Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about replacement vehicle labels, Canadian compliance requirements, and our process.

General Questions

To replace a missing VIN sticker in Canada, follow these simple steps:

  • Contact us via Telegram with your vehicle details
  • Provide a photo of your existing label (if available) or your vehicle's VIN number
  • We'll produce an OEM-spec replacement that matches your original in size, format, and material
  • Receive your label shipped directly to you across Canada

Our replacement labels are precision-matched to your vehicle's original specifications using 3M quality materials.

Yes, replacement VIN labels are legal in Canada when they accurately reflect your vehicle's actual VIN and specifications.

These labels are commonly needed after:

  • Body repairs and collision work
  • Repainting or refinishing
  • When original labels become damaged, faded, or illegible
  • Rebuilt vehicle inspections

VINLab produces labels that match OEM specifications for legitimate replacement purposes only.

VINLab produces a complete range of vehicle labels:

  • VIN/Anti-Theft Labels — Door jamb and body panel identification
  • Federal Safety Certification Labels — GVWR, date of manufacture, compliance info
  • Tire & Loading Information Labels — Tire sizes, pressures, load capacity
  • Emission Control Labels — EPA/CARB compliance information
  • Paint & Trim Code Labels — Color codes and trim specifications
  • Warning & Caution Labels — Airbag, fluid, and safety warnings
  • Service Parts Labels — Option codes and build information

We use OEM-quality 3M label materials that match factory specifications:

  • Durable vinyl and polyester substrates — Weather and UV resistant
  • Automotive-grade adhesives — Designed for door jambs and engine compartments
  • Proper finish matching — Matte, gloss, or metallic as required
  • Barcode accuracy — Scannable codes that match your VIN

Our labels are built to last the life of your vehicle.

Inspection & Compliance

A missing emission label can cause your vehicle to fail provincial inspection in Canada. The emission control information label (VECI) is required to verify your vehicle meets environmental standards.

Without this label, inspectors cannot confirm:

  • Your vehicle's emission standard tier (Tier 2, LEV, ULEV, etc.)
  • Correct fuel type requirements
  • California (CARB) vs Federal EPA compliance
  • Evaporative emission family codes

VINLab can produce an exact replacement emission label with all the correct EPA/CARB information for your specific vehicle.

Ontario In Ontario, rebuilt vehicles must have a legible tire and loading information label to pass safety inspection (Safety Standards Certificate).

This label must show:

  • Correct tire sizes for front, rear, and spare
  • Cold inflation pressures (kPa and PSI)
  • Seating capacity
  • Maximum load capacity

If your original label is missing or damaged during the rebuild process, VINLab can create an accurate replacement that meets inspection requirements.

Alberta Yes, Alberta's Out-of-Province Inspection (OOP) and rebuilt vehicle inspections require visible and legible safety certification labels.

The federal safety certification label must show:

  • Vehicle manufacturer and country of origin
  • Date of manufacture
  • GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
  • GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) front and rear
  • Vehicle type classification

Missing or illegible certification labels can result in inspection failure. Contact VINLab for a replacement.

British Columbia BC's Designated Inspection Facility (DIF) program checks several labels during vehicle inspection:

  • Federal Safety Certification Label — Required for all vehicles
  • Tire Information Label — Must match installed tires
  • VIN Labels — Must be present and match registration
  • Emission Label — Required for AirCare compliance (where applicable)

For out-of-province vehicles, all labels must be intact and legible to pass inspection.

Process & Shipping

VINLab offers fast turnaround times to get you back on the road:

  • Total turnaround: 1-2 days production and shipping
  • Rush options: Available for urgent inspection deadlines

Contact us on Telegram with your deadline and we'll work to accommodate your timeline.

To create accurate replacement labels, we typically need:

  • Clear photo of your existing label (if available, even if damaged)
  • Your 17-digit VIN number
  • Year, make, and model of your vehicle
  • Specific label type you need replaced

If your original label is completely missing, we can often decode the required information from your VIN. Just message us on Telegram and we'll guide you through the process.

While VINLab is Canada-focused, we can ship internationally upon request. Contact us on Telegram to discuss shipping options and timelines for your location.

Our expertise is in North American vehicle specifications, including labels for vehicles manufactured for the Canadian and US markets.

Ordering from VINLab is simple:

  • 1. Contact us via Telegram @vinlaboratory
  • 2. Send photos and vehicle information
  • 3. Receive a quote and approve the proof
  • 4. Complete payment
  • 5. We produce and ship your labels

Most orders are completed within 1-2 days from initial contact to delivery.

Common Replacement Scenarios

Yes. When a door is replaced during collision repair, the original labels on the door jamb are lost. You'll need replacement labels for:

  • Federal Safety Certification Label — Usually located on driver's door jamb
  • Tire & Loading Information Label — Also on door jamb
  • VIN Label — If your door had one

Body shops often contact us to provide labels for their customers' repaired vehicles. We can work directly with your shop or with you.

Absolutely. Sun exposure, heat, and age can cause original labels to fade, crack, or become unreadable. This is one of the most common reasons customers contact us.

Even if your label is partially readable, send us a photo — we can often extract the necessary information to create an accurate replacement.

Our labels use UV-resistant materials to better withstand sun exposure over time.

Vehicles imported to Canada may need labels to meet Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS). Common requirements include:

  • Bilingual labels — Canadian labels require English and French text
  • Metric tire pressures — kPa in addition to PSI
  • Canadian compliance statement — Referencing CMVSS

If you're working with a Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) or preparing for provincial inspection, contact us to discuss your specific label requirements.

Yes! VINLab works with restorers and builders who need:

  • Reproduction labels for classic vehicles
  • Period-correct formatting to match original specs
  • Custom labels for kit cars and specialty builds

Send us reference photos or specifications and we can discuss what's possible for your project.

Provincial Label Requirements

VIN placement and label requirements by Canadian province

Ontario

  • Safety Certificate Required
  • Tire Information Label Required
  • VIN Labels Required
  • Emission Label If equipped

British Columbia

  • Safety Certification Required
  • Tire Information Label Required
  • VIN Labels Required
  • Emission Label Required

Alberta

  • Safety Certification Required
  • Tire Information Label Required
  • VIN Labels Required
  • OOP Inspection All labels checked

Quebec

  • Safety Certification Required
  • Tire Information Label Required
  • VIN Labels Required
  • SAAQ Inspection Bilingual labels

Manitoba

  • Safety Certification Required
  • Tire Information Label Required
  • VIN Labels Required
  • MPI Inspection All labels verified

Saskatchewan

  • Safety Certification Required
  • Tire Information Label Required
  • VIN Labels Required
  • SGI Inspection All labels verified
1-2
Days Total Turnaround
Fast
Production & Shipping
50+
Vehicle Brands Supported
3M
Quality Materials

Still Have Questions?

Our team is ready to help. Contact us on Telegram for fast answers and personalized quotes.

Contact Us on Telegram →

Or view our sample replacements to see our work