How to Read a VIN Number

Last Updated on September 7, 2023

Every would-be car owner should know one very important thing – how to read a VIN number. These days you can find any vehicle you want online. Buyers can even filter each specific automobile down to the right transmission, model year, mileage, and color. However, the VIN is a unique code that sets each car apart and tells you about its history. If you’re hoping to get a car and car insurance, then you want to be privy to this info. Plus, with the vehicle’s VIN number you’ll know the entire vehicle history, not just what the dealership tells you.

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VIN Definition 

VIN stands for vehicle identification number and is a standardized 17 character code. Though the N stands for number, you will often hear people use the phrase, “VIN number.” Included within the unique code are numbers and capital letters, all of which allow manufacturers, the government, and consumers to track a vehicle. No two vehicles have the same identifying code. And while you could technically purchase a motor vehicle without a VIN, you won’t have much luck finding car insurance. If you live anywhere in North America, including Canada and Mexico, your vehicle will need need a VIN number in order to get an insurance card.

The current standard was established in 1981 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in response to the growing number of manufacturer-specific identifiers. This standardization is good for the average consumer because it allows people to use one system to track cars as well as get an outline of which standardized parts to use when repairs are needed.

VINs are not unique to cars. These stickers can be found on trucks, motorcycles, and any other vehicle that needs to be registered at the DMV. The VIN is essential in used car buying because it allows you to look up a vehicle history report (VHR) and track when and where a vehicle was made, sold, and repaired. Aside from learning about any specific vehicle’s history, a VIN will also inform you of any recalls issued by the manufacturer. Depending on the dealership you buy from, you can’t always expect the company to provide accurate information.

With a VIN you can verify any information you gather, and use services like Carfax to see if there’s anything that you previously missed. A vehicle’s title proves ownership, but a VIN number proves history.

Finding a VIN

There are a several different places you can the VIN, some of which depends on your make and model. One place to look is at the vehicle’s official paperwork (the title and registration). The unique identifier can also be found in insurance documents and the owner’s manual. If you have no access to paperwork, the VIN number is always found on the car itself. Each manufacturer places it differently. Most often, you will find it at the bottom of the driver’s side dashboard or under the hood at the front of the engine. Other places to check would be on the driver’s side doorjamb, the driver’s side windshield, or in the wheel well. To get a few more ideas on where to find the VIN, check out the DMV online.

Interpreting a VIN

What does each digit of a VIN mean?

If you’re wondering what the digits of the VIN mean, know that the numbers are not randomly generated like a QR code. Each character, from the first digit to the last, communicates specific information. And all of the information within a VIN number can be broken up into three sections – each one offering insight into a different part of the vehicle.

Digits 1 – 3: World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

The first character of a VIN is the part which explains the country of origin, where the car was built. The vehicle manufacturer is indicated by the second character, and then the third digit represents the vehicle’s type or manufacturing division.

Decoding the Ford VIN.

As the second digit of the VIN indicates the manufacturer, the Ford brand is represented by the letter F. The rest of their VIN numbers follow as with any other. If you own a Ford vehicle and are trying to locate the VIN, check the driver side doorjamb, the right side of the dash panel, the glove compartment, or the space between the firewall and steering gearbox.

Decoding the GM VIN.

The General Motors VIN is represented by the letter G. You can find their line of code in varying places including: the driver’s side dashboard, on the engine block, and under the spare tire.

Vehicle Manufacturer – VIN Digits

Here are a few examples of VIN digits along with the corresponding vehicle manufacturer.

Ford – F

General Motors- G

Chevrolet – 1G1

Toyota – T

Nissan – N

Dodge – C

Digits 4 – 8: Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)

These numbers and characters explain the brand, model, body style, engine size and type, and transmission of the vehicle. This section of the VIN is particularly useful for repair shops and you, if you plan on fixing up a used car. Without it there’s no way of identifying the correct parts to use. However, since each manufacturer has its own method for coding this part of the car’s VIN number, be sure to double-check this info with a VIN lookup source.

Digit 9: Check Number

The ninth digit is called the check number and is used to detect an invalid VIN according to a special formula. The check digit determines how to translate the other 16 digits in the VIN to establish whether it’s real without needing to contact the manufacturer or another source. For more information on how check digit works, check out the formula.

Digits 10 – 17: Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS)

The last several digits pertain to the vehicle itself. The 10th digit is a character that translates the manufacturing year and digit 11 is for the manufacturing plant where it was assembled. The last 6 digits are the vehicle’s serial number. This numbering is unique to each manufacturer and relates to the order vehicles are completed at the plants. 

Again, if the vehicle’s model year is the focus, then the 10th character is what you’re after. This detail is represented by a letter that corresponds with a particular year. If you’ve ever wondered what the “manufactured date” on the VIN meant, now you know.

Decoding a VIN in “Real Life”

Let’s break down a quick example of how to decode a VIN number without a decoder. Imagine you’re wanting to get a Toyota. You know how to find the VIN because they put their codes on the top left side of the dash. You check there and find it.

The car’s VIN number for this example is the following: 3TMCZ5AN5GM015742.

Let’s look at each piece. The WMI is 3TM; VDS is CZ5AN5; the check number is 5, and VIS is GM015742. Broken down, what does all this stuff mean?

World Manufacturer Identifier: 3TM.

This means the manufacturer was Toyota de Mexico and it was made in a US plant.

Vehicle Description Section: CZ5AN5.

It’s a Toyota Tacoma.

Check Number + Vehicle Identifier Section: 5GM015742.

The vehicle check number is 5 and the serial number is 015742. The vehicle was made in 2016 and the approximate mileage is “new.”

How to Tell what Month Your Car Was Made In?

Determining the month and year your car was made will vary for each manufacturer, but there are some commonalities amongst brands. Car manufacturers use both numbers and letters to represent the month and the year. For instance, letter “A” is used for the year 2010 and “Y” stands for 2030. Likewise, the month of production starts with “A” for January and ends with “M” for December. 

A quick look at your desired brand’s website will give you enough information to determine exactly how the year and month are marked. 

Determining the Original Paint Color of Your Car

You will notice that the VIN does not tell you the exact paint color of your car. However, if you have the VIN number, you can contact the manufacturer and they will be able to assist you. Knowing the original paint color of a vehicle could be helpful if you ever want to do any touch-up work or minor repairs.

A great overview of basic decoding for a number of brands is provided by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) in their Passenger Vehicle Identification Handbook. The more recent editions cost money but earlier editions can be found online. This is about the extent of free information.

If you want more information – such as mileage per the previous owner, police reports, and recall information – you might have to pay, depending on what state you live in. For more information on your used car, have a look at the vehicle history report.

Online VIN Decoders 

All car manufacturers have their own way of using VIN numbers to track each vehicle made at their plants. The good news is with the proper information you can quickly decode most types of vehicles. For example, you can use any of the following online VIN decoders to get information on your automobile:

• Honda Online VIN Decoder
• Jeep Online VIN Decoder
• Toyota Online VIN Decoder
• Ford Online VIN Decoder
• GMC Online VIN Decoder
• Dodge Online VIN Decoder

Remember, no two vehicles have the same VIN and now you know how to find your code. Conducting research on the used vehicle you want is an important step in the purchasing process. It’s also a good idea to ask questions before buying a used vehicle, along with viewing it in person and going on a test drive.

If you want to start your search for finding a used ride, then why not take a look at what automotive items Municibid has on auction?