Find Your VW VIN / Chassis Number – Models, Years & Identification Guide
Posted by: Kate McCarthy
Category: Body / Chassis
Last updated: January 2026
Your Volkswagen’s chassis number is its true identity. It tells you what model it is, when it was built, and what parts it should have. Registration years are often wrong — especially on imports — so the VIN is always the reference point.
What is a VIN / chassis number?
Volkswagen originally referred to the vehicle identity as a chassis number. Later this became known as the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
This number follows the vehicle for life and is stamped into the chassis itself.
Where to find your VIN / chassis number
Beetle
- Stamped into the tunnel under the rear seat
- Aluminium ID plate in the spare wheel well
Split Screen Bus (1950–1967)
- Stamped into the engine bay shelf
- ID plate on cab bulkhead
Early Bay (1968–1970)
- Engine bay stamping
- Front seat pedestal
Late Bay (1971–1979)
- Dash VIN plate
- Engine bay stamping
Karmann Ghia
- Tunnel under rear seat
- Front body plate
Type 3 (Notchback, Fastback, Squareback)
- Front luggage floor stamping
- Body ID plate
Understanding VW VIN formats
VW used different numbering systems over the years. Early cars used a simple sequential chassis number. From the late 1960s onwards, model and year information was built into the number.
Beetle model codes
| Prefix | Model |
|---|---|
| 11 | Standard Beetle |
| 13 | Deluxe Beetle |
| 15 | Convertible |
| 14 | Sunroof |
Split Screen Bus model codes (1950–1967)
| Prefix | Model |
|---|---|
| 20 | Transporter |
| 21 | Panel Van |
| 22 | Microbus |
| 23 | Kombi |
| 24 | Pickup |
| 25 | Single Cab |
| 26 | Double Cab |
Bay Window Bus model codes
| Prefix | Model |
|---|---|
| 21 | Panel |
| 22 | Microbus |
| 23 | Kombi |
| 24 | Pickup |
| 25 | Single Cab |
| 26 | Double Cab |
Karmann Ghia
| Prefix | Model |
|---|---|
| 14 | Coupe |
| 15 | Convertible |
Type 3 models
| Prefix | Model |
|---|---|
| 31 | Notchback |
| 36 | Fastback |
| 36 | Squareback |
Why your VIN matters
Your VIN determines:
- Brake system type
- Front axle type
- Steering box
- Wiring loom
- Correct engine specification
Always use your chassis number when ordering parts.
