VIN Decoder

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.

How to Use the Free VIN Decoder

Decoding a VIN with our tool is simple and takes just seconds. Here’s how it works:

1. Locate the VIN:
   Find the 17-character VIN on the vehicle. Common locations include:
   • Dashboard (visible through the windshield)
   • Driver’s side door jamb
   • Vehicle title or registration
   • Insurance documents
2. Enter the VIN:
   Input the VIN into the search box on this page and click “Decode VIN.”
3. Get Your Results:
   Instantly access detailed vehicle specifications, including engine details, body type, and production data.

What Can a VIN Decoder Tell You?

Our free VIN decoder provides the following details about your vehicle:

• 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 and defects

For a deeper dive into your vehicle’s history, including accident records and ownership details, use our Free VIN Check.

Why Choose VinCheck.info’s Free VIN Decoder?

VinCheck.info stands out with its accurate, reliable, and completely free VIN decoding service. Here’s why:

• Instant Results: Get detailed specifications in seconds.
• Wide Compatibility: Supports all makes and models across the U.S.
• 100% Free: No hidden fees or subscriptions.
• Trusted Data Sources: Information sourced from reliable industry databases.

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.

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)

VIN Decoder vs. VIN Check: What’s the Difference?

While both tools use the VIN, their purposes differ:

• VIN Decoder:
  Focuses on revealing vehicle specifications and manufacturing details.
• VIN Check:
  Goes beyond decoding to include ownership history, accident records, title status, and more.

For a full history report, try our Free VIN Check tool after decoding your VIN.

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.

Other VIN-based Tools and Resources from VinCheck.info

All these vehicle research tools offer comprehensive vehicle history reports absolutely free – great alternatives to pricey car reports.

Free VIN Recall Check
Free Motorcycle VIN Check
Free ATV VIN Check

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.