Where to locate your VIN
You can find your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on your vehicle or printed on vehicle documents and easily use the VIN number breakdown below as an online VIN decoder and VIN translator. Commonly, the VIN will appear on the dashboard just below the windshield on the driver's side, but it sometimes gets placed inside the driver's side door below the latch or on the door jamb.
If you want to search for the VIN without your vehicle nearby, you can find it on your insurance card and insurance papers, vehicle registration, and vehicle title.
How to read a VIN number
The following VIN number breakdown enables you to understand what each digit means in a VIN. You can decipher a VIN simply by matching the corresponding number or letter to the correct sequence, such as the VIN country code, VIN model year code, car manufacturer, vehicle type, vehicle information, etc.
| VIN Digit | Descriptor | Details |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Descriptor
Country of Origin |
Details
1 or 4 (USA) 2 (Canada) 3 (Mexico) J (Japan) K (Korea) S (England) W (Germany) Z (Italy) |
|
2 |
Descriptor
Car Manufacturer |
Details
A (Audi) |
|
3 |
Descriptor
Vehicle Type |
Details
Ex.: Convertible, Special Edition, etc. |
|
4-8 |
Descriptor
Vehicle Information |
Details
Ex.: Engine size, cylinders, carburetion, fuel type, wheel drive, tonnage, etc. |
|
9 |
Descriptor
Accuracy Check Digit |
Details
This digit is assigned using a formula. The formula provides a way to verify the accuracy of the VIN description. |
|
10 |
Descriptor
Vehicle Model Year |
Details
8 (2008) |
|
11 |
Descriptor
Assembly Plant |
Details
Each manufacturer uses its own set of plant codes. |
|
12-17 |
Descriptor
Unique Serial Number for Vehicle |
Details
Every vehicle produced is given a unique serial number. |