Check & Decode Any VIN Instantly

Each vehicle has a unique 17-digit number stamped on its engine, also known as the chassis number or the vehicle identification number (VIN). This number is found on the title document, vehicle registration, insurance policy, on the vehicle, and can be used to retrieve historical data of a vehicle.

Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be found in several locations:

Driver’s Side Dashboard: Visible through the windshield.

Driver’s Side Door Frame: On a sticker or plate where the door latches.

Vehicle Registration Documents: Listed on your registration papers.

Insurance Card/Policy: On your insurance documents.

Vehicle Title: Listed on your vehicle’s title document.

Below is an image from an actual vehicle with VIN number: WDD2040451A310569

A Vehicle History Report is a document that provides essential information about a used vehicle’s past, including accident history, ownership changes, and maintenance records. It helps potential buyers assess the condition and history of the vehicle before making a purchase.

The 17 characters of a VIN are divided into three sections:

Characters 1-3: Identify the manufacturer and country of origin.

Characters 4-8: Describe vehicle type, model, and technical specifications latches.

Characters 9-17: Include a check digit, model year, assembly plant, and unique serial number.

No, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) does not reveal the vehicle owner’s information. The VIN is a unique code used to identify the vehicle’s make, model, year, and other manufacturing details. It does not contain personal information about the owner.

Yes, you can often use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to determine if your car has All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The VIN includes information about the vehicle’s model, engine type, and features, which can include the drivetrain type.

Having your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) known by others is generally not a significant security risk. While the VIN is essential for various legitimate purposes, it does not contain personal information about the owner, and its exposure doesn’t directly lead to identity theft or similar risks.

A VIN decoder interprets the characters in a Vehicle Identification Number to reveal basic information about the vehicle, such as make, model, and year. In contrast, a VIN number check provides a detailed history report of the vehicle, including past ownership, accident history, and service records. While the decoder identifies what the vehicle is, the VIN check tells you about its history and current status.

If you’re getting an “Invalid VIN” message during a VIN check, it’s likely due to one of the following reasons:

Incorrect VIN Input: Double-check for any errors in the VIN you entered. VINs should be 17 characters long, without the letters I, O, and Q.

Unrecognized VIN: The VIN check service might not have your vehicle’s data. Another reason is that no records are found in the United States, and that it’s an European vehicle.

Data Entry Errors: The VIN could have been recorded incorrectly in previous documents.

Technical Issues:The VIN check service might be experiencing a glitch or system problem.

Illegitimate VIN: In rare cases, the VIN might be fraudulent, particularly if the vehicle has a suspicious history.

The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) was created through the Federal Anti-Car Theft Act of 1992, to help protect consumers from fraud and prevent the sale of stolen vehicles.