According to the NHTSA, 450,000 vehicles are sold each year with false odometer readings, costing Americans more than one billion dollars annually.
On average, 750,000 cars are stolen every year. 1/3 of all car thefts occur in three states: California, Texas and Florida.
Using Driving-Tests.org’s free VIN number lookup is the easiest way possible to get more information on a vehicle. Rather than searching for information in different places, we’ve made this VIN number lookup feature available to get a free vehicle history report. While it’ll allow you to get a better understanding of vehicle specs, it’ll also give you an understanding of accident history and more. We believe it’s the best free VIN decoder on the market with everything you get access to. You no longer need to visit NHTSA for this information! Check the VIN number to avoid unpleasant surprises when you’re buying a car. With that said, let’s take a closer look, so you understand what you’re working with.
Understanding the 17 characters that make up the vehicle identification number (VIN) can help you understand your vehicle’s unique features. The VIN number includes a combination of digits and capital letters specific to your vehicle. Once you understand what each of the digits means, you’re in a much better situation understanding a number of features. While each number or letter may seem random, they all play a role. From describing the engine size to telling you what country a car is made in, each can be decoded and translated with a chart.
| How many characters: |
| 17 (digits and capital letters) |
| Where to find: |
| Dashboard on the driver's side |
| First digit stands for: |
| Country of manufacturer |
Understanding the 17 characters that make up the vehicle identification number (VIN) can help you understand your vehicle’s unique features. The VIN number includes a combination of digits and capital letters specific to your vehicle.
Once you understand what each of the digits means, you’re in a much better situation understanding a number of features. While each number or letter may seem random, they all play a role. From describing the engine size to telling you what country a car is made in, each can be decoded and translated with a chart.
The WMI stands for “World Manufacturer Identifier” and comprises the first 3 digits of the VIN. It tells you where your vehicle was produced and assembled. In combination with the first two digits, the manufacturing division is revealed by the third digit of the VIN.
The VDS lets you better understand the specs of a specific automobile, an interest of many. Look no further than digits in positions 4 through 9 to better understand the VDS. Whether it’s the body type, vehicle model, chassis, or transmission type, digits 4 through 8 are where you’ll need to look. To protect yourself against fraudulent VIN numbers, the U.S. Department of Transportation has created a formula that protects consumers. Therefore, the 9th digit reveals if the entire VIN number is fraudulent.
The VIS, or Vehicle Identifier Section, is comprised of the 10th through the 17th digit and make up the remainder of the VIN number. For vehicles built after 1981, which was the year VIN numbers were standardized, you can look at the 10th digit to find out the year. On the other hand, the manufacturing plant is coded into the 11th digit. The actual serial number is coded included in the 12th through the 17th digit.
Finding your vehicle’s VIN number is easy because it’s normally located on the front of the dashboard, visible through the windshield. Another place it's displayed is where the door latches to the car. Open the door and take a look at the driver’s side door pillar.
Are you riding a motorcycle instead? While sometimes located on the frame near the motor, this 17-digit VIN is typically available on the steering neck. Just look below the handlebars, and you’ll find it. Your vehicle’s title or liability insurance documents are additional places where you can find the 17-digit code too. Make your life more pleasant next time you’re searching for a car. Just use the free VIN code check above to make your life less stressful. It’s an easy online tool that could save you thousands!
Wondering what all the characters in your vehicle's VIN stand for?
