Free Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Decoder & Lookup (2024)

Understanding the Structure of the VIN

As shown by the diagram below, each section of the VIN has a different meaning based on the 1979 and 1980 ISO standards. Check out the corresponding value of each character or section:

Characters 1-3: World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

The WMI identifies the vehicle’s country of origin and the manufacturer. The first to third characters represent the country where the vehicle was manufactured, the manufacturer’s division or the vehicle type, the vehicle’s model or manufacturing division, respectively.

Characters 4-8: Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)

The VDS section points to specific details about the vehicle, including its body type, engine type, series, and more. It may vary in length and content depending on the manufacturer and the specific vehicle.

• Model Information: Concise representation of the model name or a combination of characters indicating the model.
• Body Style: Whether the vehicle is a sedan, coupe, convertible, SUV, truck, etc.
• Engine Type: Whether the vehicle is powered by an inline engine, a V engine, diesel engine, or other types.
• Trim Level: Various features, options, and upgrades, which helps distinguish between different configurations of the same model.
• Other Vehicle Specifics: Depending on the manufacturer, additional details like safety features, special packages, or specific equipment.

The VDS code is not standardized across all automakers since they may use this section to encode various details based on their own internal coding systems.

Character 9: Check Digit

The 9th character in a VIN, known as the Check Digit, ensures the accuracy and validity of the VIN. It is calculated using a mathematical formula applied to the other 16 characters, producing a single digit (0-9) or “X.” This digit helps detect errors, such as typos, and prevents fraud by verifying that the VIN has not been tampered with. It serves as a critical safeguard for consumers, ensuring the VIN’s integrity before vehicle transactions or records are processed.

Character 10: Vehicle Identification Section – Model Year

The 10th character represents the model year of a car.

Character 11: Assembly Plant

The 11th character of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) identifies the assembly plant where the vehicle was manufactured. Below is a sample table listing the assembly plant codes for popular vehicle manufacturers in the United States:

Characters 12-17 (VIS): Vehicle Identifier Section

The final six characters of a VIN, known as the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS), serve as the vehicle’s unique serial number. These characters ensure that each vehicle, even those with the same make and model, is uniquely identifiable. The VIS often reflects the production sequence, with lower numbers indicating earlier assembly. It is essential for vehicle registration, title issuance, service records, recall tracking, and distinguishing between individual vehicles.

Example VIN Breakdown:

VIN 1HGCM82633A123456:

• Position 1: Country of Origin (1 = USA)
• Position 2 – 3: Manufacturer (HG = Honda)
• Position 4 – 5: Vehicle Type (CM = Accord Sedan)
• Position 6: Engine Type (8 = 2.4L Inline-4 Engine)
• Position 7: Restraint System (2 = Front and Side Airbags)
• Position 8: Body Type (6 = 4-Door Sedan)
• Position 9: Verifies VIN integrity (3)
• Position 10: Model Year (3 = 2003)
• Position 11: Assembly Plant (A = Marysville, Ohio, USA)
  
• Position 12 – 17:Vehicle Identifier Section (123456 =Unique Serial Number)

VIN: 5YJ3E1EA7LF123456

• Position 1: Country of Origin (5 = USA)
• Position 2 – 3: Manufacturer (YJ = Tesla)
• Position 4 – 5: Vehicle Type (3E = Model 3 Electric Sedan)
• Position 6: Engine Type (1 = Single Motor Standard Range)
• Position 7: Restraint System (E = Front, Side, and Curtain Airbags)
• Position 8: Body Type (A = Sedan)
• Position 9: Verifies VIN Integrity (7 = Check Digit)
• Position 10: Model Year (L = 2020)
• Position 11: Assembly Plant (F = Fremont, California, USA)
• Position 12 – 17: Vehicle Identifier Section (123456 = Unique Serial Number)