VIN Decoder & Vehicle Profile
Free VIN decoder: enter a 17-character VIN and get the make, model, model year, engine, body, fuel type, assembly plant and other specifications, plus a shortcut to the right tools for that car. Data from the NHTSA vPIC database.
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What a VIN actually tells you
A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a 17-character code stamped on the vehicle and printed on the registration document. It is divided into three parts: the WMI (world manufacturer, positions 1-3), the VDS (vehicle descriptor, positions 4-9) and the VIS (vehicle identifier, positions 10-17, where position 10 is the model year and position 11 the plant).
- Positions 1-3: country and manufacturer (WMI)
- Positions 4-9: model, body and engine descriptor (VDS)
- Position 9: check digit (North America)
- Position 10: model year
- Position 11: assembly plant
- Positions 12-17: production serial number
Decoding only works if you read the whole VIN
The last six digits look unique, but the meaning (model, engine, body) is carried by the middle of the VIN. That is why a decoder needs the full 17 characters - a partial code gives partial answers.
- The letters I, O and Q are never used (they look like 1 and 0)
- US-market VINs use a check digit that can be validated
- European VINs often omit the check digit
- The model year is a code, not always the first registration year
From VIN to the right tool
Once decoded, use the make, model and year with the oil-specs, tire, battery, OBD protocol and service book tools. You can save the vehicle as "My vehicle" - it stays on your device and speeds up every later lookup.