VIN Etching
Sponsored by the Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority

What Is VIN Etching?

VIN etching is the process of acid stenciling your vehicle’s 17-digit identification number onto the window glass of the vehicle. The stencil is relatively small and does not hamper your view through the windows in any way. Because the etching is done at the bottom of your windows, it is not obviously noticeable and does not take away from the attractiveness of your vehicle.

Why Should I Have VIN Etching Done On My Car?

VIN etching serves several purposes.

First, many thieves will steal a vehicle and change its identity by removing the VIN plate on the dashboard and replacing it with a different one. They will then sell the stolen vehicle to an unsuspecting buyer. By having the identification number placed on additional parts of your vehicle, thieves who might want to change the identity will be deterred knowing they will also have to change out all the window glass in addition to the dashboard VIN plate. This is an investment most thieves will not make.

Second, should your vehicle ever be stolen, law enforcement will have an easier time recovering and identifying your vehicle since the identification number is readily available on multiple parts of the car.

And third, VIN etching may qualify many insurance consumers for a Level I insurance discount, which can result in a 2% to 10% discount on the comprehensive portion of your insurance premium, as long as you don’t already have a theft deterrent on your vehicle that qualifies for the Level I discount. On the day we etch your vehicle, you will be given a form to provide to your insurance company to let them know the process has been completed.

What Do I Need To Do If I’d Like To Have My Car Etched

If you’d like to participate in the VIN etching program, please contact the Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA) office in Arlington:

800-CAR-WATCH
(that’s 800-227-9282)

and provide your name, vehicle year/make/model, and 17-digit VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) for your vehicle. We will set up an appointment with you to visit our office and have the VIN etching done on your vehicle. We will produce the stencils before you arrive, thus saving time in completing the process.

We look forward to seeing you! Thank you for your assistance in preventing vehicle theft!

©2006 Duncanville Police Department

City of Duncanville, Texas
Police Department
203 E. Wheatland Road
P.O. Box 380280
Duncanville, TX 75138-0280
972-780-5038