIN. The first digit indicates the year. On some models there is a letter “F” in script both before and after the VIN. It is not part of the VIN.

Example: 8 F05H125662 — 8 = 1968 OR 1978 model

Ford Light-Duty Trucks (1967–1978)

Our resources skip the 1979 and 1980 model years. The year is determined by the last six digits of the VIN.

Example: F10YK S601122 — This indicates a 1974 model.

* “H” plant-ending number went to H99999 in 1970, and began 1971 production with K00000.

General Motors and Chrysler (Pre-1981)

General Motors and Chrysler Corporation vehicles older than 1981 have a 13-digit VIN. The sixth digit indicates the year.

Example: 1N69L 8 S112315 — 8 = 1978 model

On four-wheel drive General Motor pickups and multi-purpose vehicles, the letter “K” must appear as the second digit of the VIN before 1981, and the fifth digit afterward. Otherwise, the vehicle is a two-wheel drive unit.

Missouri Department of Revenue VIN Plates

VIN plates issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue indicate the manufacturer or designate the length of trailers. These VINs will begin with the following characters:

• DR — A replacement VIN for manufactured trailer only.
• DRX — A homemade trailer less than 16 feet in length.
• MOHM — A homemade trailer greater than 16 feet or more in length.

Important Numbers

Missouri State Highway Patrol

General Headquarters: (573) 751-3313

Dept. of Revenue, Criminal Investigation Bureau

• Jefferson City: (573) 751-4689
• St. Louis: (314) 877-0393
• Kansas City: (816) 889-2930

National Insurance Crime Bureau

• St. Louis: (314) 574-7910
• Kansas City: (785) 242-2810

Contact