How to use the VIN decoder for Free VIN Check?

The VIN is a unique identification code, which is characteristic of each vehicle. The single ISO standard for marking vehicles was introduced in 1981 and is still in use today. This unique alphanumeric number follows the vehicle from its "birth" to the end of its life.

What is the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-characters code identifying any car/model. The numbers are assigned based on an ISO 3779:2009. VIN is made up of alphanumeric characters which make any combination composed of these capital letters and numerals: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 A B C D E F G H J K L M N P R S T U V W X Y Z, without the letters O (o), I (i), and Q (q) to avoid confusion with similar-looking numbers – 0, 1, and 9.

The VIN number is divided into three sections:

WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier) is the international identifier of the automaker. It is based on a combination of 3 numbers and/or letters. The first one shows the country of origin, the second character shows the brand’s name, and the third indicates the manufacturer’s division or body type.

The first one shows the country of origin. For example, "W" is for Germany, "J" – Japan, "L" – China, "Z" – Italy, but "1" for USA. Second character shows brand name: "A" – Audi, "B" – BMW, "D" - Mercedes-Benz. Third, represent automaker division or body type.

VDS (Vehicle Descriptor Section) is based on five characters and gives a description of the engine size and type, braking system, car series, model, and body style.

VIS (Vehicle Identifier Section) is a unique auto identifier. These are the last nine characters and information provided depended on car maker origin: American, European, or Asian. These characters show the model year, manufacturing plant, check digit, and car serial number.

How to check year in the VIN number?

The code, which can be a letter or a number, is located in the tenth place in the chassis number. This designation more closely determines the year of manufacture of the car.

Code	Year	Code	Year	Code	Year
A	1980, 2010	N	1992, 2022	0	/
B	1981, 2011	O	/	1	2001, 2031
C	1982, 2012	P	1993, 2023	2	2002, 2032
D	1983, 2013	Q	/	3	2003, 2033
E	1984, 2014	R	1994, 2024	4	2004, 2034
F	1985, 2015	S	1995, 2025	5	2005, 2035
G	1986, 2016	T	1996, 2026	6	2006, 2036
H	1987, 2017	U	/	7	2007, 2037
I	/	V	1997, 2027	8	2008, 2038
J	1988, 2018	W	1998, 2028	9	2009, 2039
K	1989, 2019	X	1999, 2029
L	1990, 2020	Y	2000, 2030
M	1991, 2021	Z	/

You will not find the letters "I", "O", "Q", "U" and "Z" and the number "0" in the chassis number as a code of the year of car production. The year designation can be the year the car was made, the model or the type year assigned by the manufacturer.

Where can I find the VIN number?

You can find the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on most passenger cars on the front of the dashboard on the driver's side. Also, the VIN number can be found under the hood (engine block), driver’s side interior dash, (most common), door frame (left-hand inner wheel arch), and driver’s side door (near door jamb).

Also you can find the VIN on the vehicle’s documents: registration card, vehicle title, Insurance card and owner’s manual.

Why is a VIN number useful?

Checking the VIN is very important before buying a used car. All information from various sources about any car such as date of production, accidents, recalls, thefts, and maintenance, are recorded in various registries and databases using a VIN.

By entering a VIN and creating a VinCheckExpert report you can find out basic car information such as make, model, production year, engine, fuel type, transmission, and power. Also, you can get more valuable data like mileage rollbacks, damages, theft records, and photos.

What does the VinCheckExpert Free VIN decoder show?

VinCheckExpert's free VIN decoder will give you information on a used vehicle you need to know. Usually, VIN decoders provide make, model, country of origin, engine type and size, model year, and transmission type.

How to create a used vehicle history report by chassis number (VIN)?

All you need to do is enter the 17-digit VIN number in the "Enter VIN" field and click the Search button. After a few seconds, VIN Decoder will provide a free VIN check and some basic information. This info should be enough to check whether the VIN is valid or not.

To create a complete report about the vehicle, such as mileage records, odometer fraud, estimate mileage, accidents and damages, theft check, market value, and previous images, you should download a VinCheckExpert vehicle history report.

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