Where is the VIN number in FORD Focus (Focus I [1999-2004])?

This guide shows where to find the VIN (chassis number) on the Ford Focus Mk1 (1999–2004), including the hidden stamped chassis VIN and the quicker “at-a-glance” plate locations.

Chassis Number Locations

Passenger Footwell / Floor (stamped into metal)

• Where to look: Lift the front footwell rubber mat, then locate the pre-cut rectangular plastic flap in the carpet (it runs parallel to the door sill). Under that flap, the VIN is stamped directly into the metal floor chassis in front of the front passenger seat area.
• Access: You’ll need to crouch low and work in a tight space. Expect dirt/debris to cover the stamping—wipe or scrub the metal lightly so the characters show up, and add extra light because the footwell is shadowy.
• Note: The video vehicle is RHD (UK) and shows the stamp on the passenger side for that car. For LHD (EU/US), use safe logic: check the front footwell floor (commonly on the passenger side for LHD vehicles, but check the driver side footwell if not found).
• Tip: Because this area is dark and awkward to read, use your phone to scan it directly with the flashlight + OCR instead of trying to write the digits down while crouched.

Windshield / Dashboard VIN plate

• Where to look: Check the lower corner of the windshield, where the dashboard meets the glass (commonly at the driver-side corner). You’re looking for a VIN plate visible from outside through the windshield.
• Access: Easy to reach, but reflections and windshield glare can hide characters—try changing your viewing angle or shading the glass with your hand.
• Note: This is a common “quick check” location, but the floor stamp is more authoritative for verification.
• Tip: If glare keeps washing out the letters, capture it instantly with your phone using ScanVin.app so you don’t misread similar characters like 8/B or 5/S.

Door Pillar / B-Pillar VIN sticker (manufacturer label)

• Where to look: Open a front door and inspect the door jamb / B-pillar area for the manufacturer’s label that includes the VIN (market-dependent: driver or passenger side).
• Access: Standing-height and simple—just clean dust off the label to read it.
• Note: Stickers can be faded, peeled, or painted over after bodywork, so don’t rely on this label alone if you’re verifying identity.
• Tip: If the print is worn or low-contrast, use the VIN scanner to read it cleanly without guessing missing characters.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: Ford Focus (1999) Chassis Vin Number Location

▶ Watch FORD Focus VIN Location Guide

• Shows the real stamped chassis VIN under the front footwell mat/carpet flap on a Focus Mk1, including how “hidden” it is in normal day-to-day use.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Floor VIN is buried under carpet/flap: Lift the mat, pry up the pre-cut flap, then wipe the stamping area—packed dirt will hide the characters.
• Poor lighting in the footwell: Use a strong flashlight or your phone light; shadows make stamped characters look incomplete.
• Door-jamb sticker issues: If the pillar label is missing/faded/painted, verify against the stamped chassis VIN (stickers are the easiest to tamper with).

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