Free VIN Decoder
Decode any 17-character VIN — manufacturer, year, country, and engine specs in under a second.
VIN Decoder by Brand
Don't have a VIN handy? Pick your brand for a specific guide.
BMW
WMI codes: WBA, WBS, WBY, WBX, 5UX
Mercedes-Benz
WMI codes: WDB, WDC, WDD, WMX, VSA
Audi
WMI codes: WAU, WUA, TRU, 93U
Renault
WMI codes: VF1, VF2, VF6, UU1, GA1
Peugeot
WMI codes: VF3, VR3, VF3
Citroën
WMI codes: VF7, VF8, VR7
Volkswagen
WMI codes: WVW, WV2, 3VW, WV1
Toyota
WMI codes: JTD, JTE, SB1, VNK, NMT
Ford
WMI codes: WF0, 1FA, 6FP, WFO
Opel
WMI codes: W0L, W0V, VXK
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Check Used Car
Complete guide to avoid scams when buying.
Car Diagnostics
The VIN identifies the vehicle, diagnostics reveal its real condition. Lights, OBD2 codes, engine wear.
What is a VIN number?
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle manufactured since 1981. It's the equivalent of an identity card for your car. This number precisely identifies the manufacturer, model, year of manufacture, and even the assembly plant of the vehicle.
This format is standardized by ISO 3779 standard, adopted internationally since 1977.
In the US, you'll find the VIN on your vehicle title, on the dashboard (visible through the windshield on the driver's side), and on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb. It's also listed on your insurance card and registration.
VIN Example
VF1RFD00061234567
VF1
Renault
·
RFD00
Description
·
0
Check
·
6
2006
VIN Structure
| Positions | Section | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | WMI: Manufacturer identifier | Identifies the manufacturer and country of origin |
| 4-8 | VDS: Vehicle description | Encodes the model, body type, engine, and transmission |
| 9 | Check digit | Verifies VIN integrity (mandatory in North America) |
| 10 | Model year | Letter or digit code corresponding to the year of manufacture |
| 11 | Assembly plant | Code identifying the plant where the vehicle was assembled |
| 12-17 | VIS: Serial number | Unique sequential production number for each vehicle |
Where to find your VIN?
Vehicle title
Listed on your vehicle title and registration card. The most reliable official source.
Windshield
Plate visible at the bottom of the windshield, driver's side. Readable from outside the vehicle.
Manufacturer plate
On the driver's door jamb or in the trunk, depending on the manufacturer.
VIN Number on Your Vehicle Title
Your vehicle title contains the VIN as a key identifier. Every US state issues titles that include the 17-character VIN, which must match the VIN physically stamped on the vehicle. The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) uses VINs to track title history across all 50 states.
Find all official information about vehicle title verification on vehiclehistory.gov.
Paper title vs electronic title
Many states now offer electronic titles (e-titles) in addition to traditional paper titles. Both contain the same VIN information. Some states like California, New York, and Florida have fully transitioned to electronic systems. Regardless of format, the 17-character VIN follows the ISO 3779 standard.
Where to find the VIN on your title
The VIN is typically printed in the vehicle description section of your title. It appears as 17 alphanumeric characters with no spaces. The letters I, O, and Q are never used to avoid confusion with 1, 0, and 9. Cross-reference it with the VIN on the dashboard.
VIN mismatch: what to do?
If the VIN on the title doesn't match the VIN on the vehicle, don't complete the purchase. This can indicate a stolen vehicle, title washing (moving a salvage title across state lines to get a clean title), or VIN cloning. Contact your local DMV or law enforcement.
For official verification, check NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System), the federal database that tracks title history, odometer readings, and total loss records across all US states. vehiclehistory.gov (NMVTIS)
Verify the VIN from your vehicle title
- Find the VIN on your vehicle title and note the 17 characters.
- Compare this number with the VIN on the dashboard (visible through the windshield) and the driver's door jamb sticker.
