An Overview of World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) Code
NHTSA or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration contracts SAE International to assign the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) Code of the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The WMI is always the 1st three digits of a Vehicle Identification Number. The first digit indicates the final point of vehicle assembly or the Country of Origin. The second digit tells the manufacturer & the location of production, and the third digit is combined with the first 2 digits to know the manufacturing division or vehicle type.
In India, such type of code is given to the Indian Automotive Manufacturers for their global Identifier by the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Authority, which is a member of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). The International Relations & Technical Information Services Department of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) provides the service of assigning World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) Code to Indian Automobile Manufacturers in association with the Society of Automotive Engineers Inc., USA and the International Agency responsible for the maintenance of World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) Code.
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What is VIN?
VIN or Vehicle Identification Number, also known as Chassis Number or Frame Number and is a distinct serial number used by the automotive industry to identify individual to know individual motor vehicles. The Vehicle Identification Number consists of a unique series of 17 numbers and capital letters and each digit provides specific information about the vehicle, like, manufacturer, year, model, engine size, etc.
The 17 Characters of the VIN can be Categorised into 3 Different Sections:
Note: Vehicle Identification Number is now based on 2 Standards, i.e., ISO 3779 and ISO 3780.
ISO 3779 - Road Vehicles (VIN Content and Structure)
It established the content & structure of an identifier to ensure the identification of the vehicle manufacturers on an international level.
ISO 3780 – Road Vehicles (WMI Code)
Coding of World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) Code
Number |
Location |
1 to 5 |
North America |
S to Z |
Europe |
A to H |
Africa |
J to R |
Asia (MA-ME = India) |
6 and 7 |
Oceania |
8 and 9 |
South America |
Why is World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) Code Important?
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) Code is vital because it establishes an identifier's content and structure to ensure the global identification of road vehicle manufacturers.
Who is a Manufacturer as per WMI and VIN Guideline?
A manufacturer can be a Sole Proprietor Firm or a Corporation under whose supervision a vehicle is assembled or manufactured as a complete product which is ready to be operated on the road. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer, who is required to register and acquire the VIN serial number. The consumer of such a manufacturer has no role or liability in it.
Necessary Papers Required for World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) Code Registration
Following is the list of all the crucial necessary papers required for World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) Code Registration:
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Procedure for World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) Code Registration
Following is the step-by-step procedure for World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) Code Registration:
Submission of the Application: First, our experts will prepare all the paper works, file the application for registration on your behalf, and submit it to the BIS.
Verification: After submission, the BIS Officials will verify the necessary papers and application check whether all necessary papers are received or not.
Proposal of WMI: The WMI code as per the series & entry of the same in the BIS database.
Registration with SAE International, USA: Then, the WMI Code is assigned by SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers).
Confirmation Letter: After all the above steps, you will get a Confirmation Letter and World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) Code after registering with SAE International.
Issuance of WMI Code: After that, you will get WMI Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) Code includes the first 3 characters of VIN, which identifies the vehicle manufacturer.
The vehicle identification number is 17 characters serial number, & it so divided into 3 parts:
- WMI Number
- VDS Number
- VIS Section
Yes, WMI Code is compulsory for vehicle manufacturers.
Yes, VIN follows 2 ISO Standards - ISO 3779 & ISO 3780.
WMI Code Registration is an international registration & compliance under SAE.
A Vehicle Identification Number or VIN is a 17-digit unique serial number.
It provides recognition to the manufacturers.
SAE is the Society of Automotive Engineers, a US-based Professional Association & Standard Development Organization.