# Finding VIN
Canonical URL: https://mbretrofit.it/guides/finding-vin
Description: How to find your VIN


Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17‑character code used to identify your car. On Mercedes vehicles, you can reliably find it in a few places.

## The three easiest ways

1. Windshield (most models)

   * Stand outside the car and look through the lower‑left corner of the windshield (driver’s side), right where the glass meets the dashboard.
   * You should see the VIN stamped or printed on a small metal plate. It can be easier to read in good light or with a phone flashlight.

2. Driver (or passenger) door jamb

   * Open the driver’s door and look on the door jamb/B‑pillar area for a sticker or metal plate with vehicle info - the VIN is printed there.
   * On some models, you may find an identical label on the passenger side as well.

3. Registration documents (always present)
   * The VIN is always listed on your official vehicle documents. Check your registration certificate, title document, insurance paperwork, or service booklet.

## Quick tips

* A VIN is exactly 17 characters (letters and numbers). Mercedes VINs do not use the letters I, O, or Q.
* Enter it in uppercase with no spaces (for example: WDD2120271B12XXXX).
* If the windshield plate is hard to read, take a photo and zoom in to avoid transcription mistakes.

Still unsure? Compare the VIN you found in multiple places (windshield/door label vs. registration document). If they match, you’re good to go.

## Need a map license key?

Once you found your VIN, why not update your naivgation system to the latest version?

When updating the navigation system using a created USB, you will need to enter a map license key to proceed with the update.

Follow our guide [here](/guides/map-code), or use the form below once you've created your USB.

Enter your VIN in the map-code flow to confirm the compatible navigation system, region, and version.