Since 1981, global automotive manufacturers have utilized a complex numbering system called a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that uniquely describes a vehicle.
This number provides a coded description of the vehicle including:
- manufacturer,
- year of production,
- place of production and
- vehicle characteristics
How are WMIs assigned?
All UK WMIs are issued by the UK national standards body, British Standards Institution.
Every country has a WMI coordinator who issues to car manufacturers trading out of their country a unique portion of a vehicle's 17-character VIN number which identifies the manufacturer.
Purpose of the WMI Code
The World Manufacturer Identifier for vehicles, known briefly as the WMI Code, is part of the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN consists of three sections:
- WMI = 3 characters
- VDS = 6 characters and the
- VIS = 8 characters.
The Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) and the Vehicle Indicator Section (VIS) will be determined by the manufacturer as it not only describes the attributes of the vehicle, but allows the manufacturer to distinguish between one vehicle and another.
The WMI Coordinator is only responsible for assigning the WMI Code.
Application Form and Subscription
To apply for a WMI Code please contact,
WMI Coordinator, BSI,
389 Chiswick High Road,
Floor 7 West,
London, W4 4AL.
Email: currency@bsigroup.com.
Tel: +44 (20) 8996 7405
Alternatively, download a copy of the Application Form.
The full price for subscription and renewal can be found on the Application Form.
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
The international agency responsible for the maintenance of world-wide WMI Codes in accordance with BS ISO 3780:2009 is the SAE. For more information, please visit the SAE International website
Standards related to WMI Code
- BS ISO 3779:2009 – Road vehicles – Vehicle identification number (VIN) – Content and structure
- BS ISO 3780:2009 – Road vehicles – World manufacturer identifier (WMI) code
- ISO 3833 – Road vehicles – Types – Terms and definitions
- BS AU 175-4a: 1997 – Vehicle identification number (VIN). Part 4a: Specification for a visible identification number.
- BS AU 175-3b:1983, ISO 4030:1983 – Vehicle identification numbers (VIN). Specification for location and attachment
DVLA VIN
VINs which are prefixed with the letters “SABTRO” are issued by the DVLA and not BSI. For more information, please visit the Department for Transport website.
