VIN Decoder & Lookup

Intending to purchase a used car? Initially, consider checking its vehicle identification number (VIN). Both buyers and sellers will find it useful to conduct a VIN lookup. Our VIN decoder uncovers substantial details about a vehicle’s history. Don’t hesitate to make informed decisions and prevent potential issues or costly repairs.

Check any U.S. car for FREE
with the VIN decoder

What Is a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?
A VIN is a peculiar and individual 17-digit code. This sequence can be viewed as your car's unique mark. This identifier ensures specific vehicle information about the manufacturer, model year, and assembly details. Each code includes three main sections:
  • The international manufacturer identification (WMI).
  • The descriptive part (VDS).
  • The identifier section (VIS).
Why Do You Need a VIN Decode?
Here are some reasons why you may need a VIN decode
Vehicle Theft: With our VIN lookup tool, you can count on a detailed report. The search algorithm does its best to reveal whether the auto has ever been reported stolen.
Vehicle Accidents: Our VIN decoder successfully interprets a vehicle's accident history. Feel free to find out whether the auto has been in a collision. Additionally, you can check the severity of the accident. Mechanical damage critically affects the car's safety, performance, or value. Thus, learn more about potential repairs or insurance concerns.
Vehicle Mileage Check: Mileage fraud is a problem that is being fought globally. Our VIN checker shows inconsistencies in odometer readings to detect possible fraud. Highlight potential tampering and ensure you pay a fair price for your vehicle.
Car Ownership: The VIN lookup uncovers the number of previous owners a vehicle has had. Such information assists in understanding the car's maintenance patterns. The algorithm successfully interprets certain wear nuances or repair records found in the vehicle's history.
Airbag Deployment Check: Safety is of particular significance when purchasing a used vehicle. The decoder checks for records of airbag deployment and related safety recalls. This information is vital for realizing potential issues linked to the vehicle.

How to Decode a VIN

Decoding a VIN

VIN number structure

Position 1
4
Show where vehicle was built (1 - United States)
2-3
HG
Designated the vehicle manufacturer (F-means Ford Inc.)
4-8
CM826
Denotes the vehicle's brand, engine size, and type
9
3
Vehicle Security Code
10
2
Show vehicle year
11
A
Indicates which plant assembled the vehicle
12-17
005243
Displays the serials number of the vehicle

Model year Character Code

Year    Year    Year    Year  
1980 A 1995 S 2010 A 2025 S
1981 B 1996 T 2011 B 2026 T
1982 C 1997 V 2012 C 2027 V
1983 D 1998 W 2013 D 2028 W
1984 E 1999 X 2014 E 2029 X
1985 F 2000 Y 2015 F 2030 Y
1986 G 2001 1 2016 G 2031 1
1987 H 2002 2 2017 H 2032 2
1988 J 2003 3 2018 J 2033 3
1989 K 2004 4 2019 K 2034 4
1990 L 2005 5 2020 L 2035 5
1991 M 2006 6 2021 M 2036 6
1992 N 2007 7 2022 N 2037 7
1993 P 2008 8 2023 P 2038 8
1994 R 2009 9 2024 R 2039 9

Country of Origin Codes

WMI
Region
Notes
A-H
Africa
AA-AH = South Africa
J-R
Asia
>J = Japan
KL-KR = South Korea
L = China
MA-ME = India
MF-MK = Indonesia
ML-MR = Thailand
MS = Myanmar
PA-PE = Philippines
PL-PR = Malaysia
RF-RG = Taiwan
S-Z
Europe
SA-SM = United Kingdom
SN-ST, W = Germany
SU-SZ = Poland
TA-TH = Switzerland
TJ-TP = Czech Republic
TR-TV = Hungary
TW = Portugal
VA-VE = Austria
VF-VR = France
VS-VW = Spain
VX-V2 = Yugoslavia
XL-XM = The Netherlands
XS-XW = USSR
X3-X0 = Russia
YA-YE = Belgium
YF-YK = Finland
YS-YW = Sweden
ZA-ZR = Italy
1-5
North America
1, 4, 5 = United States
2 = Canada
3 = Mexico
6-7
Oceania
6A-6W = Australia
7A-7E = New Zealand
8-0
South America
8A-8E = Argentina
8F-8J = Chile
8X-82 = Venezuela
9A-9E, 93-99 = Brazil
9F-9J = Colombia

Check any U.S. car for FREE
with the VIN decoder

Where to find a VIN number?
Your VIN’s location depends on the manufacturer. Find the VIN in any of these places:
  • Vehicle documents (registration or insurance card).
  • Vehicle title.
  • Driver’s door post.
  • Front end of the frame (older cars).
  • On the dashboard, visible through the windshield on the driver’s side.
  • Front of the engine block.
Tesla VIN
What Is the Process to Perform a Car History Check?
The process to perform a car history check is as follows:
Numbers icon
Enter VIN
Utilize our VIN decoder and enter your 17-digit VIN. Double-check for accuracy. Otherwise, errors can lead to incorrect results. Our system collects data from different brands, including Infiniti, Jaguar, and other ultra-luxury manufacturers.
Database icon
Data Search
Our system scans multiple databases. The purpose is to provide information linked to your vehicle's VIN. We check for recently announced safety recalls, accident history, ownership records, and engine specifications from both major and small vehicle manufacturers.
Wallet icon
Pay
Select from our range of packages as per your needs. We offer more coverage than free services. Get detailed information about your vehicle's history, including safety recalls and assembly details.
Car badge icon
Get Report
Your report is typically available within minutes. Analyze the information about vehicle specs, safety recall history, and official alerts. The data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a reliable source.

We support following makes

A
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
B
Bentley
Buick
C
Cadillac
Chrysler
D
Daewoo
Datsun
E
Eagle
F
Ferrari
L
Lamborghini
Lincoln
M
Maserati
Maybach
McLaren
Mercury
MINI
Mitsubishi
N
O
Oldsmobile
P
Plymouth
Pontiac
R
RAM
Rolls-Royce
S
Saab
Saturn
Smart
Suzuki
T
Tesla
V
Y

VIN Decoder FAQ

How accurate is your VIN decoder?
Our VIN finder pulls data from official sources. These are the NHTSA and manufacturer databases. Unfortunately, not all VINs can provide complete histories. Thus, we strive to ensure the most accurate information. For this purpose, we engage only official sources, including the vehicle's brand website.
Yes. Our service works with motorcycles from major manufacturers. The VIN means the same for motorcycles as it does for cars. Get similar details about the vehicle specs by VIN.
You'll discover the motor vehicle's equipment. This includes the model year and engine size. Also, review open recalls, country of origin, and safety records. This helps highlight potential issues before purchasing.
We include safety recalls conducted by major manufacturers. If recall information isn't found, we recommend you contact the dealership directly, as the manufacturer offers different methods of tracking regulatory recalls.
If your vehicle's VIN is less than 17 characters, it's likely a pre-1981 car, or there's an error. Consult your vehicle documentation, contact the manufacturer, or use a classic VIN decoder.