how to research a vin number

VIN Decoder

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is an operating administration of the United States Department of Transportation and is the federal agency responsible for improving motor vehicle safety on United States roadways. As part of our mission, NHTSA develops certain standards for motor vehicle safety and reporting. Under NHTSA’s regulations, each motor vehicle must contain a vehicle identification number, also known as a VIN, which is a 17-character number that encodes specific information about the particular vehicle.

On NHTSA.gov, you can query a particular vehicle’s VIN to identify specific information encoded in the number. NHTSA’s VIN decoder is publicly accessible at: https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/ .

Using NHTSA's VIN Decoder to Identify a Vehicle’s Plant of Manufacture

Among the information NHTSA's VIN decoder provides is information about the vehicle’s plant of manufacture. After searching a VIN, you'll see the build plant and country for the vehicle in question. This is a two-step process:

Step 1: Go to https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/ and enter the full VIN into NHTSA’s VIN decoder, then click Decode VIN .

Step 2: Refer to the field at the bottom of the page result, which expressly lists the build plant and country for the searched vehicle. 

Note:  The information displayed through the VIN decoder is reported by the manufacturer. If you have further questions regarding this information, please contact the vehicle manufacturer. In addition, more information may be available on a label affixed to the vehicle. See 49 C.F.R. Part 583.

Free VIN Check and VIN Decoder

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A valid VIN is 17 characters long. It contains only letters and numbers, except for the letters i , o and q . iVIN Reports are available only for US passenger vehicles model years 1981 and newer.

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What Should You Know Before Buying or Selling a Car?

Vehicle history reports are important, but they only give some of the answers you should know before buying or selling a vehicle.

iVIN Reports are powered by iSeeCars' award-winning data analysis. Try our comprehensive VIN checks to get all of the answers you need, make an informed decision and have peace of mind.

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What's a fair price for this car?

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How does this vehicle compare?

Find out the average mileage for similar cars, key price considerations and iSeeCars listing history.

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How To Run a Free VIN Check

What is a vin or vehicle identification number.

VIN stands for "vehicle identification number." It is the unique code assigned by manufacturers for a specific automobile. A VIN is the automotive equivalent of a social security number. No two vehicles in operation have the same VIN.

A VIN is made up of 17 alphanumeric characters with each letter or number revealing identifying information about the vehicle including year, make, model, engine size, manufacturer, manufacturing location, and safety features. Along with providing vehicle specifications, a VIN can also be used to identify past or open recalls, registrations, warranty claims and status, insurance coverage and theft records.

Why is checking a VIN on a used car important?

How do i look up a vin number to get a free iseecars vin report.

You can sign up to get 5 free lookups and access 5 full VIN reports every month. Low-cost paid subscription plans are also available if you want to see more reports.

Here's where you can look up one of our free VIN reports:

• Desktop computer or mobile website - Free VIN lookup
• iSeeCars free mobile Android and iOS VIN apps - Download our app so you can quickly scan a vehicle's barcode and instantly view the VIN report
• All used car listings on the iSeeCars website - Click the "Full Report" button to see the report
• Google Chrome extension - Automatically generates our iVIN report when a VIN is found on any website you're browsing, like Craigslist and car shopping sites

How can I check a car's vehicle history report for free?

Some iSeeCars reports include a free vehicle history report when it's provided by the vehicle's seller. These CARFAX or AutoCheck vehicle history summaries provide helpful information about a car's past, including reported accidents, the number of previous owners, and a reported salvage title. Knowing the free vehicle history info helps you better understand the condition of the vehicle and anticipate future problems.

Can I look up my vehicle specs by VIN number?

Yes. iSeeCars iVIN Data Reports include key vehicle specifications, including trim, color, transmission type, drivetrain, engine type, towing capacity and more. These specs also show how the car compares to the average for its vehicle class.

Can I check safety recalls and recall information by VIN number?

Yes. Each iSeeCars iVIN Data Report includes a free recall check that indicates if there are any open or past recalls for the vehicle. The VIN report also links to the NHTSA database, which identifies (a) if there is an open recall for any new or used cars and (b) information about all past recalls for the vehicle, including safety-related recalls such as those involving Takata airbags.

Along with being a safety hazard, unresolved recalls including emissions recalls can result in a failed vehicle inspection. If a vehicle has an open recall, ask the seller to address the recall notice because it will likely involve recall repairs.

Is a VIN always 17 digits?

Beginning in 1981, all vehicles are required to have a 17-digit VIN. Vehicles manufactured before 1981 have VINs that are between 11 and 17 characters.

In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standardized how VINs are formatted. Under the NHTSA standard, a VIN is composed of 17 characters consisting of numbers and letters, and each set of numbers has a specific meaning. A VIN never includes the letters I, O and Q to avoid being mistaken for 1 and 0 (zero).

Can VIN numbers be changed?

It's a federal crime to alter, remove or tamper with a vehicle's VIN number.

Where Can I Find a Car's VIN?

The Dashboard

The VIN is usually located on the dashboard of the driver's side of a vehicle. It can be found by standing outside of the car and looking at the corner where the dashboard meets the windshield.

