The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located in the upper left corner of the dashboard near the A-pillar. The VIN is a combination of 17 letters and numbers that provide specific information about the vehicle. The number is explained below. The ninth position of the VIN is a checksum that the manufacturer and government agencies can use to verify the authenticity of the vehicle's origin and official documentation. The formula for obtaining the checksum is strictly confidential and is not published.