Free Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Decoder & Lookup (2024)

What is a VIN Number?

How to Find It

Finding your vehicle's VIN is straightforward. Here's where to look:

• Passenger Cars: Check the front of the dashboard on the driver's side. View it from outside the vehicle through the windshield. Also, inspect the driver's side door pillar—open the door to find the VIN where the door latches.
• Motorcycles: Typically found on the steering neck below the handlebars, but it could also be on the motor or on the frame near the motor.
• Semitrailers: Look on the front part of the semitrailer on the left side.

If you're unable to locate the VIN on the vehicle, it can also be found on:

• Your vehicle's title documents.
• Liability insurance documents.

How to Check a Specific Number

Enter your vehicle's 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the field above to look up and receive an instant report on its manufacturer, brand, make and model, body style, engine size, assembly plant, and model year. The information is provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from the data submitted by the manufacturers to NHTSA. The VIN Decoder lookup is intended for use with vehicles manufactured since 1981. If your vehicle was made before 1981, the VIN will most likely contain 11 characters.

Model Year Character Codes

The table below shows the model year character codes used in VINs. These codes help you determine the exact year of manufacture for any vehicle. VINs are standardized globally, and the model year character is a crucial part of this identification system.

Understanding these codes can help you verify the authenticity and age of a vehicle, whether it's a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other motor vehicle. Here are some examples from various manufacturers:

• Example: A Ford Mustang with a VIN of 1FAFP42X4WF123456 has a model year character of "W," indicating it was manufactured in 1998.
• Example: A Toyota Camry with a VIN of JTDBE32K502123456 has a model year character of "5," indicating it was manufactured in 2005.
• Example: A Honda Civic with a VIN of 2HGFG12688H123456 has a model year character of "8," indicating it was manufactured in 2008.
• Example: A Chevrolet Silverado with a VIN of 1GCRCREC0EZ123456 has a model year character of "E," indicating it was manufactured in 2014.

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a critical component of the VIN, indicating the country where the vehicle was manufactured. This table provides a comprehensive overview of WMI codes for vehicles from around the world, helping you trace the origin of any vehicle.

General WMIs by Region:

• 1, 4, 5 = United States
• 2 = Canada
• 3 = Mexico
• J = Japan
• KL = South Korea
• W = Germany
• VF = France
• VS = Spain

Historical Context:

Vehicle manufacturing is a global industry, with key production hubs spread across North America, Europe, and Asia. Each region has developed unique specialties, from the precision engineering of Germany to the innovative designs from Japan and the large-scale production capabilities of the United States.

Production Volume and Global Distribution:

Understanding WMI codes helps in appreciating the scale and diversity of global vehicle production. Major automotive brands operate plants worldwide to meet regional demands and leverage local expertise, ensuring a steady supply of vehicles tailored to different markets.

Trivia and Fun Facts:

• The first character of the VIN, representing the WMI, can tell you whether a vehicle was made in North America (1, 4, 5), Europe (S-Z), or Asia (J-R).
• Some high-performance and luxury vehicles have unique WMIs due to their exclusive manufacturing processes and locations, like "WAU" for Audi in Germany or "ZAM" for Maserati in Italy.

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