History of the 9th VIN "Check Digit" | FerrariChat
Buy

History of the 9th VIN "Check Digit"

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by Alex308qv, Nov 22, 2019.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. Alex308qv

    Alex308qv Formula Junior

    Jul 1, 2016
    402
    PA
    Full Name:
    Alex
    #1 Alex308qv, Nov 22, 2019
    This is just a curiosity on my part, and have to think the history is out there, but wasn't able to find it in a search. I presume it started to thwart forging of VIN numbers. When did it start, and when did it stop (if it stopped)? The formula for the Check Digit is now in the public domain, at least for certain markets/years, rending its value useless (anyone illicitly forging a VIN can easily calculate the needed Check Digit). When was the formula made public, and how was it done (Ferrari released it, it leaked, or was it cracked?).
     
  2. EastMemphis

    EastMemphis Formula 3
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    May 25, 2019
    1,825
    Memphis, TN
    Full Name:
    John
    #2 EastMemphis, Nov 22, 2019
    Typically, check digits, whether they be in a VIN, your bank account or some other use, are primarily to catch an incorrect entry, not prevent theft or fraud. A check digit can quickly determine if the number is valid. Nothing more. There are several check digit algorithms, all of them are known and easily written into programs. It would be pointless to make a check digit algorithm secret.
     
  3. Alex308qv

    Alex308qv Formula Junior

    Jul 1, 2016
    402
    PA
    Full Name:
    Alex
    #3 Alex308qv, Nov 22, 2019
    Very helpful, thank you.
     
  4. alum04org

    alum04org F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 23, 2009
    4,558
    Plymouth, MI
    #4 alum04org, Nov 22, 2019
    Check digit was incorporated as part of the 17 character world recognized VIN system beginning with the 1981 model year. Prior to that, VINs were a potpourri of length, characters, and construction format (i.e. Peterbilt semi tractor had a five character numeric VIN/Mercedes Benz utilized a 14 character numerical VIN).
    Having a check digit immediately provided for increased VIN validity - fewer transpositional errors, detection of stolen vehicles bearing an altered VIN, world recognized (with some exceptions of course) fixed format of VIN.

    The VIN check digit continues today. You can find much more information on this topic by reviewing documents/data/regulations at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

    It was TONS of fun working auto theft back then! Up until the internet revealed all, car thieves and crooks had a difficult time faking new identities by which to disguise their ill-gotten gains :D
     

Share This Page