Free California VIN Lookup

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

Try a sample VIN
  • 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.

Verification Requirements

  • Out-of-State Vehicles: Required to undergo VIN verification when registering in California.
  • Rebuilt Vehicles: Must pass a VIN inspection to ensure proper reconstruction.

California DMV Procedures

  1. Complete Form REG 31: Required for VIN verification.
  2. Visit an Authorized Inspector: Schedule an appointment at a DMV office or with a licensed verifier.

    3. 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.

How to Check a Specific Number

Field Description
VIN 1HGCM82633A123456
Make Honda
Model Accord
Year 2003
Engine 2.4L I4
Manufactured in USA

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is the VIN check free? Yes, basic reports are free. Detailed reports may require a fee.
  • What if my VIN has less than 17 characters? Vehicles pre-1981 may have shorter VINs. Our tool decodes these too.
  • How often should I run a VIN check? Before purchasing a used vehicle and periodically for owned vehicles.

Running a VIN check gives you peace of mind. Start your free VIN check today and get the insights you need to make informed decisions. Enter your VIN above to get started.

How to Read the Different Components

Curious about what each character in your VIN stands for? Here's a simple breakdown:

How to decode a Vehicle Identification (VIN) number

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