VIN Lookup Direct
Technical VIN Decode

Free VIN Decoder

Decode a standard 17-character VIN into its vehicle identity, technical specifications and VIN structure using manufacturer-reported data available through NHTSA vPIC.

Example: 1HGCM82633A004352. Letters I, O and Q are not used in standard VINs.

What this VIN decoder is designed to do

This page is the technical decoder on VIN Lookup Direct. It focuses on the identity and specifications encoded or associated with a 17-character VIN: manufacturer, make, model, model year, body class, engine, fuel, drivetrain, manufacturing information and available safety-equipment fields.

VIN structure: WMI, VDS and VIS

A standard VIN can be read in three broad sections. Characters 1–3 form the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI). Characters 4–9 form the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS). Characters 10–17 form the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS). The ninth character is used as a check digit under the North American validation system, while the tenth character carries the model-year code.

1–3WMIManufacturer identifier
4–9VDSVehicle descriptors
10–17VISModel year, plant and sequence

Decoder vs. VIN check

Use this decoder when you want the vehicle's technical specification data. If your goal is to combine vehicle identification with NHTSA recall-campaign information and a structural check-digit result, use the dedicated VIN check.

What decoding does not provide

VIN decoding does not identify the current owner and does not create a complete accident, title, odometer, service or ownership history. See VIN decoder vs. vehicle history report for the distinction.

Data source

Vehicle specification decoding is performed through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Product Information Catalog (vPIC). Fields are shown only when the returned source data contains a useful value.