The Door Jamb

If you don't see the VIN on the dashboard, it can be found by opening the driver's side door and looking inside the door jamb. A VIN is also included on a vehicle's registration, vehicle title and insurance card.

How To Decode VIN Number Characters

There are 17 digits or characters in each vehicle's unique VIN. Here is what each VIN digit represents to help you better understand your vehicle.

Digit 1: Country of Origin

The first digit specifies where the vehicle was manufactured. Here are the most common country codes and countries:

• United States
• Foreign vehicle made in the US

Digits 2-3: Manufacturer & Division

The second digit identifies the specific vehicle's manufacturer. It's often the first letter of the manufacturer's name, such as B for BMW vehicles.

Since some characters can stand for multiple manufacturers, the third digit combines with the first two to indicate the specific manufacturing division. For example, JM1 can designate Mazda, while JMB can designate Mitsubishi. The first three digits together are known as the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI).

Here are some of the commonly used second digits:

• General Motors (Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Buick)

Digits 4-8: Vehicle Descriptor Section

These characters identify specific details about the car's vehicle type.

• Digit 4: Safety features and information specific to the model
• Digit 5: The vehicle's series
• Digits 6 & 7: Bodystyle and body type
• Digit 8: Engine size

Digit 9: Security Code

The ninth digit is the check digit, which is a security code used to help detect incorrect VINs, based on US Department of Transportation guidelines.

Digit 10: Model Year

The tenth digit represents the vehicle's model year.

• 1981-2000: Designated by the letters B through Y, with the letters I, O, Q, U and Z excluded.
• 2001-2009: Designated by the numbers 1 through 9 indicate the model years 2001 through 2009.
• 2010-Present: In 2010, the alphabet cycle started again with A and will continue through the year 2030. In 2031, the number cycle of 1 through 9 will start again until 2039.

Digit 11: Manufacturing Plant

The eleventh digit indicates the vehicle's assembly plant. Each vehicle manufacturer has its own set of plant codes. For example, these are the VIN characters for some of Toyota's many manufacturing plants: R for Lafayette, Indiana; S for Princeton, Indiana; and U for Georgetown, Kentucky.

Digits 12-17: Production Serial Numbers

These ending digits are the production line numbers that represent the vehicle's unique production or serial number. (Digits 10-17 are collectively known as the Vehicle Identifier Section.)

VIN Decoders for All Makes

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What is a VIN Number?

What does each digit in a vin mean.

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

• The first three digits represent the WMI.
• The first digit indicates the country of origin or final assembly point of the vehicle.
• The second digit indicates the manufacturer and production region.
• The third digit, in combination with the first two, specifies the vehicle’s type or manufacturing division.

Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)

• Digits 4 through 8 describe the vehicle’s model, body type, restraint system, transmission type, and engine code.
• The ninth digit serves as a check digit, aiding in the detection of counterfeit VINs.

Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS)

• Digits 10 through 17 constitute the VIS.
• The tenth digit indicates the year of manufacture. This applies only to vehicles produced in or after 1981, as the VIN format was standardized that year.

How to Find the VIN Number

• Most commonly found on the dashboard near the windshield, typically on the driver’s side. It may be visible through the windshield from the outside or found on a metal plate attached to the dashboard.
• Check the driver’s side door jamb, where the door latches. The VIN may be stamped or printed on a sticker in this location.
• It can also be located on vehicle registration documents, insurance paperwork, and maintenance records.
• On motorcycles, the VIN is usually located on the steering neck or on the motor near the bottom of the cylinders.
• It can also be found on the frame of the motorcycle, often on the down tube or near the engine.
• Some motorcycles may have the VIN stamped on the side of the engine casing.
• RVs typically have the VIN stamped or printed on a metal plate located on the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield.
• It may also be found on a sticker or plate attached to the driver’s side door jamb.
• In some cases, the VIN can be located in storage compartments, on the frame, or near the entry door.
• The VIN on ATVs is commonly located on the frame, usually on the front part of the vehicle near the handlebars.
• It may also be found on the ATV’s title, registration documents, or owner’s manual.
• Some ATVs have the VIN stamped or engraved on a metal plate attached to the frame.

Why is a VIN Decoder Important in a Used Car Transaction?

• Vehicle History : A VIN lookup provides access to the vehicle’s history report, which includes information about previous owners, accidents, repairs, and any potential issues. This helps buyers make informed decisions about the car’s condition and reliability.
• Title Verification : VIN lookup allows buyers to verify the vehicle’s title status, ensuring that it is clear of any liens or legal issues. This helps prevent buyers from unknowingly purchasing a stolen or salvaged vehicle.
• Mileage Verification : VIN lookup can reveal the vehicle’s mileage history, allowing buyers to verify the accuracy of the odometer reading and identify potential odometer fraud.
• Recall Information : VIN lookup provides information about any outstanding recalls or safety issues related to the vehicle. This allows buyers to ensure that any necessary repairs or modifications have been completed before purchasing the car.
• Value Assessment : VIN lookup can provide valuable insights into the market value of the vehicle based on its make, model, year, and condition. This helps buyers negotiate a fair price and avoid overpaying for the car.
• Fraud Prevention : VIN lookup can reveal the vehicle’s mileage history, allowing buyers to verify the accuracy of the odometer reading. This helps prevent odometer fraud, where sellers tamper with the odometer to reduce the vehicle’s recorded mileage and increase its perceived value.

