How to decode a VIN

NMT Team
Aug 26
3 min read

If you’ve ever bought a used car, checked a title, or tried to order parts online, you’ve probably seen the VIN; that 17-character code stamped into the dash, printed on the title, and etched into the car’s identity forever. But that string of letters and numbers isn’t random. It’s a secret code that tells you where your car was built, what engine it has, and even what year it rolled off the assembly line.

Where to Find the VIN

Before you decode it, you have to find it. The VIN is most commonly located:

On a metal plate at the base of the windshield (driver’s side)
On the driver’s side door jamb or door sticker
On the vehicle’s title, registration, or insurance card
Stamped in the engine bay or on the frame (varies by manufacturer)

The 17 Characters of a VIN

Since 1981, all road vehicles in the U.S. have used the standardized 17-character VIN format. Each section has a specific meaning:

1. World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) – Characters 1–3

These tell you where and by whom the vehicle was built.

1, 4, 5 → Built in the USA
2 → Canada
3 → Mexico
J → Japan
K → South Korea
W → Germany

The second character usually identifies the manufacturer (e.g., G = General Motors, T = Toyota). The third narrows it down to a division or vehicle type.

2. Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) – Characters 4–8

This describes the model, body style, engine type, and restraint system.

Each manufacturer has its own code for these characters.
Example: On a Chevy truck, C in the fourth spot might mean 2WD, while K might mean 4WD.
The engine code here can be crucial for ordering the correct parts.

3. Check Digit – Character 9

This is a security code used to prevent VIN fraud. It’s generated through a specific math formula that checks all the other characters. If it doesn’t match, the VIN isn’t valid.

4. Model Year – Character 10

This tells you the year the vehicle was built (or its model year).The year code cycles through letters and numbers — skipping I, O, Q, U, and Z to avoid confusion.

A = 1980, B = 1981... Y = 2000
1 = 2001, 2 = 2002... 9 = 2009
A = 2010, B = 2011 and so on.

5. Plant Code – Character 11

Identifies the factory where the vehicle was assembled.

Each manufacturer assigns its own codes for different plants.
Example: GM’s Z often means Fremont, CA, while K could be Kansas City, KS.

6. Sequential Production Number – Characters 12–17

These are the serial numbers for the individual vehicle. This is basically your car’s fingerprint — no two vehicles share the same number in the same model year and plant.

Example VIN Breakdown

Let’s decode this fictional Chevy truck VIN:1GCHK29U74E123456

1 = USA built
G = General Motors
C = Chevrolet truck, 2WD
H = 3/4-ton heavy-duty
K = Crew cab, 4 doors
29 = 4WD chassis
U = 6.0L V8
7 = Check digit
4 = 2004 model year
E = Pontiac, MI assembly plant
123456 = Production sequence

Quick Tips for VIN Decoding

Always double-check with the manufacturer’s decoding chart — some details vary by make.
Use the VIN for ordering parts, verifying authenticity, or checking for recalls.
Avoid websites that ask for anything more than the VIN to decode it, just use the NHTSAs website linked here.