US ARMORED VEHICLE SERIAL

NUMBER LOCATIONS

KURT LAUGHLIN
January 2010
Rev 1
Location Categories

Primary – These are permanent locations of

serial numbers on the major portion of the
vehicle, generally considered definitive.

Secondary – These are locations of serial

numbers on parts that were removable and
sometimes swapped between vehicles, such as
during overhaul.

Tertiary – These are locations of markings such

as factory sequence numbers that can be used
to derive or approximate the vehicle’s serial
number.
LIGHT TANKS AND DERIVED VEHICLES

M3, M3A1, M3A3 Tanks

Primary: Rear tow lugs

M3A3 Tank

Secondary: Differential bulges

M5, M5A1 Tanks; M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage

Primary: Glacis, outboard of peephole or bow

MG (Marked A below)

Secondary: Differential bulges (Marked B below)

Tertiary: Factory sequence numbers on hull

sides (Marked C and D below)
M41 series 76mm Tank; M42 series Twin 40mm
AA gun

Primary: Modification plate on rear hull above

right tow lug. Two numbers at top of plate –
they may repeat or differ.
MEDIUM TANKS AND DERIVED VEHICLES

M4, M4A2, M4A3, M4A4 Small Hatch Tanks

Primary: (M4, M4A2, M4A4) Rear tow lugs;

(M4A3) Rear hull plate below tail lights
Primary: (M4A3) Glacis below lift lugs
Secondary: (M4, M4A2, M4A4) Front tow lugs;
Differential housing bulges
Tertiary: (M4A2) Factory sequence numbers on
hull side
M4, M4A2, M4A3 Large Hatch Tanks

Primary: Rear tow lugs

Secondary: Differential housing bulges

Tertiary: Factory sequence numbers on hull

sides (M4, some M4A3) Right edge of glacis
plate by lift lug; (M4A2, some M4A3) Left hull
side, approximately in line with lift lug
M4A1 Tanks

Primary: Riveted overhaul plate or engraved

chassis number at center of glacis

Tertiary: Factory sequence numbers on either or

both hull sides at rear. Format: XXX (75mm) or
1-XXX (76mm).