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What is a VIN Decoder?

A VIN Decoder is a tool that breaks down and analyses (“decodes”) Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs). 

The VIN is a 17-character number, which is the key to useful facts about the vehicle. This includes manufacturing information, specifications, features, and more. To learn this information, you need to know the meaning behind the VIN characters and their combinations. This can be complicated: the characters don’t mean the same thing for different manufacturers, models, and countries. 

This is why our free VIN Decoder is useful: to learn some basic facts about any vehicle or VIN code, you only have to enter it into the field above and click Decode VIN .

How to use the VIN decoder to do a VIN number lookup?

Using our universal VIN checker is as simple as it can get:

• Enter your vehicle’s 17-character VIN into the Enter VIN number field.
• Click Check Car.

In most cases, the VIN Decoder will provide some basic information for free. This info should be enough to:

• Check whether the VIN is real
• Confirm the VIN corresponds to the vehicle you’re checking
• Help you decode the number by breaking it down into parts

To access more details about the vehicle, such as mileage records, damages, old photos, and theft records, you can get a carVertical history report .

What is a VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number)?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) number is a unique code identifying (almost) every vehicle in the world. Car manufacturers started using it in the middle of the 20th century, but without strict standards all manufacturers constructed their own VINs – different lengths, meanings, etc.

The current standard was issued in 1981. It requires VINs to be 17-characters long and without the letters O (o), I (i), and Q (q) to avoid confusion with similar-looking numbers – 0, 1, and 9.

An auto VIN number is divided into several sections. Each of these holds unique information about the vehicle’s year and country of manufacture, features, options list, etc. And while figuring out the meaning of the VIN number can be difficult, VIN decoders like ours are a good place to start.

More importantly, you can use the VIN to access records on global databases. These are very useful when buying a used vehicle – they’ll help you avoid scams like mileage rollbacks, hidden damages, and more.

Where is the VIN number on a car?

As the VIN number is necessary to save various records and perform a VIN lookup, you have to know where to find it. The VIN code is always located in secure locations on the vehicle, so no one can accidentally damage or remove it. 

Here are the most common VIN number locations:

• Under the hood – the Vehicle Identification Number is often located in front of the engine block
• Dashboard on the driver’s side – step outside the car and look for it behind the windshield
• Driver’s side door pillar – open the driver’s door and look for a VIN plate on the inner side of the pillar
• The front end of the frame – on older vehicles, it’s often located on the inner front wheel arch
• Firewall – some older cars have the VIN on the firewall, which is located between the cabin and engine bay.

These are the on-car locations, but you can also find it on the vehicle title documents (registration) and on the insurance certificate. Just remember that all VINs must match.

Free VIN number check vs full car history report

The carVertical VIN checker scans dealer, repair shop databases, car sales reports, rental companies worldwide and provides you with all kinds of information from regular mileage checks to photos of damages.

While a free VIN decoder provides only basic data, here’s what you may learn about from a full carVertical vehicle history report:

• Mileage rollbacks
• Theft records from law enforcement agencies
• Damages (sometimes, even photos after accidents)
• Registration and inspection dates
• Vehicle’s title info (was it used as a taxi, rental, police vehicle, etc.; has it suffered water damage, and so on)
• Original equipment
• Specific model problems and recalls
• Country of origin, model year

You can see what a full VIN check can tell about your car in our sample vehicle’s history report . 

Meanwhile, the free VIN Decoder may tell you the car’s:

• Manufacturer
• Basic equipment info
• VIN number breakdown

Don’t risk your own safety when buying a used car – put its VIN code in our VIN decoder and unveil potential safety issues and problems right away.

Why do full car history reports cost money?

If you’re familiar with car history reports and free VIN decoders, you probably already know the difference in the amount of information they provide. The reason for this is simple – most information isn’t free.

A free VIN checker mostly provides data that’s accessible for free. We can always tell you the car’s make, model, and year of manufacture. In some cases, we can access even more data: e.g.: for some cars, we can give you the basic vehicle specifications. Technically, you could scavenge the internet for all of that information, but an actual VIN searcher does that in a matter of seconds, saving lots of your time.

The information our free VIN Decoder can find varies from one vehicle to another.

When it comes to the full vehicle history report, we delve into various paid databases around the world. carVertical has built strong business relations with auctions, insurance companies, manufacturers, and other institutions to obtain as much valuable and reliable data as possible. 

Not only is this data not free – a regular individual won’t always be able to simply buy it.

How to decode the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

The VIN number consists of 17 characters, which are divided into multiple sections. And you can technically decode a VIN without using a decoder. Every character has a fixed meaning.

