Free VIN Decoder & Lookup – Instantly Check Vehicle Specs, Title & History
Instantly Decode Any VIN for Specs, Title, Recalls & More
Want to know what’s behind a vehicle’s 17-character VIN? VinCheck.info FREE VIN Decoder instantly reveals key specs, safety features, build data, and more. No email or credit card required.
✅ Fast, free & mobile-friendly
✅ No signup, no data collected
✅ Trusted data from NMVTIS, NHTSA, and industry sources
Supported Manufacturers
Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bugatti BMW Buick Cadillac Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Ford GMC Honda Hummer Hyundai Infiniti Isuzu Jaguar Jeep KIA Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lotus Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mercury MINI Mitsubishi Nissan Pontiac Polaris Porsche Rolls-Royce Subaru Suzuki Tesla Toyota Volvo Volkswagen
What Is a VIN and Why Decode It?
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle built after 1981. It’s your car’s fingerprint—essential for verifying its identity.
Why Decode a VIN?
- Avoid Scams: Confirm manufacturer details and specs match the seller’s claim
- Verify Title Status: Check if the car has a salvage, rebuilt, or lien title
- Catch Recalls: Uncover safety recall notices and service bulletins
- Know the Market Value: Use spec and trim info for pricing negotiations
Tip: Always check the title status after decoding VIN to avoid buying a lemon.
👉 Want full history? Run a free vehicle history report with title checks, theft records, and ownership changes.
How Our Free VIN Decoder Works
Just follow these simple steps:
- Enter the 17-digit VIN above
- Click “Decode VIN”
- View detailed specs and background instantly
Works for:
🚘 Passenger Cars
🛻 Trucks & SUVs
🏍️ Motorcycles & ATVs
🚐 RVs & Campers
🚚 Commercial Vehicles
Try it now on any device—desktop, tablet, or mobile.
👉 Want full history? Run a free vehicle history report with title checks, theft records, and ownership changes.
For a deeper dive into your vehicle’s history, including accident records and ownership details, you can run a complete VIN Check.
Sample Decoded VIN: KMHCN4AC6BU595328
2011 Hyundai Accent
| year | 2011 | make | Hyundai |
| model | Accent | trim | GLS |
| style | 4-Door | type | Sedan |
| size | Compact | category | Compact Car |
| made_in | South Korea | made_in_city | ULSAN |
| doors | 4-Door | fuel_type | Gasoline |
| fuel_capacity | 11.90 gallons | city_mileage | 27 – 28 miles/gallon |
| highway_mileage | 34 – 36 miles/gallon | engine | 1.6-L L-4 DOHC 16V |
| engine_size | 1.6 | engine_size_units | |
| engine_cylinders | 4 | transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| transmission_type | Manual | transmission_speeds | 5-Speed |
| drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive | anti_brake_system | Non-ABS 4-Wheel ABS |
| steering_type | Rack & Pinion | curb_weight | 2403 pounds |
| gross_vehicle_weight_rating | overall_height | 57.90 inches | |
| overall_length | 168.50 inches | overall_width | 66.70 inches |
| wheelbase_length | 98.40 inches | standard_seating | 5 |
| invoice_price | $13,343 | delivery_charges | $750 |
| manufacturer_suggested_retail_price | $13,695 |
VIN Structure Explained (With Examples)
A VIN follows a global standard. Here’s how it breaks down:
| Position | Description |
| 1–3 | World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) |
| 4–8 | Vehicle Descriptor Section (model, engine, etc.) |
| 9 | Check Digit (validity) |
| 10 | Model Year |
| 11 | Plant Code |
| 12–17 | Serial Number |
Typical VIN Number Structure
The WMI shows where a vehicle was made and who built it. The first character tells you the country of origin. The second shows the vehicle type or manufacturer’s division. The third points to the model or factory.
