Since 1981, VINs consist of 17 characters which do not include the letters I (i), O (o), or Q (q) (to avoid confusion with numerals 1 and 0). 1. 2. For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/axSMu A VIN has 17 characters, a mix of letters and numbers. The first 12 characters represent the year, make and model - for example, a Ford Taurus. The last five tell which unique Ford Taurus it is (continuing with that example). I've never heard of a chassis number.