VIN Decoder
Enter a 17-character Vehicle Identification Number to decode vehicle details. Free, no account required.
What is a VIN?
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every motor vehicle sold in the United States since 1981. It serves as the vehicle's fingerprint: no two vehicles in operation have the same VIN. The format is standardized by ISO 3779 and enforced in the U.S. by 49 CFR Part 565.
VIN Position Map
World Manufacturer Identifier
Identifies the country of origin and vehicle manufacturer. Position 1 is the country, position 2 is the manufacturer, and position 3 narrows the vehicle type or manufacturing division.
Vehicle Descriptor Section
Describes the vehicle attributes: model, body style, engine type, and restraint system. The exact meaning of each position varies by manufacturer.
Check Digit
A calculated value used to verify the VIN is not fraudulent. Uses a weighted algorithm against all other positions to detect transcription errors.
Vehicle Identifier Section
Position 10 encodes the model year (A = 1980/2010, B = 1981/2011, etc.). Position 11 is the assembly plant. Positions 12 through 17 are the sequential production number.
Excluded characters
The letters I, O, and Q are never used in VINs to avoid confusion with the numbers 1, 0, and 9. If your VIN contains any of these letters, double-check the source document.
Data sourced from NHTSA Vehicle Product Information Catalog (vPIC). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains the authoritative database of VIN-decoded vehicle information for all vehicles sold in the United States.