UIC wagon numbers

Wagon number, 81 stands for Austria
This ITL Hbbillns goods wagon with country code 56 is based in Slovakia
Wagon number of an Italian Rgmms flat wagon

Wagon numbers (or coach numbers) are key data for railway operations. They enable a railway wagon or coach to be positively identified and form a common language between railway operators, infrastructure companies and the state authorities. The system of wagon numbering has been laid down by the International Union of Railways (Union internationale des chemins de fer or UIC, founded in 1922) and is similar to that used for the locomotives and multiple units. Vehicle numbering is now governed by the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail[1] and in Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) of the European Union.

The complete wagon number comprises 12 digits. The individual digits have the following meaning:

Digits 1-2: Type of vehicle and indication of the interoperability capacity
(on multiple units, type)
Digits 3-4: Country code (owner before 2006)
Digits 5-8: Vehicle type
Digits 9-11: Individual running number (serial number)
Digit 12: Self-check digit
  1. ^ see: UTP Marking 2015, Uniform Technical Prescription Applicable to Vehicle Numbers and linked alphabetical marking on the bodywork: THE RAILWAY VEHICLE MARKING, Applicable from 1.1.2015, retrieved from: OTIF page Prescriptions and Other Rules