VIN DECODER FOR VEHICLE
From the vehicle identification number, also abbreviated as VIN, we can obtain a lot of interesting information. For example the model year, the place of manufacture and other technical data available depending on the model.
*The information is provided free of charge by the NHTSA and may be incomplete or inaccurate (especially for vehicles produced in Europe).
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What is a vehicle identification number (VIN)?
A vehicle identification number (VIN) is a unique alphanumeric code that is assigned to each vehicle at the time it is manufactured. The VIN serves as a unique identifier for the vehicle and is used for various purposes, including registering and insuring the vehicle, tracking ownership and maintenance records, and identifying stolen vehicles.
The VIN is typically 17 characters long and is composed of letters and numbers. It can be found on the dashboard, driver’s side door, or vehicle registration documents. The VIN is divided into several sections, each of which provides specific information about the vehicle. For example, the first three characters of the VIN indicate the manufacturer and model year of the vehicle, while the fourth through eighth characters provide information about the body style, engine type, and other features. The ninth character, known as the check digit, is used to verify the accuracy of the VIN. The remaining characters provide information about the production plant and the serial number of the vehicle.
By decoding the VIN, it is possible to obtain a variety of information about a vehicle, including its make, model, model year, and technical specifications. The VIN is a valuable tool for identifying and tracking vehicles, and it is used by law enforcement, insurance companies, and other organizations for a variety of purposes . 
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What do the numbers and letters in a VIN mean?
The first group of three numbers and letters in a VIN make up the world manufacturer identifier (WMI).
- In this group, the first digit or letter identifies the country of origin. For example, cars made in the U.S. start with 1, 4 or 5. Canada is 2, and Mexico is 3. Japan is J, South Korea is K, England is S, Germany is W, and Sweden or Finland is Y.
- The second element in this group tells you about the manufacturer. In some cases, it’s the letter that begins the manufacturer’s name. For example, A is for Audi, B is for BMW, G is for General Motors, L is for Lincoln, and N is for Nissan. But that “A” can also stand for Jaguar or Mitsubishi, and an “R” can also mean Audi. It may sound confusing, but the next digit ties it all together.
- The third digit, when combined with the first two letters or numbers, indicates the vehicle’s type or manufacturing division. This Wikipedia page has a list of WMI codes.
The next six digits to check (positions 4-9) are the vehicle descriptor section.
- Numbers 4 through 8 describe the car with such information as the model, body type, restraint system, transmission type and engine code.
- Number 9 is the check digit, which is used to detect invalid VINs. The number that appears varies and is based on a mathematical formula that the U.S. Department of Transportation developed.
The following group of eight elements (10-17) is the vehicle identifier section.
- In the 10th position, you’ll see a letter indicating the model year. The letters from B to Y correspond to the model years 1981 to 2000. The VIN does not use I, O, Q, U or Z. From 2001 to 2009, the numbers 1 through 9 were used in place of letters. The alphabet started over from A in 2010 and will continue until 2030.
Yes, it’s confusing. Here are the model years since 2000: Y=2000, 1=’01, 2=’02, 3=’03, 4=’04, 5=’05, 6=’06, 7=’07, 8=’08, 9=’09, A=’10, B=’11, C=’12, D=’13, E=’14, F=’15, G=’16, H=’17, J=’18, K=’19, L=’20.
- The letter or number in position 11 indicates the manufacturing plant where the vehicle was assembled. Each automaker has its own set of plant codes.
- The last six digits (positions 12 through 17) are the production sequence numbers, which each car receives on the assembly line.
Where to find VIN Number?
Where you can find your VIN number depends on your vehicle’s make and model. There are several places where the VIN may be located physically on your car. The VIN may also be found on your vehicle’s insurance card or vehicle title (DMV) records. If you are having issues finding your VIN number, you can also contact your car dealership or the manufacturer of your vehicle. Below are the most common locations to find the VIN number on your vehicle.
