Find a vehicle's specs & history by VIN in seconds
Our VIN decoder parses a vehicle's VIN and instantly returns model year, make, model, engine, body type, and other specs. You'll see if the car appears in theft or accident records and get links to full history reports if needed.
The service is free and uses official data sources—verify the vehicle matches the listed specs before you buy.
Spec decoding—make, model, year, engine, trim, and more.
Basic history check—accidents, theft, and publicly reported restrictions.
Recall lookup—see any open manufacturer recalls.
Full specifications—color, engine type, options, and factory parameters.
A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code (letters and digits) assigned at manufacture. It serves as the car's "fingerprint," revealing its origin and key characteristics.
Think of the VIN as the vehicle's passport number: it shows where and by whom it was built, model year, factory configuration, and lets you pull a vehicle history report (accidents, owners, mileage, etc.).
The VIN is located under the windshield on the driver's side. To see it, look from outside through the windshield at the lower driver-side corner. It's stamped on a metal plate.
Open the driver's door—the VIN label is on the inner door jamb or the door itself. This label typically also lists the build date, weight ratings, and other info.
Each section of the VIN encodes specific vehicle information. Knowing the breakdown lets you read the core details yourself.
| VIN positions | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Position 1 | Country of manufacture | 1 = USA, J = Japan, W = Germany |
| Positions 2–3 | Manufacturer & division | VF = Ford USA, 1G = General Motors |
| Positions 4–8 | Model description | Engine, body, series, and trim details |
| Position 9 | VIN check digit | Used to validate the VIN |
| Position 10 | Model year | A = 2010, B = 2011… R = 2024, S = 2025 |
| Position 11 | Assembly plant | Specific assembly plant code |
| Positions 12–17 | Serial number | Unique production sequence number |
So, by decoding a VIN you can read the core details yourself. For a full history report you'll need database records—our tool covers the basics and links to detailed reports when needed.
A VIN check is a key step when buying a used vehicle—it protects you from unpleasant surprises and costly mistakes.
A free VIN lookup can flag if a vehicle is reported stolen or totaled (per insurance and other public records). That helps you avoid buying a stolen car or one with hidden severe damage.
Compare VIN data with the seller's claims. The VIN is unique; enter it to see the true factory specs—model, trim, engine type, etc. If the listing shows a different engine or model year, treat it as a red flag.
A standard VIN-based report shows whether serious accidents were recorded. You can also see the number of prior owners and sometimes mileage at transfer events—useful for spotting odometer issues.
The VIN also reveals any open recall campaigns—e.g., airbag replacements. If applicable, schedule the free dealer repair.
Spend a couple of minutes checking the VIN to potentially save thousands and avoid a headache car. It's an easy precaution you can do online for free.
💡 Did you know?
Studies show shoppers who use VIN reports make more informed decisions and avoid problem vehicles, saving significantly on future repairs and legal hassles.
Answers to the most common questions about VIN checks
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