Chassis Number Check
No VIN? Search the chassis number instead.
VINs only became compulsory on new vehicles in Australia in 1989, so older and classic cars often carry a chassis number instead. MotorRegistry searches it directly.
A chassis number check runs the official PPSR search on the chassis number itself, so finance owing, written-off and stolen records come back for the car even when it has no 17-character VIN. Enter the chassis number. Adding the state is optional, but it helps pick out the right vehicle on the register when other vehicles share the number.
What a MotorRegistry report shows
- Official PPSR certificate Searched by the chassis number itself, from the Australian Government's register
- Finance owing Any finance owing (security interest) registered against the car
- Written-off check Written-off status from the national Written-Off Vehicle Register (WOVR)
- Stolen check Stolen records for the chassis number and the number plates
- Registration status Current registration status and expiry, where the state holds it
- Service history Dated services and repairs from verified sources, wherever we hold them for the car
- Registration and location history The plates, states and suburbs we hold for the vehicle
Who needs a chassis number check
Anyone buying a vehicle that carries a chassis or frame number rather than a 17-character VIN:
Classic and vintage cars
Cars built before 1989, when VINs became compulsory on new vehicles.
Older imports
Imported cars that carry the maker's own chassis number.
Older motorcycles
Bikes with a frame number stamped on the steering head instead of a VIN.
Caravans and trailers
Older vans and trailers with a chassis number on the drawbar or frame.
Chassis number or VIN?
Cars built before VINs became compulsory carry the maker's chassis number instead. MotorRegistry searches the chassis number directly from the search box above.
Count the characters. A VIN is exactly 17 characters. Anything shorter stamped on the car is a chassis number. Enter whichever the car has in the search box above.
Where to find the chassis number
The manufacturer's plate
Usually under the bonnet or on the firewall. Compare it with the papers and check they match.
The stamped number
Stamped into the chassis rail, firewall or inner guard. Compare it with the plate and check they match.
The registration papers
The chassis number is printed on the registration certificate. Compare it with the car and check they match.
How to run a chassis number check
- Enter the chassis number exactly as stamped, including any letters at the start.
- Add the state the car is registered in if you know it. It's optional, but it helps pick out the right record when other vehicles share the number.
- Pick your report. Every report includes the official PPSR certificate.
Run it on the day you pay, so any new finance shows up.
What the check covers for an older car
The official PPSR certificate is searched by the chassis number, so it shows any finance owing, a written-off record or a stolen record for the car. The PPSR check page explains what the register shows.
Registration, service, odometer and location records are included wherever we hold them for the car. More answers are on our FAQ page.
Chassis Number Check FAQ
Can I check a car that has no VIN?
Yes. Enter the chassis number in the search box and the official PPSR search runs on the chassis number. Choosing the state is optional, but it helps pick out the right vehicle when other vehicles share the number.
What's the difference between a chassis number and a VIN?
A VIN is always 17 characters and became compulsory on new vehicles in Australia in 1989. Before that, makers stamped their own chassis number, usually shorter and often starting with a model code. Both identify the vehicle and both can be searched on the PPSR.
Where do I find the chassis number?
On the manufacturer's plate under the bonnet or on the firewall, stamped into the chassis rail or inner guard, and on the registration papers. Check the stamped number matches the papers before you search.
What if the chassis number isn't found?
Enter it exactly as it appears on the plate and the papers, including any letters at the start. If it still isn't found, search by the rego and state from our home page instead, or contact us.
Does a chassis number check show finance owing?
Yes. The PPSR records security interests against the chassis number for a car without a VIN, so the official certificate in every report shows any finance owing, along with written-off and stolen records.
Start with a PPSR check or a full car history check.
Check the classic before you pay
Enter the chassis number to see what's on record for the car.
Check a vehicle now
