What is a vehicle's VIN?

A VIN is the Vehicle Identification Number. It is the serial number for your vehicle. It is usually visible to the public as it is posted on the dashboard among other places. A VIN tells whoever knows how to read it what kind of vehicle it is, what year it was made, and where it was made. It also tells how it is equipped for the most part and it's sequence of being made. There is really nothing private on a VIN. It is no more private than the serial number on your microwave oven.