World Manufacturer Identifier
Characters 1–3 identify the manufacturer. The assigned code can also indicate the region associated with the manufacturer identifier.
Vehicle identity, made readable Free VIN decoder.
Free VIN decoder.
Know what it says.
Decode a vehicle identification number into its make, model, year, engine and more. VINDECODE checks the format, reviews the U.S. check digit and looks up vehicle details through NHTSA.
No account · Lookup runs when you submit
VEHICLE ID / 17 CHARACTERSSTRUCTURE MAP
SAMPLE IDENTIFIER
WMI · 1—3VDS · 4—9VIS · 10—17
ManufacturerWorld identifier
VehicleModel details
STANDARD FORMATPOSITION MAP
17 CHARACTERS
1 IDENTIFIER
1 IDENTIFIER
NHTSA-backed lookup
Start with the VIN
Enter all 17 characters as shown on the vehicle or its paperwork. We’ll check the format first, then request available manufacturer data.
Compare two vehicles
Put decoded specs side by side
Compare manufacturer-submitted specifications for two vehicles. This is a spec comparison, not a mechanical inspection or a vehicle-history check.
For field definitions and limits, read the VIN comparison guide.
Both VINs are sent to NHTSA vPIC when you submit. Returned values depend on manufacturer data coverage. Privacy details.
Three layers, one identifier
What the characters describe
A VIN is arranged in sections. Manufacturer-assigned details vary, so a character position alone cannot always identify a feature without a decoder’s reference data.
Vehicle Descriptor Section
Characters 4–9 carry manufacturer-defined vehicle description data. In U.S.-regulated VINs, position 9 is the check digit.
Vehicle Identifier Section
Characters 10–17 identify the model year, assembly plant and production sequence under the applicable VIN format.
A useful first read
VIN positions at a glance
The 17-character format makes a vehicle identifier machine-readable, but decoding manufacturer-specific attributes requires reference data. NHTSA’s vPIC database returns details reported by manufacturers for vehicles in its scope; a blank field means no value was returned for that field.
01—03Manufacturer ID
04—08Vehicle descriptor
09U.S. check digit
10Model year code
11Plant code
12—17Production sequence
Check a VIN’s ninth character
For vehicles subject to U.S. VIN rules, the check digit is calculated from the other characters using assigned values, positional weights and division by 11. A matching digit catches many transcription errors; it does not prove that a vehicle or its documents are genuine. Read the check-digit calculation on its dedicated reference page.
Common questions
Before you decode
What can a VIN decoder tell me?
A decoder can return manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributes such as make, model, model year, body class, engine and assembly information. Available fields differ by vehicle and record.
Where can I find the VIN?
Check the lower-left corner of the dashboard where it meets the windshield, the label inside the driver’s door area, or the vehicle registration and insurance documents. Compare all 17 characters before submitting. NHTSA lists common VIN locations.
Does a VIN locate or track a car?
No. A VIN identifies a vehicle; it is not a GPS device and does not reveal a car’s current location. VINDECODE has no vehicle-tracking function.
Does a valid check digit prove a car is authentic?
No. The check digit checks whether the VIN characters satisfy a mathematical rule used for U.S.-regulated VINs. It cannot confirm ownership, title status, accident history or that a VIN has not been copied.
Why did the lookup return blank fields?
Manufacturer data varies in detail, and some older, imported or specialized vehicles may have limited records in NHTSA’s database. A missing value is not a confirmed absence of that feature.
Does this lookup show accident or title history?
No. It returns manufacturer-reported vehicle details and general recall campaign matches. It does not provide accident, title, ownership, theft, odometer or repair history.
Is the VIN lookup private?
The VIN is sent to NHTSA’s public vPIC service when you submit the form. VINDECODE does not store lookup history in an account or browser archive. A share link contains the VIN in its URL.