UNCOVER YOUR VEHICLE'S COMPLETE HISTORY WITH OUR VIN DECODER
Everything You Need to Know About Your Vehicle
How VIN Lookup Works
What Does Each Digit In A VIN Mean?
Breaking Down the VIN
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-digit code, comprised of capital letters and numbers, that uniquely identifies a vehicle. Each letter and number provide specific pieces of information about your vehicle including the year, make, model, engine size, and manufacturer.
Additional VIN Information
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle, containing important details about its history and origin. VINs never include the letters I, O, or Q to avoid confusion with the numbers 1 and 0. The standard 17-character VIN format was introduced in 1981, meaning vehicles made before this may have different formats.
One of the most important parts of a VIN is the check digit in the 9th position, which is calculated using a special formula to verify the VIN’s authenticity and detect fraud. When decoded, a VIN can reveal valuable details such as recalls, previous registrations, warranty claims, theft history, and insurance records, helping buyers make informed decisions.
The first digit of a VIN indicates the country where the vehicle was manufactured. In North America, VINs typically start with 1, 4, or 5 for the United States, 2 for Canada, and 3 for Mexico. In Europe, VINs often begin with S for Sweden, W for Germany, V for Austria and France, and Z for Italy. Vehicles from Asia commonly use J for Japan, K for South Korea, L for China, and M for India.
Understanding a VIN allows you to verify a vehicle’s history, detect potential fraud, and ensure transparency when buying a used car. Get a free VIN check today to uncover hidden details about any vehicle.
What Information Does A VIN Contain?
1. World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)
The first three digits of the VIN make up the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), which reveals:
- 1st Digit – The country where the vehicle was manufactured or assembled.
- 2nd Digit – The manufacturer and the region of production.
- 3rd Digit – When combined with the first two, this identifies the vehicle type or manufacturing division.
2. Vehicle Description Section (VDS)
Digits 4 through 9 form the Vehicle Description Section (VDS), providing details about the car’s key specifications:
- 4th–8th Digits – Describe the model, body type, transmission type, engine code, and safety restraint system.
- 9th Digit (Check Digit) – A security feature used to verify the authenticity of the VIN, calculated using a formula set by the U.S. Department of Transportation to detect fraudulent VINs.
3. Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS)
Digits 10 through 17 make up the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS), which provides unique identifiers for each vehicle:
- 10th Digit – Represents the model year (only applicable to vehicles made in or after 1981, when VINs were standardized).
- 11th–17th Digits – These numbers indicate the specific production sequence, manufacturing plant, and other unique vehicle identifiers.
Understanding your VIN can help you verify a vehicle’s authenticity, history, and specifications before making a purchase. Run a free VIN check today to uncover hidden details!
| Year | Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year | Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | A | 1995 | S | 2010 | A | 2025 | S |
| 1981 | B | 1996 | T | 2011 | B | 2026 | T |
| 1982 | C | 1997 | V | 2012 | C | 2027 | V |
| 1983 | D | 1998 | W | 2013 | D | 2028 | W |
| 1984 | E | 1999 | X | 2014 | E | 2029 | X |
| 1985 | F | 2000 | Y | 2015 | F | 2030 | Y |
| 1986 | G | 2001 | 1 | 2016 | G | 2031 | 1 |
| 1987 | H | 2002 | 2 | 2017 | H | 2032 | 2 |
| 1988 | J | 2003 | 3 | 2018 | J | 2033 | 3 |
| 1989 | K | 2004 | 4 | 2019 | K | 2034 | 4 |
| 1990 | L | 2005 | 5 | 2020 | L | 2035 | 5 |
| 1991 | M | 2006 | 6 | 2021 | M | 2036 | 6 |
| 1992 | N | 2007 | 7 | 2022 | N | 2037 | 7 |
| 1993 | P | 2008 | 8 | 2023 | P | 2038 | 8 |
| 1994 | R | 2009 | 9 | 2024 | R | 2039 | 9 |
The Ultimate Guide to VIN Lookup by State and Car Make
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a special 17-character code. It contains important information about a car’s history, features, and origin. Checking the VIN is important when buying a used car or checking its history. It helps you avoid fraud, ensures safety, and confirms authenticity.
At VINNUMBERLOOKUP.CO, we provide a fast Number Plat Check, accurate, and comprehensive VIN lookup service. Our tool lets you check detailed vehicle history reports by state or car make. This helps you make confident, informed decisions.
VIN Lookup by State
Why Vehicle History Varies by State
A Vehicle history is shaped by the state where it has been registered. Climate conditions, theft rates, lemon laws, and emissions standards all impact a vehicle’s condition and legal status. Checking a VIN by state helps uncover potential red flags, such as flood damage, salvage titles, and odometer fraud.
Florida VIN Checks – High-Risk Insights
Florida is known for hurricanes and flooding, making it one of the riskiest states for buying a used vehicle. Many flood-damaged cars receive salvage or rebuilt titles, which can be identified through our Florida VIN check. Use VINNUMBERLOOKUP.CO to verify any Florida-registered car and ensure you’re making a safe purchase.
