How to Find Chassis Number on Bikes & Scooters (Full India Guide)

Trying to renew your vehicle insurance? Verify used bikes? Applying for a duplicate RC? Checking vehicle history? You probably either are or will at some point. In the case of all of the above, one detail matters more than anything else: your chassis number.

Which brings us to the all-important question: What exactly is the chassis number?

Which then brings us to other important questions: How do you check it online? What’s the difference between chassis number, VIN, and engine number?

If you’re someone who lives riding his/her bike and scooter, but is somewhat lost on the more obtuse technical terminologies, we get you. It’s okay to be so.

But what’s not okay is not to inform yourself further. Because, as a commuter, you simply need to know all these details. For your own safety and security, as well as the long-term health of your two-wheeler.

Don’t worry, though. We’re there for you.

This guide breaks it all down clearly and practically, with manufacturer-backed locations, Activa-specific examples, Parivahan lookup steps, and tips for buyers. But before we move further, let’s start with the basics:

A chassis number (also called frame number or VIN in many cases) is the unique identifier stamped onto the vehicle’s frame. An engine number is the factory-stamped ID on the motorcycle’s engine casing.

A VIN is a standardised 17-character identifier for modern vehicles. But the term “chassis number” may be a manufacturer-specific or shorter frame number, and is not always identical to a VIN.

Most motorcycles place the chassis/frame/VIN stamp on the main frame near the handlebars. However, scooters (and sometimes other bikes) can use different placements.

Explore this table for all the exact details:

Model Type	Typical Location	Photo Hint	Notes
Generic Motorcycle	Steering neck / headstock area	“Look at the headstock – front frame tube”	Often visible when handlebar is turned or seat is removed.
Scooters (Activa / Jupiter / Access)	Under floorboard near right footrest / under seat frame rail	“Tilt scooter on main stand, look under floorboard”	Honda Activa examples confirm placement near front frame or footboard.
Off-road / Older Bikes	Engine cradle or frame rail	“Check frame joints near swingarm”	Common for dirt bikes and older metal-frame models.
Documents (RC / Owner’s Manual)	Printed clearly on RC, invoice, service book	“Always verify against RC”	Matching RC ↔ physical stamp is critical.

Load-bearing fact:
The chassis (frame/VIN) on most motorcycles is stamped on the steering-neck/frame near the handlebars or on the mainframe; engine numbers are stamped on the engine casing—these positions vary by make and model (Activa examples: under floorboard/near footrest).

(Source: Acko- https://www.acko.com )

The engine number on a bike is usually stamped on the engine casing, often on the right or left side of the crankcase. In case it’s being hidden by dust/grease, make sure to clean it with a cloth.

Pro tip: Never scratch, grind or alter the stamping: doing so is illegal and can trigger police/RTO action.

1. VIN (Vehicle Identification Number):

• • It is a standardised number of 17 characters.
    
  • It encodes manufacturer (WMI), model/engine type (VDS), year/serial (VIS)
    

2. Chassis/Frame Number:

• • It is present in a maker-specific format, which may be shorter or different
    
  • It is not always identical to VIN
    

3. Engine Number:

• • It is a unique identifier stamped on engine block

Parivahan does allow online verification, but it has its limits.

Here’s a “Load-bearing fact” for you, courtesy of the official VAHAN website:

Parivahan’s “Know Your Vehicle Details” lets you look up basic vehicle details using the registration number — chassis/engine fields are shown partially for privacy, and some full-chassis access is restricted to authorised users.

(Source: VAHAN )

Steps to check via Parivahan

1. Visit VAHAN NR e-Services

2. Click “Know Your Vehicle Details”

3. Enter registration number + captcha

4. You will see:
   • Make/Model

   • Fuel type

   • Registration status

   • Partially masked chassis & engine numbers
     

Chassis number can not only be required, but can be a godsend when it comes to duplicating your RC, Insurance, and transfer:

1. Duplicate RC application:
   Requires entering the chassis number on Parivahan.

2. Insurance:
   Needed to verify identity during claims & policy creation.

3. Transfer of ownership:
   RTO checks that the physical numbers match the RC before transfer.
   

Source: VAHAN Duplicate RC page

Here’s the thing about this: You cannot retrieve full chassis number online for privacy. Due to legitimate safety and security concerns, it’s just not possible.

Parivahan only shows the ‘masked’ version:  (XXXXXXX1234).

To retrieve the full number, use:

• Physical inspection
• RC
• Invoice
• Service booklet
• Dealership service records
  

1. What is chassis number in bike?

  It is the unique frame identifier stamped onto the motorcycle’s chassis. (Acko)

2. How to find chassis number on Activa?

Check under the floorboard near the right footrest or under seat frame rail. (YouTube)

3. Can I check chassis number online?

  Parivahan shows only partially masked chassis/engine numbers; full access requires authorised credentials. (Vahan)

4. What is engine number in bike?

A factory-stamped ID on the engine casing; used for insurance, RC verification and service history. (Acko)

5. How to read engine number?

  Clean the engine casing, shine a torch, and note each character carefully. (Acko)

6. What if chassis number doesn’t match RC?

  Possible tampering — do not buy; escalate to RTO or police. (Acko)

7. How to find engine number and chassis number online?

  Use Parivahan for masked details; match the physical stamp with RC/manual.

8. How to do bike chassis number check online?

  Enter reg number on Vahan → masked chassis shown; confirm physically.

9. What is chassis number in scooty?

  Same as bike — the frame number, usually under floorboard or seat.

9. Where is engine number in bike located?

  On the engine casing near gearbox output or crankcase.

Here are the three things you have to keep in mind, first and foremost, regarding chassis numbers:

• Locate and photograph your bike’s chassis & engine numbers today.
• Match them with RC + Parivahan to confirm authenticity.

Do history checks before buying a used bike: mismatches are red flags.

A correct, verifiable Chassis number is the strongest protection you have against fraud, misrepresentation, or bad purchases, and it takes just minutes to decode it properly.

Want to always be in the know regarding car safety? Keep on following Ecozaar.