Free VIN Lookup & Decoder (2024)

Welcome to our free VIN decoder service! This is the most important check you can perform when evaluating a potential vehicle or motorcycle for purchase. We provide the VIN look up for free and enhance the results by providing additional details about the vehicle to give you a complete picture.

What is a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)?

Every car has a unique 17-digit code called a VIN or Vehicle Identification Number. The VIN tells you where and when your car was made, who made it, and what features and options it has. You can also use the VIN to check the history of any used car you might want to buy by using services like FAXVIN, which tracks all the records of a car based on its VIN.

The VIN also has a hidden code that helps you verify that it is genuine. This is useful for buyers, lenders, and lawyers who want to make sure the car is authentic.

The VIN looks something like this: 1C6SRFFT8LN218916. The International Standards Organization (ISO) developed this format in 1981, and it is applicable to all cars today. Each digit can be a number from zero to nine or any letter of the alphabet except "I", "O" or "Q" to avoid confusion with the numbers one and zero.

To make sense of the VIN, you can break it down into different parts: 1C6-SRFFT-8-L-N-21-8916. We’ll explain what each of these parts means below.

Examples of VIN

Here are some examples of vehicle identification number comprising different vehicle types and models:

  • 1C6SRFFT8LN218916
  • 2T3R1RFV8LC123249
  • 5UXCR6C07N9N07366
  • 3C6MR4AJ0NG410085
  • 1FMCU0G65NUB81782
  • WAUEAAF45NN011294
  • WDDSJ4EB1JN510150
  • 5YFBURHE8GP549799

What does Each Digit Mean in a VIN?

You can learn a lot about a vehicle from its VIN number. The first digit tells you which country made the vehicle. And the next two digits inform you about the maker or manufacturer and the type of car. Vehicle attributes, such as the brand and size, are attributed to the next five digits.

The ninth digit is a security code that verifies whether the maker authorized the VIN. With the tenth digit, you can tell the model year of the vehicle. And the eleventh digit tells you which plant assembled the vehicle (see table below). The last six digits are the serial number.

Here is a table simplifying the VIN:

VIN DigitMeaningVIN DigitMeaning
1stCountry10thYear
2ndRegion / Maker11thAssembly Plant
3rdVehicle Type12thSequential Number
4thVehicle Attributes13thSequential Number
5thVehicle Attributes14thSequential Number
6thVehicle Attributes15thSequential Number
7thVehicle Attributes16thSequential Number
8thVehicle Attributes17thSequential Number
9thCheck digit

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

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The first three digits of the VIN are called the WMI code. It stands for World Manufacturer Identifier, and it tells you where the vehicle was made, who made it, and what kind of vehicle it is. If a manufacturer makes less than 1000 vehicles a year, they use 9 as the third digit and the next three digits of the VIN for more identification.

  • Country. The country is indicated by the first letter of the VIN, which ranges from A to Z. For example, if your VIN starts with AA* – AH*, that means your car was made in South Africa.
    1st WMI DigitRegionWMICountry
    A–CAfricaAA* – AH*South Africa
    J–RAsiaJ**Japan
    KL* – KR*South Korea
    L**China
    MA* – ME*India
    MF* – MK*Indonesia
    ML* – MR*Thailand
    MS*Myanmar
    NL* – NR*Turkey
    PA* – PE*Philippines
    PL* – PR*Malaysia
    RF* – RG*Taiwan
    S–ZEuropeSA* – SM*United Kingdom
    SN* – ST*Germany
    W**Germany
    SU* – SZ*Poland
    TA* – TH*Switzerland
    TJ* – TP*Czech Republic
    TR* – TV*Hungary
    TW* – T1*Portugal
    VA* – VE*Austria
    VF* – VR*France
    VS* – VW*Spain
    VX* – V2*Yugoslavia
    XL* – XM*Netherlands
    XS* – XW*USSR
    X3* – X0*Russia
    YA* – YE*Belgium
    YF* – YK*Finland
    YS* – YW*Sweden
    ZA* – ZR*Italy
    1–5North America1**United States
    4**United States
    5**United States
    2**Canada
    3**Mexico
    6–7Oceania6A* – 6W*Australia
    7A* – 7E*New Zealand
    8–9South America8A* – 8E*Argentina
    8F* – 8J*Chile
    8L* – 8R*Ecuador
    8X* – 82*Venezuela
    9A* – 9E*Brazil
    93* – 99*Brazil
    9F* – 9J*Colombia
  • Manufacturer. The second character of the VIN tells you which manufacturer produced the car. For instance, if the second character is 1FD, it indicates that Ford Motor Company made the vehicle in the US.
    WMIManufacturerWMIManufacturerWMIManufacturer
    1FTFord Motor Company1FUFreightlinerWAUAudi
    1FDFord Motor Company1FVFreightliner1XKKenworth USA
    1GCChevrolet1HTInternational Truck1NPPeterbilt
    1GTGMC TruckJH2Honda1NKKenworth
    1GTGMC Truck1XPPeterbilt1M2Mack Trucks
    4X4Forest River1FMFord Motor Company2GCChevrolet
    1GBChevrolet1HDHarley-Davidson2FTFord Motor Company
    1GDGMCJYAYamaha Motor1FAFord Motor Company
    4YDKeystone1G1Chevrolet1GNChevrolet
    WBABMWWF0Ford Motor CompanyWVWVolkswagen
  • Vehicle Type. The third character in the VIN indicates the type of vehicle. For example, 1G1 is a Chevrolet passenger car.

Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)

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The VDS code is a part of the VIN that contains information about the vehicle’s features. It consists of the 4th to 8th characters of the VIN and varies depending on the manufacturer. Some of the common data encoded in the VDS code are:

  • Vehicle Attributes. This section describes the engine, body type, and restraint system of the vehicle.
  • Check Digit. It’s the ninth character of the VIN and serves as a security code to validate the VIN. It is calculated using a mathematical formula based on all VIN characters.

Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS)

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The vehicle identifier section (VIS) is a part of the vehicle identification number (VIN) that provides specific information about the vehicle. The VIS consists of eight characters from the 10th to the 17th position in the VIN. These characters indicate the following details:

  • Year. The 10th character shows the model year of the vehicle according to a standard VIN-to-Year chart. For example, A stands for 1980, B for 1981, and so on.
    CodeYearCodeYearCodeYearCodeYearCodeYear
    A1980M199122002D2013R2024
    B1981N199232003E2014S2025
    C1982P199342004F2015T2026
    D1983R199452005G2016V2027
    E1984S199562006H2017W2028
    F1985T199672007J2018X2029
    G1986V199782008K2019Y2030
    H1987W199892009L202012031
    J1988X1999A2010M202122032
    K1989Y2000B2011N202232033
    L199012001C2012P202342034
  • Assembly Plant. The 11th character identifies the plant where the vehicle was manufactured. Each manufacturer has its own set of codes for different plants.
  • Sequential Number. Characters (12th to 17th) are the serial number of the vehicle, assigned by the manufacturer in sequential order.

How is a VIN Used?

VINs are useful to different people throughout the vehicle’s lifetime. The unique ID is useful to the following parties:

  • Mechanics. They can use the VIN to find out the engine type and other parts that the vehicle may require for servicing or repairs.
  • Insurance companies. They need the VIN to verify the details of the vehicle they are insuring, such as the make, model, year, and safety features.
  • Manufacturers. The VIN identifier helps track their vehicles and recall them if necessary.
  • Police. Law enforcement agencies request VINs to record accidents or follow up on theft and criminal cases.
  • DMV & BMV. The state agencies use the VIN to register the vehicle and issue a title and license plate.
  • Buyers. Interested parties may use the VIN to perform a background check on a used vehicle before buying it. This can help them avoid buying a vehicle that has a history of accidents, damage or mechanical problems.

Where to Find the VIN Number?

You can find the VIN on the vehicle itself and on the documents related to it. It is very important to check that the VIN on the record matches the one on the vehicle, especially if you are buying a used car.

You should also visually confirm that the VIN is stamped on the vehicle’s frame and look for any signs of tampering or alteration. A mismatched or tampered VIN could indicate a stolen or salvaged vehicle.

A mismatched or tampered VIN could indicate a stolen or salvaged vehicle.

