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Free VIN Decoder and Lookup
Unlock key details about any vehicle using our free VIN number lookup tool. Enter a 17-digit VIN and get instant access to vehicle specs, model data, production details, and more. Fast, accurate, and completely free.
What is a VIN Decoder?
A VIN decoder is an online tool that analyzes a car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle. This number acts as a digital fingerprint, revealing everything from its country of origin to engine specs, safety features, and model year.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or researching a vehicle, decoding the VIN helps ensure you’re making informed, secure decisions.
How Does Our VIN Decoder Work?
Our free VIN number lookup tool decodes the VIN using globally standardized rules. Here’s what happens when you enter a VIN:
- Identifies the manufacturer, make, and model
- Confirms country of origin and production plant
- Extracts engine type, body style, transmission, and more
- Decodes the vehicle’s model year and serial number
- Checks for open recalls and safety features
Benefits of Using a VIN Decoder
Using a VIN number lookup tool can save time, money, and stress. Here’s how:
- Verify vehicle details before purchase or resale
- Check VIN authenticity to avoid fraud or cloned vehicles
- Ensure compatibility when ordering replacement parts
- Detect red flags like mismatched specs or undisclosed recalls
- Access a full vehicle history report with optional upgrade
Where is the VIN Located? Find Your Vehicle’s VIN Easily
The VIN number’s location can vary slightly across different types of motor vehicles, but it’s often found in a few standard spots. Since the exact placement depends on the vehicle’s type and manufacturer, checking multiple locations is recommended.
Passenger Cars
- Dashboard: On the driver’s side, near the windshield; visible through the windshield or on a metal plate.
- Driver’s Side Door Jamb: Stamped or printed on a sticker.
Motorcycles
- Steering Neck: Typically located on the steering neck.
- Motor: Near the bottom of the cylinders.
- Frame: Often on the down tube or near the engine.
- Engine Casing: Sometimes stamped on the side of the engine casing.
Recreational Vehicles (RVs)
- Dashboard: Stamped or printed on a metal plate on the driver’s side near the windshield.
- Door Jamb: On a sticker or plate attached to the driver’s side door jamb.
- Other Locations: In storage compartments, on the frame, or near the entry door.
ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles)
- Frame: Commonly located near the handlebars.
- Frame Plate: Sometimes stamped or engraved on a metal plate attached to the frame
What You Can Decode with a VIN
Every character in a VIN has a meaning. Here’s what a free VIN decoder reveals:
The 9th digit is known as the check digit. It’s used as a security feature to verify the authenticity of the VIN and detect potential counterfeit or altered numbers.
With VinAudit’s VIN decoder, you can instantly check:
1. World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)
The first three VIN digits, known as the WMI, identify the vehicle’s country of origin, manufacturer, and type or division.| WMI | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A-C | Africa | AA-AH = South Africa |
| J-R | Asia | J = Japan |
| KL-KR = South Korea | ||
| L = China | ||
| MA-ME = India | ||
| MF-MK = Indonesia | ||
| ML-MR = Thailand | ||
| MS = Myanmar | ||
| NL-NR = Turkey | ||
| PA-PE = Philippines | ||
| PL-PR = Malaysia | ||
| RF-RG = Taiwan | ||
| S-Z | Europe | SA-SM = United Kingdom |
| SN-ST, W = Germany | ||
| SU-SZ = Poland | ||
| TA-TH = Switzerland | ||
| TJ-TP = Czech Republic | ||
| TR-TV = Hungary | ||
| TW-T1 = Portugal | ||
| VA-VE = Austria | ||
| VF-VR = France | ||
| VS-VW = Spain | ||
| VX-V2 = Yugoslavia | ||
| XL-XM = The Netherlands | ||
| XS-XW = USSR | ||
| X3-X0 = Russia | ||
| YA-YE = Belgium | ||
| YF-YK = Finland | ||
| YS-YW = Sweden | ||
| ZA-ZR = Italy | ||
| 1-5 | North America | 1, 4, 5 = United States |
| 2 = Canada | ||
| 3 = Mexico | ||
| 6-7 | Oceania | 6A-6W = Australia |
| 7A-7E = New Zealand | ||
| 8-9 | South America | 8A-8E = Argentina |
| 8F-8J = Chile | ||
| 8L-8R = Ecuador | ||
| 8X-82 = Venezuela | ||
| 9A-9E, 93-99 = Brazil | ||
| 9F-9J = Colombia |
2. Vehicle Description Section (VIS)
Digits 4 to 8 of the VIN make up the Vehicle Description Section, which provides detailed information about the vehicle’s model, body style, restraint system, transmission type, and engine code. This part of the VIN helps identify key specifications unique to the vehicle.The 9th digit is known as the check digit. It’s used as a security feature to verify the authenticity of the VIN and detect potential counterfeit or altered numbers.
3. Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS)
Digits 10 through 17 cover crucial details such as the vehicle’s model year, production number, and plant code. This applies only to vehicles produced in or after 1981, as the VIN format was standardized that year.| Year | Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year | Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | A | 1995 | S | 2010 | A | 2025 | S |
| 1981 | B | 1996 | T | 2011 | B | 2026 | T |
| 1982 | C | 1997 | V | 2012 | C | 2027 | V |
| 1983 | D | 1998 | W | 2013 | D | 2028 | W |
| 1984 | E | 1999 | X | 2014 | E | 2029 | X |
| 1985 | F | 2000 | Y | 2015 | F | 2030 | Y |
| 1986 | G | 2001 | 1 | 2016 | G | 2031 | 1 |
| 1987 | H | 2002 | 2 | 2017 | H | 2032 | 2 |
| 1988 | J | 2003 | 3 | 2018 | J | 2033 | 3 |
| 1989 | K | 2004 | 4 | 2019 | K | 2034 | 4 |
| 1990 | L | 2005 | 5 | 2020 | L | 2035 | 5 |
| 1991 | M | 2006 | 6 | 2021 | M | 2036 | 6 |
| 1992 | N | 2007 | 7 | 2022 | N | 2037 | 7 |
| 1993 | P | 2008 | 8 | 2023 | P | 2038 | 8 |
| 1994 | R | 2009 | 9 | 2024 | R | 2039 | 9 |
Decode VIN for Specs, Accidents, and More
With VinAudit’s VIN decoder, you can instantly check:
- Engine size, fuel type, drivetrain, and trim
- Production year and factory of assembly
- Body style and transmission type
- Recall records and optional vehicle history reports (accidents, title, theft)
Why Choose VinAudit’s Free VIN Decoder?
Thousands of users rely on VinAudit’s VIN decoder for its speed, accuracy, and trusted data sources. Whether you’re a car buyer or a seasoned auto professional, here’s why our tool stands out:
Ready to Decode Your VIN?
Key Benefits:
✔️ Instant Results – Just enter a VIN to decode vehicle information in seconds.
✔️ Free & Easy to Use – No signup required for a basic VIN number lookup.
✔️ Advanced Insights Available – Upgrade for a full vehicle history report (title status, accidents, ownership history, and more).
✔️ Powered by Official Sources – Data backed by NMVTIS, NHTSA, and other trusted automotive databases.
✔️ Built for Everyone – Designed for car buyers, dealerships, insurance providers, and automotive professionals alike.
✔️ Free & Easy to Use – No signup required for a basic VIN number lookup.
✔️ Advanced Insights Available – Upgrade for a full vehicle history report (title status, accidents, ownership history, and more).
✔️ Powered by Official Sources – Data backed by NMVTIS, NHTSA, and other trusted automotive databases.
✔️ Built for Everyone – Designed for car buyers, dealerships, insurance providers, and automotive professionals alike.
Who Uses Our VIN Decoder?
VinAudit’s tool is trusted across the industry for a variety of use cases:- Car Buyers – Verify specs, check for red flags, and avoid fraud before making a purchase.
- Dealerships – Decode VINs on trade-ins and auction vehicles for faster evaluations.
- Insurance Providers – Confirm vehicle details for accurate underwriting and risk assessment.
- Fleet Managers – Monitor and document vehicle details across your fleet.
- Auto Technicians – Identify VIN-specific configurations to ensure the right parts and service.
Ready to Decode Your VIN?
Enter your VIN below and instantly unlock the try identity of any vehicle!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What to do if I get an error decoding the VIN?
First, ensure you’ve entered the correct VIN, which consists of 17 characters including numbers (0-9) and letters (A-Z) except I, O, and Q. Verify that the VIN matches those found in common locations and vehicle documents. If the VIN lookup shows inconsistent details, it may indicate hidden issues, prompting you to reconsider purchasing the vehicle.
How can I use a VIN number to identify a specific vehicle?
You can run a VIN number lookup and use a particular vehicle’s VIN to identify specific information about the vehicle, such as its make, model, engine type, and more.
Is it possible to decode a VIN number manually?
Yes, you can decode a VIN number manually. However, this process can be time-consuming and complicated, especially for people who are not familiar with the process. That’s why most people prefer to use an online VIN number lookup tool.
What does VinAudit's VIN decoder and vehicle history report provide?
For almost one-eighth of the cost of the leading competitor’s services, you get full service from VinAudit.com. Check out the sections of a full VinAudit report and find out more about tools offered as part of the package: market value and ownership cost tools.
Whether you want to uncover hidden accidents, verify mileage, check for recalls, or assess registration records, our tools provide the essential information you need. Don’t settle for uncertainty – harness the power of data and run our Vehicle History Report and VIN decoder now.
Whether you want to uncover hidden accidents, verify mileage, check for recalls, or assess registration records, our tools provide the essential information you need. Don’t settle for uncertainty – harness the power of data and run our Vehicle History Report and VIN decoder now.
Can my VIN number tell me about the car's features?
Vehicle identification numbers can reveal many things about vehicles, including their airbag type, country of origin, engine size, model year, vehicle type, trim level and plant name.
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