Glossary: Chassis

Prior to 1990, only chassis numbers were recorded. These cannot be used to uniquely identify a vehicle. With the introduction of the VIN system in 1990 a unique number is now being recorded.

Most vehicles registered before 1990 will have only the chassis number recorded unless the vehicle has had a VIN applied by a VIN agent.

Vehicles that were registered after 1990 may have both a VIN and a chassis number in cases where the manufacturer has not applied a VIN. However, most manufacturers now use VIN’s in place of chassis numbers. It is now compulsory for every vehicle that is registered in NZ for the first time to have a VIN. This includes used imported vehicles.

It is in the interests of vehicle owners to have a VIN on their vehicle as a protection against vehicle fraud since it gives a unique reference to a vehicle.

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