Free VIN Lookup

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Enter any 17-character VIN to reveal make, model, year, engine, and more — powered by the official NHTSA database.

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Uses Of The VIN Decoder

  • Verify vehicle details before selling or buying
  • Check the correct year, make, and model
  • Confirm engine type, body style, and fuel type
  • Assist in accurate vehicle valuation

What To Expect

  • Instant results from a valid 17-character VIN
  • Accurate data from the official NHTSA database
  • Simple, mobile-friendly — no registration
  • Completely free to use

VIN Number Explained

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle. It encodes the manufacturer, model, year, engine type, assembly plant, and production sequence. Understanding VINs is essential for checking vehicle history and verifying authenticity.

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WMI (1–3) VDS (4–8) Check (9) VIS (10–17)

1. World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) — Characters 1–3

The first three characters identify the manufacturer and country of origin.

  • Character 1: Region / Country
  • Character 2: Manufacturer
  • Character 3: Vehicle type / division

Common WMI Codes

WMIManufacturerCountry
WA1AudiGermany
WAUAudiGermany
TRUAudiHungary
WBABMWGermany
5UXBMWUSA
1G4BuickUSA
1G6CadillacUSA
1G1ChevroletUSA
3GNChevroletMexico
3C3Chrysler / FiatMexico
1C4Chrysler / JeepUSA
1FAFordUSA
1FTFordUSA
3FAFordMexico
1HGHondaUSA
2HGHondaCanada
KMHHyundaiKorea
KNMHyundaiKorea
SALLand RoverUK
WDDMercedes-BenzGermany
WDCMercedes-BenzGermany
JN1NissanJapan
1N4NissanUSA
5N1NissanUSA
JN8NissanJapan
VF1RenaultFrance
YS3SaabSweden
YS2ScaniaSweden
5YJTeslaUSA
JTDToyotaJapan
4T1ToyotaUSA
2T1ToyotaCanada
3VWVolkswagenMexico
WVWVolkswagenGermany
1G2Pontiac / GMUSA
1G8Saturn / GMUSA

2. Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) — Characters 4–9

This section identifies vehicle attributes, engine type, series, and safety features.

  • Characters 4–8: Vehicle features (model, body, engine, restraint system)
  • Character 9: Check digit — validates VIN integrity

3. Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS) — Characters 10–17

The VIS encodes the model year, assembly plant, and sequential production number.

  • Character 10: Model year (see table below)
  • Character 11: Assembly plant
  • Characters 12–17: Sequential production number

Model Year Codes (1980–2025)

CodeYearCodeYear
A1980 / 2010N1992 / 2022
B1981 / 2011P1993 / 2023
C1982 / 2012R1994 / 2024
D1983 / 2013S1995 / 2025
E1984 / 2014T1996
F1985 / 2015V1997
G1986 / 2016W1998
H1987 / 2017X1999
J1988 / 2018Y2000
K1989 / 201912001
L1990 / 202022002
M1991 / 20213–92003–2009

Understanding your VIN helps verify vehicle authenticity, check recalls, and research vehicle history before buying or selling.

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