By learning how to read the WMI, you can easily use a vin number decoding chart to find key details about the manufacturer.
| WMI | Region | Notes |
| A-C | 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 | ||
| NL-NR = Turkey | ||
| 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-T1 = 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 | ||
| 8-9 | South America | 8A-8E = Argentina |
| 8F-8J = Chile | ||
| 8L-8R = Ecuador | ||
| 8X-82 = Venezuela | ||
| 9A-9E, 93-99 = Brazil | ||
| 9F-9J = Colombia |
The VDS gives more details about the car. It tells you things like the body type, engine, trim, and other unique features. This section can look different from one car brand to another.
- Model Information: This part shows the model name or a short code that tells you which model it is.
- Body Style: It tells you if the car is a sedan, SUV, truck, coupe, or convertible.
- Engine Type: You’ll find out if the car uses a V engine, inline engine, diesel, or something else.
- Trim Level: This shows different versions of the same model. Some may have extra features or special options.
- Other Vehicle Specifics: Some car makers add extra info here. That might include safety tech, special packages, or unique equipment.
Every car maker uses the VDS in their own way. Because of that, the codes are not the same across all brands.
The 9th character in a VIN is called the Check Digit. It plays a key role in making sure the VIN is correct and trustworthy. A special math formula checks the other 16 characters and turns them into one digit (0–9) or the letter “X.”
This digit helps spot mistakes like typing errors. It also blocks fraud by confirming that no one has changed the VIN. Because of this, the Check Digit protects buyers and sellers. It makes sure the VIN stays accurate before anyone uses it for sales or official records.
The 10th character represents the model year of a car.
| Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year |
| A | 1980 | X | 1999 | J | 2018 |
| B | 1981 | Y | 2000 | K | 2019 |
| C | 1982 | 1 | 2001 | L | 2020 |
| D | 1983 | 2 | 2002 | M | 2021 |
| E | 1984 | 3 | 2003 | N | 2022 |
| F | 1985 | 4 | 2004 | P | 2023 |
| G | 1986 | 5 | 2005 | R | 2024 |
| H | 1987 | 6 | 2006 | S | 2025 |
| J | 1988 | 7 | 2007 | T | 2026 |
| K | 1989 | 8 | 2008 | V | 2027 |
| L | 1990 | 9 | 2009 | W | 2028 |
| M | 1991 | A | 2010 | X | 2029 |
| N | 1992 | B | 2011 | Y | 2030 |
| P | 1993 | C | 2012 | 1 | 2031 |
| R | 1994 | D | 2013 | 2 | 2032 |
| S | 1995 | E | 2014 | 3 | 2033 |
| T | 1996 | F | 2015 | 4 | 2034 |
| V | 1997 | G | 2016 | 5 | 2035 |
| W | 1998 | H | 2017 | 6 | 2036 |
The 11th character in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) shows the assembly plant. Each letter or number in this spot stands for a different assembly plant.
Here’s a quick reference table with assembly plant codes used by popular vehicle makers in the United States:
| Manufacturer | Assembly Plant Code | Plant Location | Example VIN |
| Ford | K | Kansas City, Missouri, USA | 1FTRX18L3YKK12830 |
| Toyota | 0 | Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan | JTDBT923641029318 |
| Honda | A | Marysville, Ohio, USA | 1HGCM82633AA173820 |
| BMW | N | Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA | 5UXWX9C52EN345678 |
| Hyundai | U | Ulsan, South Korea | KMHGC4DE6DUU152387 |
| Chevrolet | Z | Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA | 1GCNCPEA4CZZ123456 |
| Tesla | F | Fremont, California, USA | 5YJSA1CN0CF158324 |
| Volkswagen | W | Wolfsburg, Germany | WVWZZZ3BZAEW123456 |
Why Character 11 Matters
- Quality Control: Different factories have different track records. Some are known for great quality, while others might have more problems. Knowing the plant can help identify trends in performance or recalls.
- Authenticity Verification: Ensures the VIN matches the expected manufacturing location. It’s a way to check if the vehicle is real and not tampered with.
- Collector Insight: Some plants make special or high-quality models. Car fans and collectors use this info to find rare or well-made vehicles.
This single character gives clear clues about where the car was made. It helps with research, resale, and even planning repairs.
