VIN Guides & Reference
Everything you need to understand Vehicle Identification Numbers — from the basics of VIN structure to advanced topics like check digit validation and manufacturer lookup.
How to Read a VIN
A complete walkthrough of all 17 positions in a Vehicle Identification Number — what each character means, how manufacturers use the VDS section, and how to decode any VIN step by step.
VIN Check Digit — How Position 9 Works
Position 9 of a VIN is a mathematical verification digit calculated from the other 16 characters. Learn the NHTSA algorithm used to verify VIN authenticity and catch transcription errors.
VIN Model Year Codes — Complete Table
Position 10 of a VIN encodes the model year using letters and digits. Get the complete model year code table from 1980 to 2030, plus notes on which codes are ambiguous.
Where to Find Your VIN Number
VINs appear in multiple locations on every vehicle. Learn exactly where to look on the dashboard, door jamb, title, registration, and insurance card.
VIN Country of Origin Codes
The first character of a VIN identifies where the vehicle was built — not where the brand is headquartered. Learn what each country prefix means and why a Toyota or BMW built in the US starts with 1 or 5.