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WMI Registration

WMI Registration secures your World Manufacturer Identity, the three-character code that forms the first part of every vehicle VIN. We...

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Key takeaways

The World Manufacturer Identity (WMI) is a unique three-character code that identifies the vehicle manufacturer.
It forms the first three characters of the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), as the National Standards Body and an ISO member, coordinates WMI assignment.
The code itself is assigned by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International) in the USA, the international agency that maintains WMI codes.
The structure follows ISO 3779 (VIN content and structure) and ISO 3780 (WMI code).
A VIN that begins with an unregistered WMI is considered invalid internationally and can halt exports.
WMI registration ensures traceability, compliance and global market access for automotive makers.

Overview

What is WMI Registration?

World Manufacturer Identity (WMI) is a unique three-character code that identifies the vehicle manufacturer. It is assigned by authorized organizations such as the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and is coordinated in India by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

This code forms the first three digits of the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is used universally to trace the origin of a vehicle. India-based manufacturers must apply for WMI through BIS to sell internationally, and a registered WMI ensures every vehicle can be traced back to its maker legally, safely and globally.

For example, Mahindra and Mahindra’s WMI is MA1, and Hyundai India uses MALA. Without a registered WMI, VINs are deemed invalid, shipments can be stalled at port, and international buyers lose trust.

Why WMI matters for manufacturers

Global recognition: links your brand to a recognized global identity in all official vehicle documentation.
Compliance with VIN standards: VINs without WMI are not accepted by customs authorities.
Essential for exports: no WMI means no international movement.
Improves traceability: makes recalls, servicing and insurance processing smooth.
Trust indicator: buyers prefer brands with traceable origins.

VIN structure

How the VIN and WMI fit together

A Vehicle Identification Number uniquely identifies each vehicle using 17 characters, excluding the letters I, O and Q to avoid confusion with the numerals 1, 0 and 9. Recognized worldwide and sometimes called a chassis or frame number, the VIN follows ISO 3779 and ISO 3780. The standard 17-character format was mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States.

VIN section	Characters and meaning
World Manufacturer Identity (WMI)	First 3 characters. Uniquely identify the manufacturer (for example MA1 = Mahindra).
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)	Characters 4 to 9. Describe the general characteristics of the vehicle, such as type and engine.
Vehicle Indicator Section (VIS)	Last 8 characters. Specify attributes such as model year and plant.

Standard	What it defines
ISO 3779	Road Vehicles, VIN content and structure. Describes what the VIN must include and how to define it.
ISO 3780	Road Vehicles, WMI code. States how to identify the WMI code.
17-character VIN	Mandated by NHTSA, excludes letters I, O and Q.

Why it matters

Importance of WMI registration

Traceability

A WMI lets you trace vehicles worldwide, supporting recalls and monitoring of history, ownership changes and modifications.

Compliance

Registration confirms that manufacturers comply with global automotive standards laid down by the ISO, which is required for international players.

Data integrity

Vehicle data is registered accurately, giving trustworthy information about the manufacturer, specifications and history.

Consumer protection

WMI registration protects consumers from unsafe vehicles and fraud by establishing traceability and ensuring compliance with standards.

Market access

Registered WMIs give unrestricted access to international markets, as many countries demand a WMI under their import regulations.

Brand trust

Global recognition links your brand to a traceable origin that buyers and partners prefer.

Why mandatory

Why a registered WMI is non-negotiable

In today’s interconnected auto industry, missing out on WMI registration can lead to export bans, legal bottlenecks and irreversible brand damage. If a VIN begins with an unregistered WMI, it is considered invalid internationally, which can halt business expansion and cause compliance problems. Whether you build two-wheelers, sedans or EV kits, a registered World Manufacturer Identity code is now essential.

What an unregistered WMI can cost you

Export bans with shipments stalled at port.
Invalid VINs that customs authorities will not accept.
Lost buyer trust and stalled business expansion.
Legal bottlenecks and irreversible brand damage.

How it works

The WMI code registration process

The application is filed with BIS in India and the code is assigned through SAE International in the USA. The steps run in sequence from submission to issuance.

Filing with BIS

Application submission
A hard copy of the application and every requisite document is submitted to BIS by the applicant.
Document verification
BIS officials verify the documents received for completeness.
WMI proposal and database entry
BIS proposes a WMI code in line with the established series and enters it into its database.

SAE International registration

Register with SAE
The applicant registers with SAE International in the USA, which assigns the WMI code.
SAE confirmation letter
Once registration is successful, SAE International sends a confirmation letter stating the assigned WMI code.
WMI code issuance
Finally, the WMI code is issued to the applicant firm.

Paperwork

Documents required

Self-certified GST certificate photocopy
Self-certified photocopy of the Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, or partnership deed
Self-certified photocopy of the Udyam Registration or certificate issued by MSME, Government of India
Address proof document
Product category or code for which the WMI code is desired
Currently used coding system details
Proposed production initiation date or month
Application fees remitted, plus any other relevant documents

Who assigns it

Authorities & validity

BIS coordinates WMI assignment in India as the National Standards Body and an ISO member.
SAE International in the USA assigns and maintains the WMI code.
There is no standard expiry for WMI codes, but continued registration and data updates are required as per regulatory norms.
The code stays linked to the manufacturer across all official vehicle documentation.

Pairing this with other approvals? See our Laboratory Accreditation, ARAI Certification and BIS Certification services.

Why choose us

Support for your WMI registration

Our legal and compliance team handles your WMI registration end to end, drawing on years of experience and in-depth knowledge of the World Manufacturer Identity process.

Expert knowledge so your products meet every WMI registration requirement.
Full assistance from the beginning to the very end of the process.
Personalized service with solutions tailored to your requirement.
Industry connections for quicker approvals with fewer delays.
Guaranteed quality that builds trust in your certified genuineness.
Cost-effective and transparent pricing with no hidden costs.

Ready to register your WMI code?

Tell us about your vehicles and target export markets, and we will map the exact documents, BIS filing and SAE registration steps for your firm.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is WMI and why is it important to register?

The World Manufacturer Identity (WMI) is a unique three-character code assigned to vehicle manufacturers that forms the first part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It identifies both the country of origin and the manufacturer, making vehicles traceable and accepted in international markets.

Who assigns the WMI code in India?

In India the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) coordinates WMI assignment as the National Standards Body and an ISO member. The code itself is assigned by SAE International in the USA, the agency responsible for maintaining WMI codes.

How does WMI relate to the VIN?

The WMI forms the first three characters of the 17-character VIN. The VIN also includes the Vehicle Descriptor Section (characters 4 to 9) and the Vehicle Indicator Section (the last eight characters), and follows ISO 3779 and ISO 3780.

What documents are needed for WMI registration?

Typical documents include a self-certified GST certificate, the Certificate of Incorporation, MoA and AoA or partnership deed, Udyam or MSME registration, address proof, the product category for which the code is desired, current coding system details and the proposed production start date, along with the application fees.

How is the WMI code obtained step by step?

The applicant submits the application and documents to BIS, BIS verifies them and proposes a code, the applicant registers with SAE International, SAE sends a confirmation letter with the assigned code, and the WMI code is then issued to the firm.

Do WMI codes expire?

There is no standard expiration for WMI codes. However, continued registration and updates of data as per regulatory norms are necessary to keep the record valid.

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