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

The first section, known as the WMI code , has three characters. 

• The first one shows the country of origin, and it can vary from the number “1” (US) to the letter “Z” (Italy)
• The second character shows the brand’s name. For example, “A” is for “Audi”, “B” is for “BMW”, "N" is for "Nissan". However, sometimes "A" represent British manufacturers or "R" can represent "Audi". That’s why another (third) character is needed in the WMI section.
• The last one reveals the manufacturer’s division or whether it’s a sedan, convertible, SUV, or any other body type

The structure of the World Manufacturer Identifier section is a bit different when the vehicle isn’t mass-produced.

Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)

The second section is the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), and it consists of five characters. They hold information about the engine size and type, braking system, car series, model and body style. Each character represents different features and their meaning depends on the manufacturer.

Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS)

The last 9 characters are the Vehicle Identifier Section or VIS. The information in this section is different, depending on whether the maker is American, European, or Asian.

• For US vehicles, the first 2 digits designate the model year and manufacturing plant, whereas the remaining characters are a serial code.
• With EU vehicles, the VIS only has to provide a "clear identification of a particular vehicle." 

There’s no doubt that many vehicles will have the same configuration and will be assembled in the same location, so the only difference in their VIN is going to be the serial number.

Figuring out the model year without a chart is complicated. For example, while “1” is 2001 and “2” is 2002, “A” is 2010, and “B” is 2011.

Each assembly plant also has its own coding, so it’s best to find the character first and then look it up.

Check digit

This is the shortest section, and it has only one character – a “check digit.” This digit is the result of a mathematical operation, using all the other VIN characters into a formula.

If at least one character is fake or incorrect, the result won’t match the check digit. It’s possible to calculate the check digit yourself without performing a VIN search.

In US and Chinese cars, the check digit is always the 9th character in the VIN. EU vehicles don’t specify the exact position. Meanwhile, UK and Australian VIN codes have no check digit.

International VIN Decoder

The VIN number is just one of multiple ways to identify a vehicle. 

Multiple identification ways are necessary for various reasons, including to detect various types of fraud. With that said, the standard ISO VIN is the most reliable vehicle identification method.

Old VIN numbers

Our universal VIN Decoder doesn’t work with old VIN formats due to different formatting. Vehicles manufactured between 1954 and 1981 use various VIN formats, so you’ll have to find a specific VIN lookup tool to decode them.

With that said, pre-1981 models can also be stolen, damaged, or written off just like any vehicle. As such, old VIN numbers are still necessary.

Frame or chassis number (especially in Japan)

VIN numbers aren’t as common in Japan. Instead, the country often uses chassis or frame numbers, whose format is completely different from the standard 17-character code.

Ordinary decoders can’t recognise these "chassis numbers" and "frame numbers" found in Japanese vehicles, so you’ll have to look for a decoder designed specifically for them.

License plate numbers

Most countries require you to register a vehicle to use it on public roads. This means there are databases holding data about each vehicle based on license plate numbers. Often license plate checks are free, but this depends solely on the country.

This check should provide no more than basic information like vehicle make and model, title and insurance status. Additionally, it’s not nearly as useful in cross-border situations.

Why is it important to do a VIN number lookup?

There are many reasons why it is important to do a VIN lookup. They depend on the situation of the user.

You may want to get a free VIN Decoder check to:

• Confirm the VIN code matches a specific vehicle
• Check basic specifications information
• Help decode the VIN manually

Getting a VIN lookup for a full vehicle history is important if you’re:

• Buying a used car – learn about damages, mileage rollbacks, and other important details. This can help you avoid bad deals or help to negotiate the price.
• Selling a used car – buyers value transparency, so providing a history report is a great first step to build trust.
• A car owner – learn about potential weak points or simply satisfy your curiosity.

What does a VIN decoder do?

A VIN decoder processes Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), analyzes them, and helps users learn the meaning behind the 17-digit VIN code.

What is a free VIN decoder?

A free VIN decoder provides only information that is freely available. This includes details about the model and (sometimes) basic specifications, but typically does not include vehicle history data.

What does a VIN check show?

A paid VIN check shows important historical information about a vehicle. This includes past damages, suspected mileage rollbacks, and more.

Car history report

Avoid costly problems by checking a car's history. Just enter the VIN and get a full report.

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VIN number lookup: Understanding your car’s history

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If you’re wondering what is a VIN number, you’re in the right place. Here’s how to check the VIN number for a car, why you might need a car VIN number check, and how VIN number decoding works.

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) basics

The acronym VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number, a unique 17-digit alpha and numeric string of characters for each and every vehicle manufactured or imported since the 1981 model year. (VIN “number” is redundant, but it’s commonly referred to as such.) The U.S. Department of Transportation mandates that every automaker stamp a VIN on every car off the assembly line or imported into the U.S. to track vehicle registrations, recalls, warranty claims, thefts and insurance coverage.

