VIN code meaning: where to find it and how to read it
What a VIN is
A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) has 17 letters and digits and identifies one vehicle in the world. The letters I, O and Q are never used, so they cannot be confused with 1 and 0.
Where to find the VIN
Common places are the base of the windshield on the driver’s side, the sticker on the driver’s door frame, the engine bay, and the registration document. On many cars it is also stamped on the body or frame.
Characters 1–3: who made the car
The first three characters are the World Manufacturer Identifier. The first shows the region or country of manufacture (for example 1, 4 or 5 for the USA, 2 for Canada, J for Japan, K for Korea, W for Germany), and the next two identify the maker.
Characters 4–8: the car’s description
These characters describe the model, body type, engine and restraint system, in a way set by each manufacturer. This is why a decoder can tell you the exact engine and trim.
Character 9: the check digit
In North America the ninth character is a calculated check digit. If a VIN is typed or forged incorrectly, the check digit usually does not match, which is a quick way to spot invalid VINs.
Characters 10–17: year, factory and serial
The tenth character is the model year (for example A is 2010, B is 2011, and so on; 1–9 stand for 2001–2009). The eleventh shows the assembly plant, and the last six are the production serial number.
What to do with the VIN
Enter it into a VIN check to confirm the car matches the advert, then look at its history: accidents, title brands, odometer readings and auction records.