Body number and VIN of Lada Granta: where to look, how to read and why it is important

You bought Lada Granta or are you just planning to purchase it, but don’t know where the body number or VIN is located? This information is critical not only for registration with the traffic police, but also for checking the car’s history, selecting spare parts or obtaining insurance. Unlike many foreign cars, where the VIN number can be hidden in unexpected places, Grants everything is standardized - but there are nuances depending on the year of manufacture and modification.

In this article you will find exact locations of all identification numbers (including duplicate plates), learn to read them correctly and find out what to do if the number is damaged or unreadable. We will also look at how to determine the equipment by VIN Grants and avoid buying a used or stolen car. The information is relevant for all generations: from Granta FL (2018–2023) to Granta Classic (2023–present).

Where is the VIN number of the Lada Granta: all possible places

The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-digit code that is assigned to each vehicle at the factory. U Lada Granta it is duplicated in several places, but main location depends on the year of manufacture:

• 🔧 Under the windshield on the right (visible from outside) - the main place for all modifications. The number is stamped on a metal plate riveted to the body.
• 📄 In the vehicle passport (PTS) — the line “VIN” or “Identification number”.
• 🚗 On the front pillar of the driver's door (2018 and newer models only). A plate with a barcode and a duplicate VIN.
• 🔍 Under the hood on the side member (rare, but found in early batches 2011–2013).

The photo below shows a typical VIN location on Granta FL (2018–2023). Please note: if the number on the plate under the glass is erased or painted over, this is a reason for checks through the traffic police — such cars are often stolen or after serious repairs.

What does the original VIN plate look like?

The original Granta plate has clear characters with no signs of interruption, the font is standard (not hand engraved), and the metal should not be deformed. Counterfeits are often identified by uneven placement of symbols or traces of soldering.

⚠️ Attention: If the VIN on the plate under the windshield does not match the number on the vehicle title, don't buy this car. This is a sign of interruption, which automatically makes the car unsuitable for registration with the traffic police.

Lada Granta body number: where to look and how it differs from VIN

The body number is a separate identifier that does not match VIN. U Lada Granta it consists of 9 characters and is indicated:

1. On main plate under the hood (next to the VIN).
2. B vehicle registration certificate (column "Body number").
3. On factory sticker on the driver's door (for models after 2018).

Example of body number: XTA211030A1234567. The first 3-5 characters indicate the model and modification, the rest - the serial number. If the body number is not on the PTS, this may mean that the car assembled from several machines (constructor) or has serious problems with documents.

Location	VIN	Body number	Note
Label under the windshield	✅	❌	VIN only, body number is not duplicated here
Sign under the hood	✅	✅	Both numbers on one metal plate
Certificate of Registration	✅	✅	In the columns "VIN" and "Body number"
Driver's door sticker	✅ (for FL)	✅ (for Classic)	Only on models after 2018

⚠️ Attention: If the body number on the plate under the hood is smudged or has traces of mechanical impact, this may indicate interruption after an accident. Check your car's history through services like Autocode or CarVertical.

How to decipher the VIN number of a Lada Grant: what do the symbols mean?

VIN number Lada Granta consists of 17 characters, which are divided into 3 parts:

1. WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier) — first 3 characters (manufacturer code). For Grants it's always XTA (AvtoVAZ).
2. VDS (Vehicle Descriptor Section) — symbols 4–9. Describe the model, body type and equipment.
3. VIS (Vehicle Identifier Section) — characters 10–17. Year of manufacture, plant and serial number.

Example of VIN decoding XTA211030A1234567:

• XTA — AvtoVAZ (Russia).
• 211030 — Granta sedan, 1.6 l engine (87 hp), front-wheel drive.
• A — 2010 (or 2011, depending on the month of issue).
• 1234567 - serial number.

For Granta FL (2018–2023) and Granta Classic (2023–present) the VIN structure is similar, but the symbols in the VDS section may differ. For example, 211230 - this is Granta with a 1.6 l engine (106 hp).