A VIN acts like a car's unique social security number, but it's used for most other vehicles that fall under the purview of government oversight and classified as a motor vehicle, such as passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, trailers, low-speed vehicles, restomods, one-offs, modified vehicles, motorcycles, and more. The NHTSA's definition of a motor vehicle is “a vehicle that is driven or drawn by mechanical power and manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads, and highways.” But side-by-sides, ATVs, UTVs, and other off-road fun vehicles have VINs as well. 

Decode your VIN number

What does each digit in the VIN mean? Each character in the VIN has a specific purpose. If you’re curious about your car’s background and learning more about its assembly, here we’ll show you how to decode a VIN. It may be important for checking a car’s history or buying a car .

What does each digit in a VIN number mean?

1st character – identifies the country of manufacture and assembly. For example, U.S. (1 or 4), Canada (2), Mexico (3), Japan (J), Korea (K), England (S), Germany (W), Italy (Z). If there are parts manufactured in Mexico, for example, but assembled in the U.S., then the country code would be the U.S.

2nd – identifies the manufacturer. For example, Audi (A), BMW (B), General Motors (G), Ford (F), Honda (H), Mercedes-Benz (D), Nissan (N), Toyota (T), Volkswagen (V)

3rd – identifies the vehicle type or manufacturing division

4th through 8th – identifies vehicle attributes, such as body style and engine type

9th – called the “check digit,” the ninth character uniquely identifies the vehicle, ensuring that no two cars within a 30-year period have the same VIN

10th – identifies the model year

11th – identifies the assembly plant

12th through 17th – identifies the sequence of the vehicle off the assembly line, with the last four characters always numeric

Where is the VIN Number on a car?

The VIN appears in several places, both on the vehicle itself and in official documentation when registering vehicle ownership. Like a social security number, it's important to protect the VIN to prevent fraud or make it easier to steal the car. Here’s how to find VIN number on a car. Auto manufacturers stamp the VIN in several different places on a vehicle.

The most visible one is near the driver's side cowl, inside on the dash by the front windshield, located on the driver side interior dash by the windshield. It's usually on a stamped plate or label, but some new car sellers and aftermarket shops offer to etch it into the windshield itself to prevent thieves from restamping VINs on stolen cars. Another location is on the driver’s side door jamb on the Federal Safety Certification Label. 

A VIN number on the car may be stamped on the front or top of the engine block, the engine frame, and many other hidden parts of the vehicle.

Consumers can also opt to have their VIN permanently etched into various parts of the car, a practice encouraged by insurance companies to help discourage theft and selling of car parts.

Where is the VIN number in paperwork and documentation?

The VIN typically appears in four places related to ownership, registration, and insurance of the car. It's always on the vehicle title, typically near the top of the title, but it can vary based on the state.  It also appears on your vehicle registration card, which is typically kept in the glovebox with the insurance card and owner's manual. The VIN also comes in the printed owner's manual. Finally, your insurance card also shows the VIN. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Each digit in a VIN has a specific purpose. It identifies the car’s country of manufacture, 

the automaker, the vehicle type, vehicle attributes, model year, assembly plant, and when in the production run the vehicle was built.

How do you find your VIN number?

Where is the hidden VIN number on a car? The easiest places to find the VIN are near the windshield on the dashboard and inside the door jamb, and a VIN may also be stamped on the front or top of the engine block, on or inside the engine frame, and in many other hidden parts of the vehicle.

Is a car VIN number important?

Yes. If you’re wondering what is a vin number on registration, it provides important information about a car. Tracking a VIN online lets you search the vehicle's country of origin, manufacturing plant, and other historical data as provided by the decoder mentioned above. The NHTSA's VIN decoder portal provides the information supplied by the manufacturer to the government. 

Is it OK to give out your VIN number?

While you’re required to provide your VIN for registration and insurance, you shouldn’t give it out otherwise. The only legitimate reason for someone else to need your VIN is if you’re selling the car and they want to use it for a vehicle history report.

How do I run a VIN number on my car?

Here’s how to do a VIN number lookup. On your own car, you can use the VIN number lookup to track safety recalls or known issues. Entering a VIN on the NHTSA.gov recall site will show what recalls have been made on a car. It also shows complaints lodged by owners for a specific make, model, and year, so you can see what kind of problems to expect with a similar model year vehicle.

Should I research the VIN before buying a used car?

A VIN lookup can give you important information. When considering a used car, check the VIN of the desired vehicle on national online databases such as Carfax that shows info supplied by DMVs, insurance claims, police and fire departments, auto auctions, collision repair places, and more. It can certify the odometer reading, ascertain if an insurance company has deemed the car a total loss through "salvage" or "flood" titles, or any natural disaster occurrence.

What can I do with my VIN?

The VIN lets you check the vehicle history, to seek out safety recalls, to register the car with the state and to insure it, to report or check for stolen cars, as well as other information.  

Why do I need to use the VIN for car insurance policies?

You need to file a VIN to get car insurance. Insurance companies use VINs to assess the car's worth, and provide a quote specific to that car. You can still get a general insurance quote on the type of car and type of driver without the VIN, but to lock down the policy, you'll need the VIN. Mechanics and shops use the car VIN number for repairs and parts, and body shops and repair services use the VIN to identify and order replacement parts, which is important if you file an insurance claim.

