Where is the VIN number in Mazda 3 II (BL) [2009-2010]?

This guide covers the VIN (and chassis number locations used in some markets) for the Mazda 3 II (BL) produced between 2009–2010. Use the locations below to quickly verify the car’s identity during buying, registration, or parts ordering.

Chassis Number Locations

Driver’s side B-pillar / door jamb label

• Where to look: Open the driver’s door and look at the B-pillar area below the door latch striker.
  On many LHD North American cars it’s a white certification sticker; on some RHD/ROW cars it can be a black riveted plate.
• Access: Usually easy to access. The white sticker can fade/peel, and the black plate can be reflective, but both are on a flat surface.
• Note: LHD guide priority: this is the most common everyday VIN lookup point. RHD models may show a riveted plate rather than a sticker.
• Tip: If the label is faded or glossy, scan the VIN directly with your phone so you don’t misread characters like 8/B or 0/O.

Engine bay firewall / cowl panel (stamped chassis number)

• Where to look: Open the hood and check the firewall/cowl panel area, behind the engine, just below the windshield wiper cowl trim, near the center-right when viewed from the front. The number is stamped into the metal (not a sticker).
• Access: Harder than the door label. This area is commonly shadowed, and stamping can be covered with dust/grime.
• Note: In many non-US markets this stamped chassis number is a primary identifier for registration checks.
• Tip: Because it’s dark and stamped into metal, use a light and capture it with the free VIN reader to pick up the stamped relief without you crouching and guessing.

Dashboard VIN plate (through the windshield)

• Where to look: Stand outside the car and look through the lower corner of the windshield on the left side (driver’s side for LHD). The VIN is on a metal plate riveted to the dashboard and visible through the glass.
• Access: Quick to find, but glare/reflections (sun/overhead lights) and windshield scratches can wash out characters.
• Note: This is a standard consumer-facing VIN position and is commonly used for quick checks.
• Tip: If glare is killing readability, change your viewing angle and scan it instantly with ScanVin.app to avoid transcription mistakes.

Floor panel beside the front seat (under a plastic flap)

• Where to look: Check the front footwell floor for a small plastic flap/cover that lifts to reveal a stamped identifier on the floor panel. It’s commonly on the passenger side for LHD vehicles, but check the driver side footwell if not found.
• Access: Requires you to lift a flap/trim and it’s usually dark down there.
• Note: This location is market-dependent and may not be present on every BL.
• Tip: If lighting is poor, use your phone flash and scan it with the VIN OCR tool so you don’t have to contort and manually write it down.

Engine block number (stamped on the block)

• Where to look: On a machined flat area of the engine block, typically down the side of the block and not easily visible from above without angling the camera past hoses/wiring.
• Access: Very difficult—often dirty/greasy, deep in the bay, and awkward to photograph.
• Note: This is typically an engine number, not the easiest “VIN check” point, but it can help confirm originality if you’re doing deeper verification.
• Tip: When it’s cramped and greasy, scan it instead of hand-copying—zoom + AI contrast helps when your eyes can’t line up with the stamping.

Video Guide

Video Tutorial: VIN Locations - Mazda 3 (2010-2013) - YouTube

▶ Watch Mazda 3 VIN Location Guide

• Clear walkthrough showing the windshield VIN plate and the driver-side B-pillar certification label on an LHD Mazda 3.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting

• Windshield glare: If the VIN plate washes out in sunlight or under shop lights, change angle, shade the plate with your body, and scan instead of typing.
• Stamped numbers hard to read (engine bay/firewall): Dust + shadows hide the stamping—wipe the area clean and use strong lighting for a clean capture.
• Sticker validity warning: A door-jamb sticker can be replaced or damaged—for serious verification, compare multiple VIN/chassis locations and ensure they match paperwork.

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