On the Vehicle

  • Dashboard. It’s the most prominent location for the VIN on most cars, trucks, and even commercial vehicles because of its easy-to-access spot. The VIN plate will be affixed to the lower left-hand side of the dashboard (driver’s side). While you can get a glimpse of it by sitting in the driver’s seat and looking at the dashboard in front of the steering wheel, it’s easier to see it by looking through the windshield from the outside.
  • Driver-side door. The VIN may appear on the Federal Safety Certification Label found in newer cars. It’s affixed to the driver’s side door in the following spots:
    • On the driver-side doorpost. Open the door and look at the section where the door latches. Or the sticker may be near the seatbelt return.
    • Inside the driver-side door jamb. With the door open, check the sides of the door jamb frame.
  • Under the spare tire. You may find the VIN underneath the spare tire, which is usually in the trunk. It may be necessary to remove the spare tire to access it.
  • Front of the car frame. Some vehicle models will have the VIN under the hood and stamped on the frame. You can check the car frame near the windshield washer container. It may be necessary to crouch down in front of the car on the driver’s side to check for this placement. Note that the code may belong to the frame or engine.

Please consult your manual to see other places on the car where the VIN may be located.

VIN on Paperwork

The vehicle’s unique identifier is used on all official car documents. You can find it by checking the following documents:

  • Vehicle title. The VIN appears on the first page of the title document. You’ll find it listed along with the vehicle’s model, make, and body type on the title’s header.
  • Owner’s manual. The vehicle identification number should also be listed in the owner’s manual. You should have the owner’s manual if the vehicle is brand new. However, if you purchased a secondhand vehicle, you may not have access to it.
  • Insurance card. When insuring a vehicle, the insurance company will ask for the title so that they can determine the vehicle’s VIN. The VIN will then be listed on the insurance card or policy.
  • Registration card. If you have a registration card, you can find the VIN on the front of the card. You need to contact your Department of Motor Vehicles to ask for the registration card for the car, if you don’t have it.
  • Body repair records: Repair facilities will typically ask the owner for the VIN, as it’s useful when ordering the right parts or recording any relevant details about the kind of damage.
  • Police reports: Following thefts or accidents, the police will require the VIN to identify the vehicle and file relevant reports.

Is it Safe to Give Out My VIN?

You should definitely share your VIN with potential buyers of your car. Otherwise, they might doubt the accuracy of the information you provide about your car’s features.

Sharing your VIN does not pose any security risk to you, as it is not a confidential piece of information like your social security number.

In fact, your VIN is visible in some parts of your car, such as the dashboard. Moreover, you expose your license plate every time you drive your car, and anyone can easily convert a license plate to a VIN.

What does a VIN Lookup Reveal?

When you use FAXVIN’s VIN number lookup to decode a VIN, you can access a lot of useful information about the vehicle you are interested in. Here are some of the categories of data you can see:

  • Make. This tells you the brand of the vehicle, such as Chevrolet, Toyota or others. This can help you narrow down your search and compare similar vehicles from different manufacturers.
  • Model. It informs you about the specific name of the vehicle, such as Camry, Impala or others. If their model name is not clearly visible, some vehicles might be difficult to distinguish. You can also spot inconsistencies between the model stated on the listing page and the actual model based on the VIN.
  • Year. It’s the model year of the vehicle, and this will influence its price and performance. You can better research potential problems or recalls that may affect that particular year of production.
  • Trim. It gives you details about the level of features and options that the vehicle has, such as leather seats, a sunroof, a navigation system or others. Trim options can affect the value and comfort of the vehicle. For instance, if you are looking for a vehicle with off-road capabilities, you may want to know if it has a higher trim level with more rugged features.
  • Manufactured Place. It tells you where the vehicle was built, such as the USA, Japan, Germany or others. Knowing the manufacturing plant can indicate the quality and reliability of the vehicle, as well as its availability and compatibility with parts and services in your area.
  • Body Style. You can tell the shape and design of the vehicle, such as sedan, coupe, SUV or others. This can help you identify changes that were made to a vehicle over time, such as modifications or repairs. It can also help you determine if the vehicle suits your needs and preferences.

Extra Buyer Details

On FAXVIN, you can perform a VIN lookup for free and save the time you’d spend figuring out how to use VIN charts. But aside from providing basic details, our VIN search lists other useful features to make your comparison and search easier:

  • DriveTrain. The engine type and drivetrain of the car, such as whether it is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
  • Seating. Standard seating capacity and configuration of the car, such as how many passengers it can accommodate and whether it has leather seats or cloth seats.
  • Fuel capacity. Fuel-related details of the car, such as the tank level, fuel economy, and fuel type.
  • Braking. The braking system of the car, for instance, whether it is fitted with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), whether the rear brakes are disc type or drum type, and the availability of a brake assist feature.
  • Wheels and Tires. Size and type of the wheels and tires of the car, such as the size of the spare tire, the recommended tire pressure, and the tire tread depth.
  • Pricing. Pricing information, including the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price), the dealer invoice price, and the average market price.
  • Entertainment options. Availability of entertainment features, whether there is an AM/FM radio, a CD player, an MP3 player or a navigation system.
  • Other additional details. You similarly obtain other important details, such as the suspension type, the dimensions, the safety ratings, interior and exterior colors, warranty coverage, and more.

