Guide
On this page
- The 17 positions explained
- Positions 1-3: WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier)
- Positions 4-8: VDS (Vehicle Descriptor)
- Position 9: Check digit
- Position 10: Model year
- Position 11: Plant code
- Positions 12-17: Serial number
- How to read a sample VIN
- Where to find your VIN
- Free VIN decoders
- NHTSA VIN database (best)
- Other free options
- When VIN decoding matters
- Buying a used car
- Ordering parts
- Checking recalls
- Insurance and registration
- VIN fraud signs
- Related guides
Understanding VIN Numbers
The 17 positions explained
Positions 1-3: WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier)
Country and manufacturer.
Position 1: Country of manufacture.
- 1, 4, 5: USA
- 2: Canada
- 3: Mexico
- J: Japan
- K: South Korea
- L: China
- W: Germany
- S: UK
- V: Spain or France
Position 2: Manufacturer. Position 3: Vehicle type or division.
Examples:
- 1FT: Ford US Truck
- 2HG: Honda Canada
- JT2: Toyota Japan
- WBA: BMW Germany
Positions 4-8: VDS (Vehicle Descriptor)
Encodes model, body style, restraint system, engine.
Positions 4-7: Model specifics (varies by manufacturer). Position 8: Engine code.
Example for 2018 Toyota Camry LE 2.5L:
- Position 8: "F" indicates A25A-FKS 2.5L 4-cylinder.
Position 9: Check digit
Calculated from all other positions. Validates VIN authenticity. Any other character means the VIN was altered or copied wrong.
Position 10: Model year
Letters and numbers per year:
- B: 1981/2011
- C: 1982/2012
- D: 1983/2013
- E: 1984/2014
- F: 1985/2015
- G: 1986/2016
- H: 1987/2017
- J: 1988/2018
- K: 1989/2019
- L: 1990/2020
- M: 1991/2021
- N: 1992/2022
- P: 1993/2023
- R: 1994/2024
- ...
The cycle repeats every 30 years. For 2015 Honda Civic: position 10 should be "F". For 2018 Camry: "J".
Position 11: Plant code
Manufacturing facility. Often useful for identifying region of build and for warranty work.
Positions 12-17: Serial number
Sequential production number. The 6-digit serial.
How to read a sample VIN
2015 Honda Civic example: 19XFB2F86FE000123
- 1-3 (19X): Honda US (Honda of America, Marysville Ohio).
- 4-8 (FB2F8): Civic LX sedan, 1.8L R18 engine.
- 9 (6): check digit.
- 10 (F): 2015 model year.
- 11 (E): East Liberty plant.
- 12-17 (000123): serial number.
Where to find your VIN
- Dashboard at base of windshield (visible from outside).
- Driver side door jamb sticker.
- Vehicle registration and title.
- Insurance card.
- Service records.
If the dashboard VIN doesn't match the door jamb VIN, the vehicle may be stolen and re-VINned — major red flag.
Free VIN decoders
NHTSA VIN database (best)
vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov — free, official US decoder. Returns:
- Full make, model, year, trim.
- Engine, transmission.
- Restraint system.
- Recall information.
Other free options
- Manufacturer websites (e.g., Honda VIN lookup).
- Insurance company tools.
- AutoCheck and Carfax (limited free info).
When VIN decoding matters
Buying a used car
Verify the listing matches the VIN's actual specs. A "2015 LX" that decodes as "LE base" may be misrepresented.
Ordering parts
Some platforms require exact engine code, trim, plant for correct fit. The VIN tells you all of that.
Checking recalls
The NHTSA database returns active recalls by VIN. Critical for used-car buyers and current owners.
Insurance and registration
VIN is the unique identifier across all paperwork.
VIN fraud signs
- Dashboard VIN differs from door jamb.
- Door jamb sticker tampered with.
- VIN plate riveted unevenly (factory rivets are uniform).
- Letters O, I, Q used (these are excluded from VINs to prevent confusion with 0, 1, etc.).
If you see any of these on a vehicle you're considering, walk away.