Understanding Your VIN
VIN Structure: 17 Characters
1G1FB1S52D1234567
Each position in the VIN has meaning. Use our decoder above to see what your specific VIN reveals.
Positions 1-3: World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)
Identifies the manufacturer (e.g., 1G1 = General Motors)
Positions 4-9: Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Make, model, body type, engine, transmission, and features
Position 10: Model Year
Year the vehicle was manufactured (A=2010, B=2011, etc.)
Position 11: Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was built
Positions 12-17: Serial Number
Unique identifier for this specific vehicle
Common VIN Questions
Can I see a vehicle's history from just the VIN?
The VIN alone only tells you basic specs. To see accident history, title status, and recalls, you need a full vehicle history report — use our tool above.
Where do I find the VIN?
Check the driver's-side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and the vehicle registration or insurance documents.
Why are I, O, and Q never in a VIN?
To avoid confusion with numbers 1 and 0. The VIN uses only letters A-H and J-Z (no I, O, or Q).
VIN Decoder by Province & State
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