How State Laws Shape VIN Data
Each state has different regulations regarding title branding, emissions standards, and lemon laws:
- California – Strict smog regulations; emissions failures are often flagged in VIN reports.
- Texas – Some of the most lenient title branding laws, leading to increased title-washing fraud.
- New York – Mandatory odometer checks help prevent rollback fraud.
- Michigan & Ohio – Harsh winters cause rust and corrosion, often documented in VIN history.
- Arizona & Nevada – Sun exposure can lead to paint and interior damage, which affects resale value.
Regional Risks & Vehicle Health
- Midwest (Michigan, Ohio) – Rust and frame damage due to road salt.
- Southwest (Arizona, Nevada) – UV damage to dashboards and upholstery.
- Gulf Coast (Texas, Louisiana, Florida) – High flood risks; many vehicles have hidden water damage.
Action Steps
- Use VINNUMBERLOOKUP.CO to check regional vehicle history trends.
- Verify title legitimacy using our VIN number lookup tool.
- Ensure there are no hidden damages, odometer rollbacks, or accident histories.
VIN Decoding by Car Make
Manufacturer-Specific VIN Patterns
Car manufacturers encode essential details in a vehicle’s VIN, including the engine type, manufacturing plant, trim package, and model year. At VINNUMBERLOOKUP.CO, we decode VINs for all major car brands, giving you access to accurate vehicle details at your fingertips.
Luxury Brands (BMW, Porsche, Mercedes)
- BMW VINs – Identify U.S. models with “WBA,” find engine codes like B58, and check for luxury trim packages.
- Porsche VINs – Factory identifiers like “WP0” reveal model tiers (Carrera vs. Turbo).
- Mercedes VINs – VIN structure includes engine type, series, and production year.
Mainstream Brands (Toyota, Ford, Honda)
- Toyota VINs – Identify hybrid/electric models with “JTK”.
- Ford VINs – Truck-specific VINs (e.g., “1FT” for F-150 engine size).
- Honda VINs – Find transmission flags (e.g., “5FN” for Odyssey recalls).
Using VINs to Uncover Vehicle Specs & Value
Our VIN decoding tool helps uncover:
- Drivetrain details (AWD, FWD, RWD)
- Tech packages (navigation, entertainment systems)
- Safety features (airbags, stability control)
Action Steps
- Enter your VIN into VINNUMBERLOOKUP.CO for an instant make-specific breakdown.
- Verify important specs before purchasing a used car.
- Avoid hidden mechanical issues by cross-checking manufacturer details.
Free vs. Premium VIN Lookup
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for basic VIN verification, our free VIN lookup provides essential details. For a complete vehicle history report, including accidents and title status, a paid VIN lookup is the best choice. It helps you make a safer purchase decision.
| Feature | Free VIN Lookup ✅ | Paid VIN Lookup 💰 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Vehicle Details (Make, Model, Year) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| VIN Structure Verification | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Accident History | ❌ Limited | ✅ Full Report |
| Title & Ownership History | ❌ Limited | ✅ Detailed Ownership Records |
| Recall & Safety Issues | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Mileage & Odometer Records | ❌ Basic | ✅ Full Report (Including Rollback Alerts) |
| Salvage & Rebuilt Title Checks | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Flood & Fire Damage Reports | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Lien & Loan Records | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Market Value & Depreciation Insights | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Vehicle Theft & Stolen Status | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Export & Import Records | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Detailed Service & Maintenance History | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Instant Report Delivery | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a VIN, and why is it important?
A VIN is a 17-character unique identifier for a vehicle, containing essential information about its history, specifications, and legal status.
How do I check a VIN?
You can check a VIN by entering it into VINNUMBERLOOKUP.CO for instant vehicle history reports.
What information can I get from a VIN lookup?
A VIN check provides details on accident history, title status, previous owners, recalls, and owner manual.
Is your VIN lookup free?
Yes! At VINNUMBERLOOKUP.CO, we offer free basic VIN checks with the option for detailed reports.
Can I check a VIN by state?
Yes, our tool allows you to verify a vehicle’s history based on state-specific risks and regulations.
How do I decode a VIN for a specific car brand?
Our tool supports BMW, Toyota, Ford, Honda, Mercedes, Porsche, and many more. Enter your VIN at VINNUMBERLOOKUP.CO to see a breakdown of your vehicle’s specs.
What does a salvage title mean?
A salvage title means the car has been declared a total loss by an insurance company due to severe damage or theft.
Can a VIN check help avoid fraud?
Yes! A VIN search helps detect odometer fraud, title washing, and undisclosed accidents, ensuring you buy a legitimate vehicle.
How often should I check a VIN?
Always check the VIN before buying a used car. Do this after an accident or to verify the vehicle’s legal status.
How do I start a VIN lookup?
Simply enter your VIN into the search bar at VINNUMBERLOOKUP.CO to get a detailed vehicle history report instantly.