How do I use the VIN to protect against vehicle theft?

Keeping your VIN secret can help protect you against theft and fraud. Car thieves can troll parking lots or cars parked on the street, copy the VIN, create counterfeit tags, then steal a similar car and use the fake tag on it to sell the "clone" in another state, typically with false documentation, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The NICB offers a free VINCheck service that shows if a vehicle has been reported as stolen but not recovered, or is a salvage or flood vehicle that shouldn't be on the secondary market. 

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• Free VIN Check

Vehicle History

100% free vin check for any vehicle, get a comprehensive vin history report instantly, free vehicle history report – check any vin.

VinCheck.info offers an absolutely free vehicle history report. How to run a free VIN check, no credit card needed? To scan data from over 268 million registered cars in the US:

• Enter a 17-digit VIN,
• Click Check VIN.

VinCheck.Info’s vehicle history report covers a range of topics that buyers need. It includes vehicle description or specs, theft, accident, damage, sales records, warranty, and other information. VinCheck.info compiles data from a network of government, non-government, and auto industry sources. Access our comprehensive database to get a full car history report. You can also quickly decode your VIN using our Free VIN decoder tool. Don’t have the VIN? No worries. You get the same results using our free license plate lookup tool.

Worried about the alarming increase of flooded cars for sale? Find out if a car has been damaged by flood using our free VIN Flood Check Tool .

Why Do I Need a Free Vehicle History Report?

VinCheck.info can help a used car buyer make an informed decision. We sift through tons of data to give you details you can use to evaluate any car:

•   Vehicle Specifications:
• year of build
• technical features
• optional equipment installed, and more.

Compare and contrast the details provided to you by the seller with what the vehicle history report provides .

•    Safety Ratings: (IIHS test results)
• crash-worthiness (how well does the vehicle protect its occupants in a crash)
• crash avoidance and mitigation (available technology to  prevent a crash or lessen its severity)
•   Market Value : the estimated average value people are paying for the same car in your area.

This is a valuable tool for finding out the car’s worth to help you negotiate for a fair price. 4.   Fuel Efficiency : how far a car can travel on a specific amount of fuel.

This is important information at a time like this with unstable gas price and uncertain economy.  

5.    Warranty/Manufacturer Recall : warranty problems or recalls.

In most cases, dealerships offer recall repairs for free.

6.   Title Records:

• Name of the state/city
• Number of times the vehicle has been registered
•    Sales Records : listings of a vehicle for sale by a car dealership or a private party.

This information can help you find out the car’s price  in the previous sale.

8.   Lien Records : records of a claim to ownership of the vehicle by a finance company.

A lien on a vehicle means you have to pay the lien-holder first if you are going to buy it.

9.   Accident Records : minor and major accidents especially those covered by a police report.

• Every year, the NHTSA reports close to six (6) million car accidents.
• There are nearly 43,000 fatal crashes a year in the U.S.

Some cars sustain damages so extensive they become unsafe to ride. Make sure to buy a car with reliable and safe parts for the road.

10. Theft Records : reports of theft and theft recoveries from NICB (the federal crime bureau) and industry sources.

• According to NICB, vehicle thefts surged in 2022, surpassing 1 million for the first time since 2008, marking a 7 percent increase over 2021. California and Texas reported the highest numbers of stolen vehicles, while Illinois witnessed the most significant spike, estimated at 35 percent between 2021 and 2022.
• The rate of motor vehicle theft was 282.7 per 100,000 of the US population in 2022.

Most of these stolen vehicles are resold to unsuspecting buyers. Authorities could re-posses a stolen car even if  you bought it unknowingly. You won’t be able to recover the money you paid for it. A vehicle history report could point you to an active theft or recovered theft record.

11. Title Brand Checks: all potential title brands issued by state DMVs against a title.

VinCheck.info looks at 268+ million cars registered across 50 states to find any title brand linked to a VIN or license plate number. What are the potential issues involving title brands and fraudulent practices to hide  a title brand?

Flood damage has become a serious problem in the United States in recent years. This has significant  implications for cars owners and buyers. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey flooded an estimated half a million cars. In 2018, more water-damaged cars re-enter the used car market due to round of flooding brought by hurricanes. A car  with damaged electronic wiring, mechanical system or other parts could pass inspection. However, these problems could resurface in the future. Running a VIN flood check can help you verify if a car has been flooded by Hurricane Harvey. In any case, you can run our free vehicle history report to know a car’s full story. Odometer rollback is the tampering of  the odometer to make the car appear to have a lower mileage. It leads the buyer to believe it is worth more than its actual price. Knowing the exact mileage is critical to safe driving. It can tell you if the car has reached the mileage where some of its parts require replacement. An estimated 10 percent of cars in the US have tampered odometers. More than half of these vehicles have odometers rolled back by 50,000 miles! Salvaged vehicles are total loss vehicles damaged by flood, hail or other causes. The estimated or actual cost of repair exceeded a certain percentage of the retail value. Unscrupulous sellers hide the condition of a salvaged car through title washing . They move the vehicle to a lenient state that could issue a clean title. Branding and total loss regulations differ by state. VIN cloning involves using the VIN from a registered car for a stolen or salvaged car of the same model and make. The car with the VIN clone is registered with the DMV in another state. Anyone who unwittingly buys a car with cloned VIN is at risk of losing the car. The buyer would owe any unpaid auto loans even if authorities seize the car for evidence. Thousands of stolen vehicles may have cloned VINs in the US. However, the government does not have the exact figures because not all cases have been discovered or reported.