- Run a NMVTIS check or use NICB's free VINCheck to confirm the vehicle isn't reported stolen or as a total loss.
- Decode the VIN with Automano to get technical specifications and detect inconsistencies.
Title VIN vs VIN on the vehicle
The VIN is stamped in several locations on the vehicle: on the dashboard (visible through windshield), on the driver's door jamb sticker, and sometimes in the engine bay. All these VINs must be identical and match the number on your title.
When buying a used car, always verify this match. An honest seller won't refuse this check. If the numbers differ, or if a VIN plate looks tampered with, walk away. You can also run the VIN through the NHTSA recalls database for free.
Common US manufacturer VIN codes
| WMI Code | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
1G1 | Chevrolet |
1FA | Ford (cars) |
1FT | Ford (trucks) |
1GC | Chevrolet/GMC (trucks) |
1HD | Harley-Davidson |
2HG | Honda (Canada) |
3FA | Ford (Mexico) |
5YJ | Tesla |
JHM | Honda (Japan) |
WBA | BMW |
VIN Frequently Asked Questions
What is a VIN number used for?
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character identifier assigned to each vehicle. It allows you to find the complete vehicle history: manufacturer, model, year of manufacture, country of origin, declared accidents, real mileage, and manufacturer recalls.
Where is the VIN on a vehicle title?
On a US vehicle title, the VIN is in the vehicle description section. It's a 17-character code that uniquely identifies your vehicle. You can also find it on the dashboard (driver's side, visible through the windshield) and the driver's door jamb sticker.
Can you check a car's history for free in the US?
Basic VIN decoding (manufacturer, country, year) is free on Automano. For history, NICB offers a free stolen vehicle check (nicb.org/vincheck). NHTSA provides free recall lookups. For full history (accidents, title changes, odometer), services like Carfax or Automano's VIN report ($7.90) are available. Check NICB VINCheck
What is NMVTIS?
NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System) is a federal database that provides title history, odometer readings, and total loss records for vehicles in the US. It's administered by the Department of Justice. Access is available through approved providers. It helps detect title washing and odometer fraud. vehiclehistory.gov (NMVTIS)
Why is the VIN 17 characters long?
The ISO 3779 standard (1977) set the VIN at 17 characters to allow unique identification of every vehicle worldwide. The first 3 identify the manufacturer (WMI), the next 6 describe the vehicle (VDS), and the last 8 make up the serial number (VIS). The letters I, O, and Q are excluded to avoid confusion with the digits 1, 0, and 9.
How to check if a car is stolen in the US?
Use NICB's free VINCheck at nicb.org/vincheck to check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or as a total loss. You can also contact your local police department with the VIN. The Automano VIN report checks theft status against multiple databases.
Can the VIN verify mileage?
The VIN itself doesn't contain the mileage, but it allows access to databases that record mileage declared during technical inspections, maintenance, and ownership changes. This is the most reliable way to detect odometer fraud.
How to check an imported vehicle?
For an imported vehicle, the VIN is essential. It allows you to check the history in the country of origin (accidents, mileage, recalls). The Automano report covers major European countries. Also verify that the VIN on the registration card matches the one engraved on the chassis.
Where is the VIN number on a US vehicle title?
The VIN is in the vehicle description section of your state-issued title. The exact location varies by state, but it's always a 17-character alphanumeric code. You can verify it by comparing with the VIN on the dashboard or door jamb.
Must the VIN on the title match the vehicle?
Yes, absolutely. The VIN on your title must exactly match the VIN stamped on the dashboard, door jamb, and engine bay. Any discrepancy is a serious red flag: possible VIN cloning, title washing, or stolen vehicle. If numbers don't match, contact your local DMV and law enforcement before proceeding.
Need a complete history?
The free VIN decoder gives you basic information. For the complete history (accidents, mileage, owners), order the Automano report.