What is the significance of the VIN check digit?

The check digit in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plays a crucial role in ensuring the validity of the VIN itself. Each VIN is a unique identifier for vehicles and includes a series of characters that represent specific information about the vehicle. The check digit is calculated using a specific formula that considers the other characters in the VIN. This means that if the VIN is entered incorrectly or altered, the check digit will not match the expected value, indicating that there may be an error or potential fraud. By verifying the check digit, stakeholders can confirm that the VIN is authentic and correctly assigned to the vehicle, thus safeguarding against misidentification and supporting accurate registration and title processes.