Other Free Vehicle Information Sources

Get a VINCheck.Info’s free vehicle history to check for the most serious problems a car could have. Here are some free resources on a vehicle’s value, open recalls, and safety ratings:

has opened its flood-damage database free to the public for an indefinite period. Simply visit the Free CARFAX Flood Check page and enter a VIN.

• DMV handbook
• DMV near me
• Challenge bank
• Learner's Permit
• CDL Premium

VIN Decoder & Lookup

Decode your Vehicle Identification Number for free

• Official data from NHTSA
• Most recent recalls
• Most recent complaints

What is a VIN Number?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code assigned to every motor vehicle when it's manufactured. This 17-character string of letters and numbers, excluding the letters Q (q), I (i), and O (o) to avoid confusion with the numbers 0 and 1, provides specific details about the vehicle's manufacturer, model, year, and place of production, without intervening spaces. Each section of the VIN offers distinct information about the vehicle, including the make, model, year, and the serial number. This alphanumeric code, typically found printed in a single line on the vehicle's chassis or documents, is essential for registration, insurance, and tracking the vehicle's history.

How to Find It

Finding your vehicle's VIN is 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.
• Motorcycles: Typically found on the steering neck below the handlebars, but it could also be on the motor or on the frame near the motor.
• Semitrailers: Look on the front part of the semitrailer on the left side.

If you're unable to locate the VIN on the vehicle, it can also be found on:

• Your vehicle's title documents.
• Liability insurance documents.

How to Check a Specific Number

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.

How to Read the Different Components

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

Model Year Character Codes

The table below shows the model year character codes used in VINs. These codes help you determine the exact year of manufacture for any vehicle. VINs are standardized globally, and the model year character is a crucial part of this identification system.

Understanding these codes can help you verify the authenticity and age of a vehicle, whether it's a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other motor vehicle. Here are some examples from various manufacturers:

• Example: A Ford Mustang with a VIN of 1FAFP42X4WF123456 has a model year character of "W," indicating it was manufactured in 1998.
• Example: A Toyota Camry with a VIN of JTDBE32K502123456 has a model year character of "5," indicating it was manufactured in 2005.
• Example: A Honda Civic with a VIN of 2HGFG12688H123456 has a model year character of "8," indicating it was manufactured in 2008.
• Example: A Chevrolet Silverado with a VIN of 1GCRCREC0EZ123456 has a model year character of "E," indicating it was manufactured in 2014.

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a critical component of the VIN, indicating the country where the vehicle was manufactured. This table provides a comprehensive overview of WMI codes for vehicles from around the world, helping you trace the origin of any vehicle.

General WMIs by Region:

• 1, 4, 5 = United States
• KL = South Korea
• W = Germany
• VF = France

Historical Context:

Vehicle manufacturing is a global industry, with key production hubs spread across North America, Europe, and Asia. Each region has developed unique specialties, from the precision engineering of Germany to the innovative designs from Japan and the large-scale production capabilities of the United States.

Production Volume and Global Distribution:

Understanding WMI codes helps in appreciating the scale and diversity of global vehicle production. Major automotive brands operate plants worldwide to meet regional demands and leverage local expertise, ensuring a steady supply of vehicles tailored to different markets.

Trivia and Fun Facts:

• The first character of the VIN, representing the WMI, can tell you whether a vehicle was made in North America (1, 4, 5), Europe (S-Z), or Asia (J-R).
• Some high-performance and luxury vehicles have unique WMIs due to their exclusive manufacturing processes and locations, like "WAU" for Audi in Germany or "ZAM" for Maserati in Italy.

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3 Ways To Get a Free VIN Check Before Buying a Used Car

Every vehicle has its own number, appropriately called a Vehicle Identification Number: VIN for short. Researching that number can tell you a lot, including the car’s registration(s) by state, type of title and whether anyone’s made an insurance claim on the vehicle following an accident.

There are several ways to get a VIN checked that won’t cost a penny. You can even get one on your current car if you’re just curious about its history before you owned it.

This article was updated in January 2024 and I review it every month.

Here’s Where To Get a Completely Free VIN Check!

There are a variety of services you can use for a completely free VIN check before you buy a used car .

Getting a VIN check is especially important if you’re buying a car through Craigslist or eBay since you’re not working with a dealership that could provide free access to paid sites such CARFAX , AutoCheck or autoDNA.com .

