Free VIN Decoder – Decode Any VIN to Reveal Vehicle Specifications Instantly
When it comes to understanding your vehicle, decoding the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is essential. A VIN decoder translates the unique 17-character code into detailed specifications, including the manufacturer, engine type, body style, and more. With our free VIN decoder, you can access this valuable information instantly and make informed decisions about your vehicle.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or researching a car, our VIN decoding tool provides the key details you need to verify a vehicle’s authenticity and learn about its unique features.
What is a VIN Decoder?
A VIN decoder is a tool designed to extract and interpret the information embedded in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Every vehicle has a unique VIN that contains critical details, such as:
- Manufacturer: Identify the make and origin of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Specifications: Learn the model year, engine type, body style, and trim level.
- Assembly Plant: Find out where the vehicle was built.
- Serial Number: Understand the unique production sequence of the vehicle.
By using our VIN decoder, you can decode this information for any vehicle and ensure it matches official documentation.
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What is the structure of a Vehicle Identification Number?
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.
| 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 |
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.
| 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 |
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:
| 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: Specific assembly plants may have unique reputations for quality or issues. Knowing the plant can help identify trends in performance or recalls.
- Authenticity Verification: Ensures the VIN matches the expected manufacturing location.
- Collector Insight: Useful for collectors or enthusiasts seeking vehicles from specific plants known for limited editions or high-quality production.
This character adds valuable traceability to a vehicle’s manufacturing process, offering transparency and aiding in research, resale, or maintenance planning.
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 JHMCP26449C013634:
- 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 (6 = 4-Door Sedan)
- Position 9: Verifies VIN integrity (4)
- 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)
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)
How Does a VIN Decoder Work and What Can It Tell You?
A VIN Decoder takes the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of a car and translates it into a comprehensive report about the vehicle. By accessing a vast database of information, the decoder cross-references the VIN to reveal key details, including:
Basic Specifications
- Model year
- Engine size and type
- Body style (sedan, SUV, truck, etc.)
- Trim level and series
Manufacturer Details
- Country of origin
- Manufacturer name
- Assembly plant
Vehicle Details
- Production number
- Safety features
- Optional equipment
Additional Insights
- Market value
- Fuel efficiency
- Recalls, defects, or service bulletins
- History of previous accidents
- Ownership records
With this wealth of information, a VIN Decoder helps you verify a vehicle’s authenticity, assess its condition, and understand its original features and specifications. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about your car, this tool provides crucial insights at your fingertips.
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 |
Where to Find the VIN Number
The VIN locations can vary depending on the type of vehicle. Here’s a guide to help you find it:
Passenger Vehicles
- Dashboard: At the corner of the dashboard, visible through the windshield on the driver’s side.
- Driver’s Side Door Jamb: Open the driver’s door and inspect the door frame or door post for a sticker or metal plate with the VIN.
- Engine Block: Engraved on the engine block; this requires lifting the hood.
Commercial Vehicles
- Pickup Trucks, Cargo Vans, Box Trucks: On dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver’s side door jamb, and the engine block.
- Semi-Trucks and Trailers: Inside the driver’s side door jamb and stamped on the frame near the front.
Motorcycles and Similar Vehicles
- Motorcycles, Scooters, Mopeds: On the right side of the steering head (turn handlebars left), engraved on the frame near the engine, or on the engine case.
- ATVs: On the frame, often near the front or under the seat, and sometimes on the engine case.
Recreational Vehicles (RVs)
- Motorhomes: On the dashboard visible through the windshield, inside the driver’s door jamb, and stamped on the frame.
- Travel Trailers and Fifth-Wheel Trailers: Stamped on the trailer frame, usually at the front, and sometimes inside a cabinet or on the entry door frame.
Specialty Vehicles
- Buses and Emergency Vehicles: On the dashboard visible through the windshield, inside the driver’s door jamb, and stamped on the frame.
- Taxis, Ride-Sharing Vehicles, and Livery Vehicles: On the dashboard visible through the windshield and inside the driver’s door jamb.
Document Locations
- Vehicle Title: Listed on the title documents, proving ownership.
- Registration Documents: On registration documents issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- Insurance Documents: On insurance policies, to accurately identify the insured vehicle.
Free VIN decoders, such as those provided by VinCheck.info, can be reliable and offer a wealth of information. However, the comprehensiveness of the report may vary, and it’s often recommended to use reputable sources like VinCheck.info for accurate data.
If the VIN on your vehicle doesn’t match the documents, it’s important to investigate further as this could indicate potential fraud or clerical errors. Contact the seller, dealership, or a legal authority to resolve the discrepancy.
Yes, our tool supports all types of vehicles, including passenger cars, commercial trucks, motorcycles, and RVs.
Yes, VinCheck.info offers a 100% free VIN decoding service. They fund the service through advertisements, ensuring users can access comprehensive vehicle history reports without any cost.
Decoding a VIN helps verify a vehicle’s specifications, ensuring it matches the documentation. It also reveals essential details like engine type and body style.
VinCheck.info ensures user data security and privacy. The information provided for the VIN check is used solely for generating the vehicle history report and is not shared with third parties.
Start Your Free VIN Decoding Now
Enter your VIN in the box below to get instant access to detailed vehicle specifications. If you’re looking for more, don’t forget to check out our VIN Check for a full history report.
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If the VIN is not available, VinCheck.info offers a free license plate lookup that can yield the same results as a free VIN check.