VIN Decoder & Lookup

What is a VIN Number?

The VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, is like your vehicle’s fingerprint. This unique code is assigned to every car, truck, motorcycle, and other motor vehicles. It acts as an ID and contains a lot of important information about the vehicle.

Knowing your VIN is essential for things like registering your vehicle, getting insurance, and checking its history for accidents, recalls, or theft records. It’s basically a way to keep track of your vehicle’s entire life story from the moment it’s built until it’s retired

In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States established a standardized 17-character VIN format. Following this, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) developed standards (ISO 3779 and ISO 3780) for the VIN, which were adopted globally. This allowed for uniform vehicle identification across different countries and manufacturers.

How to Find the VIN Number

Every vehicle has a 17-digit VIN, a unique identifier standardized by the government. Finding your vehicle’s VIN is pretty easy! You can usually spot it in a few common places:

• • Check the dashboard: Look through the windshield on the driver’s side. You’ll often find the VIN on a metal plate attached to the dashboard near the base of the windshield. If you don’t see it there, try looking at the corner of the dashboard where it meets the windshield, or check the driver’s side door jamb.
  • Driver’s side door jamb: Open the driver’s side door and examine the area where the door latches when it’s closed. You may find a sticker or metal plate attached to the door jamb with the VIN printed on it. Sometimes, it may be on the door itself rather than the jamb.
  • Vehicle registration documents: Your vehicle’s VIN is typically listed on the registration documents provided by your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This includes your vehicle title, registration card, or other paperwork related to your vehicle’s ownership.
  • Insurance documents: Your insurance card or policy documents may also include the VIN of your vehicle. It’s usually listed alongside other important information about your coverage.
  • Under the hood: In some vehicles, particularly older models or certain vehicles like motorcycles, the VIN may be located on the engine block or other parts under the hood. Look for a stamped or engraved metal plate in this area.
  • Vehicle manual: Your vehicle’s manual may also contain information about where to find the VIN. Check the index or table of contents for references to “VIN” or “Vehicle Identification Number” to locate the relevant section.

What Does Each Digit in a VIN Mean?

A typical VIN is 17 characters long, including both letters and numbers. Each character provides specific information about the vehicle, such as where it was made, the make and model, the year it was built, and other important details.

Basically, the VIN consists of three main parts:

• • • World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)
    • Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
    • Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS)

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

The WMI is the first three characters (1st, 2nd, 3rd) of a VIN and uniquely identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer. It is used to specify the country of origin, the manufacturer, and sometimes the type of vehicle.

First Character (Region/Country): This character represents the country or region where the vehicle was manufactured. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) assigns these characters. 

Second Character (Manufacturer): This character, in conjunction with the first character, specifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. 

Third Character (Vehicle Type or Manufacturing Division): The third character indicates the type of vehicle or the division of the manufacturer. It varies among manufacturers and can specify the vehicle type, such as a passenger car, truck, or motorcycle.

Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)

The Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) is the second part of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and typically consists of six characters (positions 4 to 9). It provides information about the vehicle model, body style, engine type, and other pertinent details. 

Characters 4 to 8: Vehicle Description

Character 4: Often indicates the vehicle’s model or platform.

Character 5: May denote the vehicle’s series, platform, or body style (e.g., sedan, coupe, SUV). It distinguishes between different models or variations within a manufacturer’s lineup.

Character 6: Typically refers to the engine type or variant.

Character 7: Can provide additional information on vehicle equipment such as restraint system (seatbelt, airbag, etc.) or transmission type.

Character 8: Generally includes information about the vehicle’s specific model or series.

Character 9: Check Digit. This is used to verify the authenticity of the VIN. It’s a security feature to prevent VIN fraud.   

Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS)

The VIS is the final section of the VIN and it specifically provides information to uniquely identify a particular vehicle. 

Model Year (Character 10): This character represents the model year of the vehicle. It can be either a letter or a digit.

Assembly Plant or Plant Code (Character 11): This character identifies the manufacturing plant where the vehicle was assembled. Each manufacturer has a unique code for their plants.

Sequential Number (Characters 12 to 17): These characters represent a sequential production number that uniquely identifies the vehicle. This number is often referred to as the “serial number” or “production number.”

What Can VinCheckPro.com’s VIN Decoder Tell You About a Vehicle?

VinCheckPro.com offers a free VIN decoder tool that allows users to access basic information about a vehicle using its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect from VinCheckPro’s Free VIN Decoder:

• • • Make and model
    • Year
    • Engine type
    • The automobile’s manufacturer
    • The manufacturing country and specific plant
    • Safety and restraint systems
    • Transmission type

There’s more! VINCheckPro.com free VIN decoder also offers a full vehicle history report for free with the following information:

• • • Accident history
    • Total loss records
    • Ownership history
    • Structural damage
    • Commercial use, such as taxi, police or fleet usage
    • Theft history
    • Salvage or totaled title history
    • Estimated odometer mileage
    • Mechanical maintenance
    • Environmental score
    • 60+ vehicle problems
    • Recalls and defects
    • Safety ratings
    • Market Value
    • Cost Of Ownership

Conducting a vehicle research provides much information to consumers who are planning to buy a pre-owned car, helping to avoid vehicles that have been accidents or are lemons.

Can I look up the previous owner’s personal data?

In accordance with the Federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (also known as the DPPA), certain personal details cannot be disclosed:

• • • The owner’s and/or driver’s name
    • Social security number
    • Driver’s license number
    • Address (with exception to the registered zip code)
    • Telephone number
    • Medical information
    • Disability information

Some states have additional legislation that protects even more personal data, but the DPPA does allow for the sharing of an individual’s car accidents, ticket violations, and current driver’s license status.