The additional details provided by FAXVIN give you a powerful perspective on the vehicle you’re considering, making your purchase safer, easier, and cost-effective.

Decoding VIN Examples

The following example shows what you can see by checking the VIN:

VINYearManufacturerModelEngineTrim
1FTFW1CT5DFC103122013FordF-1503.5L V6 TURBOFX2 SuperCrew 5.5-ft. Bed 2WD
1GC5CZEG0F00171062015ChevroletSilverado6.0 Li3500 LT
4T1BG28K81U7902072001ToyotaCamry2.2L L4 DOHC 16VCE
WBA5B3C50GG2523372016BMW5-Series3.0L L6 DOHC 24V535i xDrive
7SAYGAEE7PF6840522023TeslaModel YELECTRICLong Range AWD

VIN Decoder vs. a Manual VIN Lookup

Decoding a VIN by manually matching each character to a chart is quite time-consuming and even confusing, as some characters may be quite hard to understand.

Now, the better option is to use an online tool that can instantly generate a detailed report of your car’s specifications. But note that the VIN decoder cannot reveal the history of your car, such as past repairs, services or damages. For that, you need to use the car’s VIN to run a comprehensive vehicle history report that can show you how the car has been treated or maintained.

What Vehicle’s VIN Can Be Decoded?

VINs have been standardized since 1981 in the USA, but they do not apply to all types of vehicles. They are mostly assigned to the following vehicle types:

  • Car;
  • SUV;
  • Pickup;
  • Motorcycle;
  • VAN;
  • Commercial Truck;
  • RV and Motorhome;
  • Trailer and Camper;
  • Moped and Scooter;
  • Buses;
  • ATV.

How to Do a VIN Lookup?

To use FAXVIN to get your vehicle specs by VIN, you only need to do these four steps, and you will get free information about your vehicle in no time.

  1. Type your VIN into the VIN search bar.
  2. Press the "Decode VIN" button.
  3. Get free information about your vehicle instantly.
  4. You can view the report on your laptop or your phone.

As you can see, the process is very simple, and our VIN number lookup free service lets you save money. So, don’t take any chances when you want to buy a used car and get the vehicle specs by VIN.

Conclusion

Checking the VIN for free online is a good idea, as it allows you to obtain basic information about the manufacturer’s specifications. FAXVIN handles this task professionally by providing you with VIN details as well as extra details of your car’s dimensions, drivetrain, entertainment, fog lights, pricing, interior trim, exterior color, and more.

However, if you want to get usage insights about your car, you’ll need to do a full VIN look up history check that gives you a comprehensive account of all incidents that impact your car’s condition and value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Run a VIN Decoder for Free?

You don’t have to pay anything. The decoder reveals various details about your vehicle, such as when it was made, how big the engine is, where it was assembled, what kind of fuel it uses, and more. More than 50 pieces of information in total.

How Many Digits Are in a VIN?

The standard VIN format since 1981 has featured 17 characters ( including letters and numbers). Prior VINs had varying lengths depending on the format the manufacturer followed.

What if my VIN is Less than 17 Characters?

It’s quite likely that your vehicle was made prior to 1981 or it’s not the actual VIN but the frame or engine number.

Is it Safe to Share my VIN?

There is no risk in revealing your VIN (anyone can see it easily from the sticker on the dashboard). It’s instrumental in aiding buyers who may want to research the car by sharing your VIN. You prove that you don’t have anything to hide.

What Is a VIN Example?

Here is an example of a standardized 17-digit VIN: 2HGFE2F53NH516948.

What Documents Contain the VIN?

You can check your automotive insurance, vehicle title, registration or manual.

Are All VIN Numbers Unique?

Yes, much like passport numbers, the VIN is a unique identifier that lasts throughout the vehicle’s life. No two cars share the same VIN.

Can VINs Be Reused?

A VIN will be unique for at least 30 years before there is a chance that another vehicle will bear the same one.

Can a VIN Number Be Changed?

The VIN number of a vehicle is fixed and cannot be modified. Federal law prohibits any tampering or removal of the VIN number from a vehicle.

Free VIN Lookup & Decoder (2024)

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