Where is the VIN Number on a Snowmobile?

The VIN number on a snowmobile is found on the machine’s right side, located on the tunnel near where your leg would sit when you ride. 

I’m Chaz, and I’m a snowmobile enthusiast. I’ve ridden and worked on numerous types of sleds over the years and have nearly 30 years of experience. I know where to look for a VIN on any make or model of a snowmobile. 

This article will explain where you can find the VIN number on a snowmobile. I’ll show you the most common location for this important number and the slight differences between major manufacturers. 

Rub your eyes, and let’s start looking around. 

Where is the VIN Number on a Snowmobile?

In general, the VIN number will always be located on the right side of the tunnel on a snowmobile. This is the area below the seat where your legs and feet sit when you are riding. 

If you look below the seat in this area, you’ll either see a number engraved into the machine’s side or a small plate attached that has the VIN etched onto it. Some snowmobiles also label the VIN on a sticker attached to the tunnel. 

The VIN’s exact location along the right-side tunnel can vary, depending on your sled make and model. Really old machines might not have a VIN at all. Look along the tunnel, and you should be able to locate the number pretty quickly. 

Many machines also have the VIN stamped somewhere on the engine to serve as another form of identification. This can be found under the cowl or on top of the motor housing and should be relatively visible when you open up the engine compartment. 

Other information might be located near the VIN number or alongside the tunnel, such as emissions information or a certification label. The VIN will be a 17 digit number to help you distinguish it from any other information found here. 

What is a VIN Number?

A VIN number is a standardized identification system used on pretty much all vehicles made within the last 30 or 40 years. VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. 

The VIN is a unique number that can help you know important information about a snowmobile or any other vehicle. Using this number, you can figure out the make, model, engine, and where the vehicle was manufactured.

Modern VIN numbers are made up of 17 digits, both numbers, and letters. If you have an older machine, the VIN could be shorter. 

How to Understand a VIN Number

If you ever want to interpret the information found in a VIN number, I would recommend writing the number down and calling your snowmobile’s manufacturer. This is the easiest way to find the most accurate information. 

There are services, such as VIN identifiers, that can be found online. They break down this information as well, but typically, these are intended for automobiles and won’t provide information on a snowmobile. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of how you can interpret the numbers on your own for quick reference:

• The first digit of the VIN helps you identify where the machine was made. The numbers 1 or 4 mean it was made in the US, while the number 2 means Canada. If you see a J, that means the machine was made in Japan. 

• The second digit indicates the manufacturer. Y stands for Yamaha, etc. 

• The 10th digit will typically indicate the year, but they are repeated and might not necessarily help you figure out the decade. 

• The rest of the digits explain the make, model, and manufacturer. This is where calling the manufacturer comes in handy if you want to understand the VIN completely. 

Why is a VIN Number Important? 

Reading the section above shows you how important the VIN can be when identifying specific aspects of a snowmobile. This information can be crucial in several ways.  

It can help you find parts. Some parts will be specific to the make, model, and year of your sled. If you don’t already know this information, the VIN can help you figure it out.  

The VIN can also help determine the value for resale or purchase. If you have a collectors machine or a particular model in high demand, a VIN number will verify that it actually is what you or the seller says it is. 

It is also often needed for registration and insurance purposes. If you are riding on public lands, you’ll need to register and insure your machine, and a VIN will be required for both. 

If you come across a snowmobile without a VIN, it can also indicate some important things. If it’s really old, it may have been manufactured before VIN numbers were around. 

If the VIN is flat out missing or you see evidence that it has been altered or scratched off, this is a good indication that the snowmobile has possibly been stolen or that the seller may be trying to trick you. 

I wouldn’t buy a snowmobile that didn’t have an easily identifiable VIN number. 

FAQs

Here are a few commonly asked questions regarding where to find VIN numbers on a snowmobile. 

How do I check a VIN number on a snowmobile?

The VIN number is found on the right side of the tunnel on the body of a snowmobile. Once you find it, write down the number and call your machine’s manufacturer for a comprehensive check. 

Where is the VIN number on an Arctic Cat snowmobile?

The VIN number for an Arctic Cat snowmobile can be found on the right side of the machine towards the front half of the tunnel, close to where your foot falls when you ride. 

How do I find my Yamaha VIN number? 

On a Yamaha sled, the VIN number can also be found on the right side of the tunnel on the body. You’ll either see a mounted panel or a sticker with the 17 digit number. 

Final Thoughts

The VIN number on your snowmobile is important. If you haven’t located where it is found on your sled, follow the easy instructions in this article and then write the number down for quick reference. 

Have you ever seen a snowmobile without a VIN? Let us know in the comments below! 

I’m a snowmobile fanatic. I live for riding and am out on the trails or backcountry as often as possible during the winter months. I was born and raised in the Rocky Mountains and have snowmobiled in dozens of North American locations. When the snow is falling, you’ll find me on a sled.