VIN Decoder & Lookup

A vehicle identification number (VIN) is a unique code assigned to every motor vehicle when it's manufactured. The VIN is a 17-character string of letters and numbers without intervening spaces or the letters Q (q), I (i), and O (o); these are omitted to avoid confusion with the numerals 0 and 1. Each section of the VIN provides a specific piece of information about the vehicle, including the year, country, and factory of manufacture; the make and model; and the serial number. VINs are usually printed in a single line.

On most passenger cars, you may find the VIN number on the front of the dashboard on the driver's side. The best way to see it is to look through the windshield from outside the car. You may also find the VIN number on the driver's side door pillar. Open the door and look around the area where the door latches to the car. A motorcycle's VIN is usually on the steering neck below the handlebars, although sometimes it's on the motor or on the frame near the motor. A semitrailer's VIN is located on the front part of the semitrailer on the left side.
If you can't find the VIN number on the vehicle, you should also be able to locate it on your vehicle's title or liability insurance documents.

On most passenger cars, you can locate the VIN on the driver's side of the dashboard. It's easier to see it if you stand outside the car and look through the windshield. Another place is the driver's side door pillar. To locate it, open the driver's door and look for it around the area where the door latches to the car. On a motorcycle, the VIN is usually found on the steering neck below the handlebars (but sometimes it's printed on the motor or the frame near it.) To see the VIN on a semitrailer, look at the front part on the left side. And remember - you can always look it up on your vehicle's title or liability insurance documents.

Enter your vehicle's 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the field above to look up and receive an instant report on its manufacturer, brand, make and model, body style, engine size, assembly plant, and model year. The information is provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from the data submitted by the manufacturers to NHTSA. The VIN Decoder lookup is intended for use with vehicles manufactured since 1981. If your vehicle was made before 1981, the VIN will most likely contain 11 characters.

Wondering what all the characters in your vehicle's VIN stand for?