How VIN Decoder & Lookup Can Help Individuals and Organizations

A VIN decoder & lookup is a handy tool for everyone from car buyers to insurance companies.

Car Buyers

Using a VIN decoder & lookup is helpful for anyone looking to buy a car. It helps you check if the vehicle is genuine and gives you a peek into its past, like previous owners, accident reports, and service history. This info is key to figuring out the car’s condition and what it’s really worth.

Dealerships and Car Sellers

Dealerships and car sellers also get a lot of use out of VIN decoders. They help create accurate vehicle listings and build trust with buyers by providing clear, honest details. Plus, they’re great for keeping track of inventory and making sure everything meets industry standards, which can lead to more sales and happier customers.

Insurance Companies

Insurance companies rely on VIN lookups to assess risk and handle claims. By decoding a VIN, they can see details like a vehicle’s safety features, engine type, and past accidents, which helps in setting the right insurance premiums. During claims, VIN lookups also help verify vehicle details and history, reducing fraud and speeding up the process.

Law Enforcement and Government Agencies

Law enforcement and government agencies use VIN decoders to help prevent vehicle theft and ensure regulatory compliance. By decoding a vehicle’s VIN, they can track stolen cars and work on recovering them. Government agencies also check VINs to make sure vehicles meet safety and regulatory standards, keeping everyone safe and following the law.

Auto Repair and Maintenance Shops

Auto repair shops use VIN decoders to get accurate details about a vehicle’s specs, so they can order the right parts and make precise repairs. Knowing the vehicle’s service history helps mechanics understand what maintenance it needs and spot any potential issues, leading to better service and happier customers.

Fleet Management Companies

Fleet management companies rely on VIN decoders to keep track of their vehicles, including their specs, service history, and current status. This information helps them plan maintenance, estimate repair costs, and improve fleet performance, which in turn cuts down on costs and boosts efficiency.

VinCheckPro VIN Decoder & Lookup Sources

VIN decoders pull together data from a bunch of sources to give you the lowdown on a vehicle. By combining info from various sources, VIN decoders can provide a full picture of a vehicle’s specs, history, and current status.

• • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): The NHTSA has a database with info on recalls, safety ratings, and manufacturer details. VIN decoders use this to provide insights into a vehicle’s safety history.
  • DMV Databases: State Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) keep records of vehicle registrations, title history, and sometimes recall information.
  • Manufacturer Databases: Car makers keep detailed records of their vehicles, like specs, options, and production info. VIN decoders tap into these to get accurate details about a specific car.
  • Dealerships: Dealerships usually have detailed info on the cars they sell, including service history, warranty details, and any updates or modifications they’ve made. Some VIN lookup tools even pull the latest service records and vehicle status updates straight from dealership databases.
  • Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may provide data related to claims, accidents, and vehicle history that can be used in VIN decoding.
  • Auction houses and car sales platforms: Data from these sources can give you a peek into a vehicle’s past, like auction records, sales history, and condition reports. This info helps you get a sense of the car’s history and how it’s held up.

Spotting Scams: How VIN Decoders Protect Used Car Buyers

Buying a used car? A VIN Decoder or VIN Lookup tool is your secret weapon for uncovering potential scams and red flags. These tools are like detectives, digging up the hidden truths about a vehicle’s history. Here’s what they can reveal:

Title Washing

• • Scam: Sellers hide the car’s history of being declared a total loss due to an accident, flood, or theft by transferring its title between states.
  • Detection: A VIN Lookup reveals the vehicle’s title history, including branding like “salvage,” “flood damage,” or “rebuilt.”

Odometer Fraud

• • Scam: Sellers roll back the odometer to make the vehicle appear less used and more valuable.
  • Detection: The VIN report includes mileage records from past sales, inspections, or registrations, helping identify inconsistencies.

Stolen Vehicle

• • Scam: Selling stolen vehicles with fake VINs or altered documentation.
  • Detection: A VIN Lookup checks databases for reported stolen vehicles and flags discrepancies.

Vehicle Cloning

• • Scam: Criminals copy the VIN from a legitimate car and use it on a stolen or illegal vehicle to make it appear legal.
  • Detection: A VIN Lookup may reveal mismatched details, such as the car’s description, location, or history not aligning with the vehicle in question.

Hidden Damage

• • Scam: Sellers fail to disclose past accidents, flood damage, or structural repairs to inflate the vehicle’s value.
  • Detection: The VIN report provides accident history, insurance claims, and maintenance records indicating damage or repairs.

Open Recalls

• • Scam: Sellers don’t disclose open recalls to avoid reducing the car’s value or to avoid repairs.
  • Detection: A VIN Lookup shows whether the car has unresolved recalls that could impact safety.

Flood-Damaged Vehicles

• • Scam: Vehicles damaged in floods are cleaned up and sold without disclosure.
  • Detection: The VIN report may include flood-damage branding or records of the vehicle’s registration in flood-prone areas.

Multiple Ownership Transfers

• • Scam: Frequent ownership changes may indicate an attempt to hide issues or pass off a problem vehicle quickly.
  • Detection: A VIN report shows ownership history, including suspiciously frequent title transfers.

Incorrect Vehicle Specifications

• • Scam: Misrepresenting the car’s make, model, engine, or features to demand a higher price.
  • Detection: A VIN Decoder reveals the vehicle’s factory specifications, ensuring they match the seller’s claims.

Nonexistent Warranty Coverage

• • Scam: Sellers claim the vehicle is still under warranty when it is not.
  • Detection: A VIN Lookup can verify warranty coverage based on the vehicle’s age and mileage.

Free VIN Decoder FAQS

Other Helpful Resources

Free VIN Check
Free Vehicle History Report
Free License Plate Lookup
Free Motorcycle VIN Check

Try It Now! Enter your VIN to unlock your vehicle’s history: