Free Tesla VIN Decoder
Unlock your Tesla’s complete history. Get a free, instant report on the original specifications and options.
A Tesla VIN Decoder is a tool that translates the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into detailed information about a Tesla. By using it, you can quickly identify the model, year, trim, battery type, motor configuration, and where the car was built.
Decoding your Tesla VIN allows you to gain a better understanding of your vehicle’s specifications and history. It’s a valuable resource when buying or selling a Tesla and can help ensure you have the correct information for maintenance and service purposes.
Where is VIN located on Tesla?
On a Tesla, the VIN is located on the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield, where you can read it from outside the car.
You’ll also find it on the driver’s side door jamb label, in the car’s touchscreen under “Controls > Software,” in the Tesla mobile app, and on official documents like your registration and insurance papers.
However, there’s one notable difference for certain newer models: cars manufactured at Gigafactory Berlin have the VIN stamped on the rear right door sill label that can be seen when the interior trim is removed.
Tesla VIN Number Breakdown
Here’s an in-depth breakdown of the parts of the 17-digit Tesla VIN Number:
- World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI): The first three characters represent the manufacturer and the country of origin.
| Characters 1-3 of WMI |
|---|
|
5YJ = Fremont (through Model Year M) 7SA = Fremont/Austin (from Model Year N onwards) LRW = Shanghai XP7 = Berlin |
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) usually determines the third digit. Along with the first and second digits, this helps signify the regional division of the car manufacturer.
- Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS): Characters 4 to 8 provide information about the vehicle’s body type, series, and restraint system.
| Character 4 of VDS (Line/Series) |
|---|
|
S = Model S X = Model X 3 = Model 3 Y = Model Y |
| Character 5 of VDS (Body Type / GVWR) |
|---|
|
A = Hatch back 5 DR/ LHD C = Class E MPV / 5 Dr / LHD E = Sedan 4 Dr / LHD G = Class D MPV / 5 Dr / LHD |
| Character 6 of VDS (Restraint System) |
|---|
|
| Character 7 of VDS (Fuel Type) |
|---|
|
E = Electric (Fremont-built vehicles), Ternary System Li-ion battery (Giga Shanghai-built vehicles) F = Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery (Giga Shanghai-built vehicles only) |
| Character 8 of VDS (Motor/Drive Unit) |
|---|
|
D = Single Motor Standard E = Dual Motor Standard F = Dual Motor Performance (3DU 800A) J = Single Motor Standard K = Dual Motor Standard L = Dual Motor Performance R = Single Motor Standard (3DU 600A) S = Single Motor Standard (DUB 600A) |
Check Digit: The 9th character is a special check digit used to ensure the VIN’s accuracy.
- Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS): Digits 10-17 form the Vehicle Identifier Section, providing specific production details:
Model Year: The 10th character shows the vehicle’s model year. It’s usually a letter or number that represents a particular year.
| Character 10 of VIS (Model Year) |
|---|
|
A = 1980, 2010 S = 1995, 2025 B = 1981, 2011 T = 1996, 2026 C = 1982, 2012 V = 1997, 2027 D = 1983, 2013 W = 1998, 2028 E = 1984, 2014 X = 1999, 2029 F = 1985, 2015 Y = 2000, 2030 G = 1986, 2016 1 = 2001, 2031 H = 1987, 2017 2 = 2002, 2032 J = 1988, 2018 3 = 2003, 2033 K = 1989, 2019 4 = 2004, 2034 L = 1990, 2020 5 = 2005, 2035 M = 1991, 2021 6 = 2006, 2036 N = 1992, 2022 7 = 2007, 2037 P = 1993, 2023 8 = 2008, 2038 R = 1994, 2024 9 = 2009, 2039 |
Assembly Plant: The 11th character in the VIN tells you where the vehicle was assembled, giving you insight into the production facility’s geographic location.
| Character 11 of VIS (Plant of Manufacture) |
|---|
|
A = Tesla Austin, TX (USA) B = Tesla Berlin (Germany) C = Tesla China (Giga Shanghai) F = Tesla Fremont, CA (USA) |
Serial Number: Characters 13 through 17 in the VIN are unique to each Tesla, serving as the vehicle’s specific serial number.
BMW VIN Example Breakdown
Why use a Tesla VIN Decoder?
Using the Tesla free VIN Decoder is a great way to access your vehicle’s complete NMVTIS Vehicle History Report. Just enter the VIN, and you can uncover a wealth of information through a user-friendly interface.
Here are a few key reasons to use the VinCheck.info free Tesla VIN Decoder for verifying claims and conducting background checks.
- Title brands (salvage, totaled, total loss, flooded etc.)
- Ownership timeline or sales data
- Vehicle Specifications
- Fuel efficiency (similar to fueleconomy.gov)
- Odometer readings or mileage
- Market Value
- Ownership Cost
- Accident history
- Theft history (much like NICB)
- Commercial use (like taxis, police, or fleet vehicles)
- Recalls and defects
- Safety ratings
- Inspection checklist
Who Can Benefit from Free Tesla VIN Decoder?
VinCheck.info draws from a vast array of government and private records to offer comprehensive and free Tesla VIN reports. This service is invaluable not just for used car buyers, but also for a range of individuals and organizations.
Dealerships & Private Car Sellers
- Providing a free car report can boost buyer confidence, show transparency, and help you sell your car faster.
Auto Insurance Companies
- Vehicle reports help assess risk more accurately by detailing past accidents, damages, and repairs. They assist in verifying the vehicle’s condition at the time of an accident.
Auto Repair Shops
- Knowing a vehicle’s history helps in diagnosing issues more accurately and planning future maintenance.
Lenders & Leasing Companies
- The reports help assess the value and risk of a vehicle being used as collateral for a loan. It also help set appropriate leasing terms and conditions.
Fleet Managers
- For companies managing multiple vehicles, understanding each vehicle’s history aids in maintenance planning and cost management.
Car Rental Companies
- Inventory Management: Vehicle reports ensure fleet vehicles are in good condition and help make informed decisions about buying or selling rental cars.
Law Enforcement
- Stolen Vehicle Recovery: Helps track the history and ownership of recovered stolen vehicles.
- Fraud Detection: Spots potential cases of odometer fraud, title washing, or other deceptive practices.
Regulatory Agencies
- DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles): Uses free vehicle history reports to verify information during registration and title transfers.
- Environmental Agencies: Checks vehicle history for compliance with emissions regulations and recalls.
Auction Houses
- Provides potential buyers with detailed information to make informed bidding decisions.
Extended Warranty Providers
- Assesses the risk of offering an extended warranty based on the vehicle’s past incidents and repairs.
Salvage Yards
- Helps determine the value and potential usability of parts from vehicles deemed total losses.
Car Enthusiasts and Collectors
- Collectors: Validates the provenance and authenticity of classic or rare vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Tesla VIN is a unique 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number that identifies details like the model, year, battery type, motor configuration, and manufacturing plant.
A Tesla VIN Decoder breaks down the VIN and reveals key information such as trim level, drivetrain, production year, and build location. Some tools also show recall and safety data.
You can see the VIN on the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield, on the driver’s side door jamb, inside the Tesla mobile app, and in the car’s touchscreen under Controls > Software.
Using a decoder helps verify authenticity, confirm specs, and protect against fraud when buying or selling. It also ensures accuracy when checking recalls, ordering parts, or servicing.
Yes, our Tesla VIN Decoder is free to use and provide instant results without requiring sign-ups.
Yes. Tesla VINs include codes that reveal the battery pack type and motor configuration, which directly influence range and performance.
Not directly. While the VIN shows trim and configuration, software-based features like Autopilot or Full Self-Driving are tied to Tesla’s system and must be verified through your Tesla account.
Other Supported Manufacturers
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