Close ILTakeCare Suggestion
IL TakeCare app – For all your insurance & wellness needs

Policy purchase, claims, renewal & more

 

World Manufacturer Identifier: Meaning & Importance

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a VIN, identifying the vehicle’s manufacturer. It ensures unique identification and helps in tracking vehicle details globally.

  • 21 Mar 2025
  • 3 min read
  • 22 views

The first section of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is actually the World Manufacturer Identifier. It is a unique number assigned to identify the manufacturer. Let us understand the concept of the world manufacturer identifier (WMI) in greater detail.

How To Find The Engine Number Of Your Bike?

WMI codes are assigned to Indian automotive manufacturers to ensure their global identification. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), a member of the International Organization for Standardization, handles this task.

The WMI code forms the initial part of the VIN. Combined with the rest of the VIN, it guarantees the uniqueness of the identification number for vehicles manufactured worldwide.

The automotive industry uses the VIN as a unique serial number to identify individual motor vehicles. VINs consist of 17 characters, but note that it excludes the letters I, O, and Q to avoid unnecessary confusion with numbers 1 and 0.

The VIN system is based on two standards that were issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in 1979 and 1980:

  • ISO 3779
  • ISO 3780

To create a uniform identification system for road vehicles worldwide, VINs are structured as follows:

  • The first 1-3 digits represent the WMI
  • The next 4-9 digits form the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
  • The final 10-17 digits make up the Vehicle Indicator Section (VIS)

Conclusion

Put simply, the world manufacturer identification number is basically the first three digits of the vehicle identification number. If you own a car, here is a reminder: Make sure you invest in car insurance for financial coverage against accidents, theft, and damage.


Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.  

Also read:

  • Looking for tailored advice?

    Schedule a call with our insurance advisors

  • OR
  • Call us:

    1800 2666
Please enter valid name
Please enter a valid mobile number
Please select the Category

Subscribe to our newsletter

Understand insurance better by reading our helpful guides, articles, blogs and other information.

Please enter valid name
Please enter valid Email

Error message here