Free VIN Decoder
Instantly decode any vehicle identification number to reveal its make, model, year, engine specs, and manufacturing details — completely free.
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How It Works
Get detailed vehicle information in three simple steps
Enter Your VIN
Locate the 17-character VIN on your vehicle or documents and type it into the search bar above.
Click Decode
Hit the Decode button and our system instantly analyzes every character in the VIN.
Get Your Results
View detailed vehicle specs including make, model, year, engine, trim, and more — completely free.
Enter Your VIN
Locate the 17-character VIN on your vehicle or documents and type it into the search bar above.
Click Decode
Hit the Decode button and our system instantly analyzes every character in the VIN.
Get Your Results
View detailed vehicle specs including make, model, year, engine, trim, and more — completely free.
How to decode a vin?
What Information Does a VIN Reveal?
Every character in a VIN carries meaning. Here's what our free decoder uncovers.
Identify the automaker and brand behind the vehicle, from the parent company to the specific division that produced it.
Confirm the exact model year encoded in the VIN — essential for verifying a seller's claims and determining age-related wear.
Find out where the vehicle was built, including the specific factory and country of assembly.
Decode engine specifications including displacement, cylinder count, fuel type, and horsepower range.
Determine whether the vehicle has an automatic, manual, or CVT transmission and its specific configuration.
Identify the vehicle's body configuration — sedan, SUV, coupe, convertible, truck, or wagon.
Learn whether the vehicle is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive.
See the safety features encoded in the VIN, including airbag types, seat belt configurations, and restraint systems.
Decode the specific trim package and equipment level, helping you understand exactly what features came standard.
Identify the country where the vehicle was manufactured — distinct from the brand's headquarters location.
Manufacturer & Brand
Identify the automaker and brand behind the vehicle, from the parent company to the specific division that produced it.
Where to Find Your VIN
Not sure where to look? Here are the most common places to find a VIN on any vehicle.
The VIN is physically stamped or printed in multiple locations on every vehicle. Check these common spots to locate yours.
Dashboard
Stand outside the vehicle on the driver’s side and look at the base of the windshield — the VIN is stamped on a metal plate visible through the glass.
Driver’s Door Jamb
Open the driver’s door and check the sticker on the door frame or the edge of the door itself — it lists the VIN alongside tire and weight info.
Under the Hood
Look for the VIN stamped directly on the engine block or on the front of the engine bay frame near the windshield.
Vehicle Title & Registration
Your state-issued vehicle title and registration documents both include the full 17-character VIN printed on the form.
Insurance Card
Your auto insurance policy documents and proof-of-insurance card typically print the VIN for each covered vehicle.
Vehicle Frame
Check the front of the vehicle frame, typically near where the door latches or on the structural rail visible when the door is open.
VIN Reference Tables
Essential VIN decoding reference data for all vehicles manufactured since 1981
The 10th character in every VIN indicates the model year. The code cycles every 30 years — letters A–Y (excluding I, O, Q, U, Z) then digits 1–9.
| Code | Model Year(s) |
|---|---|
| A | 1980, 2010 |
| B | 1981, 2011 |
| C | 1982, 2012 |
| D | 1983, 2013 |
| E | 1984, 2014 |
| F | 1985, 2015 |
| G | 1986, 2016 |
| H | 1987, 2017 |
| J | 1988, 2018 |
| K | 1989, 2019 |
| L | 1990, 2020 |
| M | 1991, 2021 |
| N | 1992, 2022 |
| P | 1993, 2023 |
| R | 1994, 2024 |
| S | 1995, 2025 |
| T | 1996, 2026 |
| V | 1997, 2027 |
| W | 1998, 2028 |
| X | 1999, 2029 |
| Y | 2000, 2030 |
| 1 | 2001, 2031 |
| 2 | 2002, 2032 |
| 3 | 2003, 2033 |
| 4 | 2004, 2034 |
| 5 | 2005, 2035 |
| 6 | 2006, 2036 |
| 7 | 2007, 2037 |
| 8 | 2008, 2038 |
| 9 | 2009, 2039 |
Data sourced from ISO 3779, SAE J853, and the NHTSA VIN Decoder database. Year codes cycle every 30 years — letters I, O, Q, U, Z and digit 0 are never used.
Why Decode a VIN?
Whether you're buying, selling, or maintaining a vehicle — decoding the VIN is the essential first step.
Buying a Used Vehicle
Verify a seller’s claims before you commit. Decode the VIN to confirm the year, make, model, engine, and trim match the listing. Catch misrepresentations about mileage-relevant specs or trim packages before they become costly mistakes.
Selling Your Vehicle
Build buyer confidence by providing accurate, verified vehicle specifications. A decoded VIN report shows transparency, helps justify your asking price, and speeds up the sale process.
Vehicle Maintenance & Research
Know exactly what you’re working with. Decode your VIN to confirm engine type, transmission, and factory equipment for accurate parts ordering, maintenance schedules, and insurance verification.
Free VIN Decoder vs Full Vehicle History Report
Our free decoder gives you essential specs. A full VinReport uncovers the complete story.
Free VIN Decoder
Basic vehicle specifications
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- Make & manufacturer
- Model & model year
- Engine type & specs
- Transmission type
- Body style & trim level
- Assembly plant location
- Country of origin
- Drive type (FWD/RWD/AWD)
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- Everything in Free Decoder
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- Title brand records
- Odometer History
- Auction & sales records
- Service & maintenance history
- Market value estimate
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- Warranty information
- V-Analysis
- + much more
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Frequently asked questions
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach our team at support@vinreport.com.
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Can a VIN tell me if a car has been in an accident?
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Decode Any VIN for Free
Enter a 17-character VIN to instantly reveal the vehicle's make, model, year, engine, and more.