You can get a free VIN check at the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), VehicleHistory.com or iSeeCars.com/VIN .

Just pop in your car’s digits and these sites will do the VIN lookup and give you information on the vehicle.

But you should use more than one of these sites to get the full picture. Read on to find out why.

Table of Contents: 

National insurance crime bureau, vehiclehistory, how to decode your vin.

• Clark’s Key Rules for Used-Car Buying

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB.org) keeps it simple with its VIN check search tool . The site will tell you if your vehicle has been:

• Reported as lost or stolen
• Declared a total loss following an accident

This is the most basic of the completely free VIN checks you can get, and this site is limited to five searches within a 24-hour period per IP address.

To get your report, visit the website and enter your car’s VIN number under “Look Up a VIN.” You can also take a photo of your car’s VIN number and upload it to the website instead of typing it in. Once you agree to the terms and conditions and verify that you aren’t a robot, you can click “Search VIN.”

From there, you’ll see the VIN check results.

For a more complete VIN lookup, VehicleHistory is a free option that provides other data like fuel economy, cost to own and price analysis.

Other things you’ll get in this free VIN lookup include:

• Selling history
• Current recall information
• Detailed list of the expiration of manufacturer warranties
• Price predictions about the best time to buy a particular make and model

To get your free VIN report through VehicleHistory, enter your car’s VIN number on the homepage.

iSeeCars offers another robust free VIN check experience. Culling 200 data points, your free car history report from iSeeCars includes the following:

• Accident history
• Market value
• Price analysis
• Price history
• Projected depreciation
• The best times to buy and sell

The limit is five searches per month. To get your free VIN check from iSeeCars, enter your VIN number at the top of the page and click “Check This VIN.”

VINs come in two lengths: 17 characters or 11 characters. Every motor vehicle that’s on the road today has a unique VIN.

While a VIN may seem like a meaningless string of numbers, there are a few keys to decoding it.

• The first character of your VIN indicates the country of origin.
• The second and third characters tell you the manufacturer and division.
• The fourth through eighth characters indicate vehicle description, safety and type of engine.
• The ninth character is the manufacturer’s security code.
• The 10th character tells you the vehicle’s model year.
• The 11th character is the assembly plant identifier.
• Characters 12 through 17 are the plant sequential number/vehicle serial number.

Clark’s Key Rules of Used-Car Buying

If you’re searching for a free VIN report, chances are you’re looking to buy a used car. According to money expert Clark Howard , buying used can be a smart move for your wallet. But it does come with some possible pitfalls you’ve got to watch out for.

Here’s what you need to know after you pull a free vehicle history report but before you buy.

Have a Mechanic Check the Vehicle Before You Buy It

It is possible that a free VIN check could come back clean with no accidents listed even though the car has clearly had major repairs.

This would be likely if a previous owner paid for repairs out of pocket instead of making an insurance claim. So use these services as a tool, but don’t rely on the information to be 100% accurate.

For real peace of mind when you’re buying a used vehicle, you’ve got to hire an independent mechanic to take a look at the vehicle before you agree to buy it.

The reality is that all used cars are sold “as is,” whether by a private seller or a licensed dealer unless they come with a written warranty. Worse yet, the seller is not required by law to be honest about the condition of the vehicle.

For that reason, one of Clark Howard’s key rules of used car buying is to get an inspection from a certified diagnostic mechanic before you buy. If you leave a deposit on the vehicle, make sure you get it in writing that the seller will return your deposit if the car doesn’t check out. Clark says you can eliminate nine out of 10 used car buying disasters this way.

When looking for an independent mechanic, you want to see ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification. Garages that participate in what’s called the Blue Seal program typically feature the most highly trained ASE-certified mechanics. Visit ASE.com to find one near you.

Watch Out for Hidden Flood Damage

In the aftermath of any major hurricane or widespread flooding, you have to worry about flooded vehicles entering the used car market. Following Hurricane Katrina, hundreds of thousands of vehicles were rebuilt and had their titles “washed,” Clark notes.

That’s when dishonest people take flooded vehicles into states where they can easily modify the titles. This removes any evidence that a vehicle was ever in a flood. Cars with washed titles can then be sold to dealerships that either don’t know or don’t care that they’re buying flooded vehicles.

These cars often end up in the hands of “curb stoners,” illegal dealers who run ads in the paper. They pretend they’re selling their sister’s car or their mother’s car and they hope you don’t know what they know. About 20% of these cars go to unsuspecting people overseas. Clark says the other 80% stay right here at home.

To the naked eye, there’s usually no way to tell what’s wrong with these cars. But you’ll know you’ve got a flood car when you encounter failed electrical systems throughout the vehicle.

Again, it all comes back to the need for a good diagnostic mechanic to inspect the car thoroughly before you buy it!

Final Thoughts

Getting a free VIN check from the sites listed here is a great first step to take when you’re thinking about buying a used vehicle.

All the data you get back on your free VIN reports should match up across providers. If there’s no match, that’s a potential sign that the vehicle has undergone VIN forgery, and that should certainly give you pause before you move ahead with the purchase.

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