The last six characters of a VIN make up the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS). This section works like a serial number and sets each vehicle apart from the rest. Even if two cars share the same make and model, their VIS will still be different. In many cases, lower numbers in the VIS show that the car was built earlier on the production line.
You’ll need the VIS for several important things. It helps with vehicle registration, title paperwork, repair and service history, recall checks, and tracking specific cars. Each VIS plays a key role in identifying a unique vehicle.
Example VIN Breakdown
- Position 1: Country of Origin (J = Japan)
- Position 2 – 3: Manufacturer (HM = Honda, Passenger Car)
- Position 4 – 5: Vehicle Type (CP = Accord Sedan)
- Position 6: Engine Type (2 = 2.4L Inline-4, gasoline)
- Position 7: Restraint System (6 = Dual front airbags)
- Position 8: Body Type (4 = 4-Door Sedan)
- Position 9: Verifies VIN integrity (4 = Check Digit)
- Position 10: Model Year (9 = 2009)
- Position 11: Assembly Plant (C = Sayama, Japan)
- Position 12 – 17: Vehicle Identifier Section (013634= Serial number or production sequence number)
- 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)
Where to Find the VIN on Any Vehicle
Passenger Cars & SUVs
- Driver’s side dashboard (near windshield)
- Door jamb or frame (driver’s side)
- Engine block
Motorcycles, ATVs, RVs
- Frame near engine
- Steering head or under the seat
- Inside trailer frame or cabinet (RVs)
Documents
- Title
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance card
- Bill of Sale
- Owner’s Manual
VIN Decoder vs VIN Lookup: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | VIN Decoder | VIN Lookup |
| Reveals Specs? | ✅ | ✅ |
| Shows Vehicle History? | ❌ | ✅ |
| Includes Accidents, Title, and Recalls? | ❌ | ✅ |
👉 No VIN? For full background info, try our Free License Plate Lookup Tool
The best free VIN decoder is one that delivers fast, accurate results without requiring signup or payment. VinCheck.info’s VIN decoder is 100% free and instantly provides vital details like vehicle make, model, engine type, body style, trim level, and manufacturing location. It also offers links to full vehicle history checks for deeper insights.
Yes, you can decode a VIN number online even if the vehicle isn’t physically present. As long as you have the 17-digit VIN—found on the car title, registration, or insurance documents—you can use VinCheck.info to decode VIN details remotely. This is especially useful when researching used cars, auction listings, or out-of-state vehicles.
Not quite. Decoding a VIN reveals original manufacturer data like model, trim, engine, and body style. In contrast, a vehicle history report includes events like accidents, salvage titles, theft records, and ownership changes. For a full picture, use both a free VIN decoder and a VIN history check before buying a used car.
Our free VIN decoder supports a wide range of vehicles built after 1981, including:
- Passenger cars and SUVs
- Pickup trucks and vans
- Motorcycles, ATVs, and scooters
- RVs, campers, and trailers
- Commercial and fleet vehicles
It works for most U.S. and international brands like Ford, Toyota, Honda, Chevy, Tesla, and BMW.
Yes, you can decode non-U.S. VINs, but results may vary depending on the vehicle’s origin and data availability. VinCheck.info is optimized for U.S.-market vehicles, so it provides the most complete and accurate details for VINs issued by American, Japanese, European, and Korean automakers.
Yes! VinCheck.info offers a free VIN decoder with no hidden fees, no credit card required, and no account setup. You’ll get instant access to vehicle specs and manufacturer details—completely free.
If the VIN number on the car doesn’t match the documents, it could indicate fraud, a clerical mistake, or a rebuilt vehicle. Contact the seller, DMV, or law enforcement immediately to verify the vehicle’s legitimacy before proceeding with a sale.
Absolutely. VinCheck.info’s free VIN decoder supports all major vehicle types, including motorcycles, campers, trailers, trucks, and fleet vehicles. You’ll get detailed specs just like with standard passenger cars.
Yes. VinCheck.info does not collect or store any personal data from users. Your VIN searches remain private, and no information is shared with third parties. Our platform is secure and respects your privacy at every step.