What to do if the body number or VIN is not readable

If the number is erased, painted over or damaged, the algorithm of actions depends on the situation:

1. For the buyer: Refuse the deal. Even if the seller offers to “resolve the issue,” the number can only be restored through traffic police with examination, which takes months.
2. For the owner: Contact AvtoVAZ with a request for a duplicate plate (documents for the car are needed). Cost - about 3-5 thousand rubles.
3. In case of an accident: If the number is damaged in an accident, demand compensation from the insurance company for restoration.

⚠️ Attention: Independent interruption or restoration of number prohibited by law (Article 326 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). This is punishable by a fine of up to 80 thousand rubles or imprisonment of up to 2 years.

Stop all transactions with the car|Take photographs of the damage|Contact the traffic police for an examination|Get a certificate from AvtoVAZ (if necessary)-->

How to check the history of a Lada Granta by VIN: step-by-step instructions

Checking by VIN will help identify hidden problems: theft, lien, accident or incorrect mileage. Use the following services:

• 🔍 Autocode — registration history, traffic police restrictions, accident data.
• 📊 CarVertical - full history with mileage and photos of damage.
• 🚨 Official website of the traffic police — check for theft and search.

Step by step instructions:

1. Copy the VIN from the vehicle title or from the sign under the glass.
2. Enter it into the search field on one of the services.
3. Pay for the report (cost - from 300 to 1000 rubles).
4. Check the key points:
   • Number of owners (more than 3–4 is a reason to be wary).
   • The presence of an accident (especially with payment under CASCO).
   • Traffic police restrictions (arrest, bail).

⚠️ Attention: If the report shows mileage less than 10 thousand km per year, this may mean twisting. Average mileage Grants — 15–20 thousand km/year.

Always|Sometimes|Only if there is suspicion|Never-->

Common mistakes when searching for license plates for Lada Granta

Even experienced car owners sometimes confuse the VIN with the body number or cannot find the plate. Let's look at typical mistakes:

• 🔎 VIN and chassis number are confused. U Grants There is no chassis as such - it is a monocoque (monocoque body), so a chassis number is not assigned.
• 📏 Looking for a number under the back seat. This is typical for VAZ 2107, but not for Grants.
• 🔧 Modifications are not taken into account. For example, at Granta Sport The plate may be in a different location due to a modified bumper design.
• 📄 Only PTS is trusted. Documents may be counterfeit, so always check the numbers with the plates on the body.

If you can't find the number, use official instructions from AvtoVAZ for your modification. For Granta FL and Classic Room layouts vary!

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about Lada Granta license plates

Is it possible to drive if the body number under the hood has been erased?

Yes, if the number is readable in the PTS and on other plates (for example, under the windshield). However, problems may arise during your next inspection or registration. We recommend restoring the sign via AvtoVAZ.

How to distinguish an original VIN plate from a fake one?

The original plate has:

• Smooth, clear characters without traces of soldering.
• Same font and engraving depth.
• Factory rivets (not self-tapping screws!).
• Barcode (on models after 2018).

Counterfeits are often revealed by uneven placement of letters or traces of paint.

What to do if the VIN in the vehicle title and on the plate do not match?

This is a sign number interruptions or forgery of documents. Immediately stop the transaction and contact the traffic police for inspection. Such cars cannot be registered, and their operation is punishable by law.

Where else can I find a duplicate body number?

In addition to the main places, the body number can be duplicated:

• On factory sticker in the trunk (rare, but does occur).
• B electronic PTS (if issued after 2020).
• On warranty card (if the car is under warranty).

Is it possible to find out the color of a car by the VIN?

Yes, but not directly. In VIN Grants the color is not encrypted, but it can be determined through AvtoVAZ by serial number. To do this, you need a request to the support service indicating the VIN and owner information.