Free VIN Decoder by State

Decode your Vehicle Identification Number for free and get a comprehensive make and model report.

Official data from NHTSA
Most recent recalls
Most recent complaints

Successfully Decoded

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VIN

Make

Model

Year

Drive Type

Style/Body

Engine

Manufactured in

Age

Manufactured By	-
Plant Company Name	-
Vehicle Type	-
Series	-
Body Class	-
Doors	-
Front Airbag Location	-
Seat Belts Type	-
Engine Displacement (CI)	-
Engine Displacement (CC)	-
Fuel Type	-
Engine Number of Cylinders	-

Additional Vehicle Info

Most Recent Recalls

Source: official gov. vehicle safety recall database

Most Recent Complaints

*NOT specific to this particular vehicle. Submitted by other owners of this model.
Source: official gov. database of complaints

Welcome to our state-specific VIN Decoder service. Whether you're buying a used car or just curious about your vehicle, our tool helps you uncover crucial details quickly and easily.

What is a VIN Number?

A unique code known as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is assigned to every motor vehicle when it is manufactured. This 17-character string, excluding Q, I, and O to avoid confusion with 0 and 1, provides information about the vehicle's manufacturer, model, year, and production location without any spaces. Driving-tests.org is used by thousands of users daily, it's the easiest way to use a VIN decoder, it's free to use, and it pulls straight from government data.

How many characters:

17 (digits and capital letters)

Where to find:

Dashboard on the driver's side

First digit stands for:

Country of manufacturer

How to Find It

Finding your VIN is fairly straightforward. Here’s where to look:

Passenger Cars: Check the front of the dashboard on the driver's side. View it from outside the vehicle through the windshield. Also, inspect the driver's side door pillar—open the door to find the VIN where the door latches.
SUVs: Look in similar locations as passenger cars, focusing on the driver's side door pillar and the front of the dashboard.

Woman taking a DMV knowledge test, man driving a car

State-Specific DMV Procedures

Each state has its own DMV procedures for VIN verification and inspections. Here’s a just a few examples:

California: VIN verification is required for out-of-state vehicles.
New York: Certain vehicles may need a physical inspection.
Texas: VIN inspections are part of the title application for rebuilt vehicles.

Refer to your state DMV’s website for specific details. Links to these resources can be found on our state pages.

Why Run a VIN Check?

Running a VIN check is essential for anyone considering buying a used car. It helps you:

Verify Make and Model Details: Ensure you know the exact specifications and features of the vehicle.
Check for Recalls: Identify any unresolved safety recalls specific to that make and model.
Understand Common Issues: Learn about common problems or complaints reported for that make and model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my VIN for free? Yes, our VIN decoder tool offers a basic report for free. Detailed reports may require a small fee.
What if my VIN has less than 17 characters? VINs for vehicles manufactured before 1981 may have fewer characters. Our tool is designed to decode these as well.
How often should I run a VIN check? Run a VIN check before purchasing any used vehicle and periodically for vehicles you own to stay updated on any new recalls or issues.

Running a VIN check gives you peace of mind. By understanding a vehicle's full history, you can make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Start your free VIN check today and get the insights you need.

Ready to learn more about your vehicle? Enter your VIN above now to get started!