Free VIN Decoder: Year, Make, Model and Engine
Enter the 17-character vehicle identification number from your registration, insurance card or the base of the windshield on the driver side. We decode it with the free NHTSA vPIC database.
Privacy: we only send the first 11 characters (manufacturer, model, year and plant) to NHTSA. The last six digits, your vehicle's serial number, never leave this page's server, and we do not store VINs.
What each part of a VIN means
| Positions | Name | What it encodes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | World manufacturer identifier | Country and manufacturer |
| 4-8 | Vehicle descriptor | Model, body, engine, restraint system (varies by maker) |
| 9 | Check digit | A math check that catches typos (North America) |
| 10 | Model year | A letter or number for the year |
| 11 | Plant | Assembly plant |
| 12-17 | Serial number | Unique to your vehicle |
Every car and light truck sold in the U.S. since the 1981 model year has a 17-character VIN in this format, set by federal rule (49 CFR Part 565). A decoder reads what the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; it cannot tell you the accident or title history of one specific car.
Got a check engine light? Use the trouble code lookup.