What is a VIN — Vehicle Identification Number
At a glance
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the unique 17‑character code assigned to every motor vehicle at the time of manufacture. It’s the car’s fingerprint: one string that ties together origin, specifications, and history.
What a VIN looks like
A VIN uses letters and numbers but skips the letters I, O, and Q to avoid confusion with 1 and 0.
1HGCM82633A004352How the VIN breaks down
The 17 characters are grouped into three parts, each carrying specific information:
- WMI (1–3) — World Manufacturer Identifier: where and by whom the vehicle was built.
- VDS (4–9) — Vehicle Descriptor Section: model, body, restraint system, engine; position 9 is the check digit.
- VIS (10–17) — Vehicle Identifier Section: model year (position 10), assembly plant (11), and a unique production sequence (12–17).
| Position(s) | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1–3 | Manufacturer & country (WMI) |
| 4–8 | Vehicle attributes (VDS) |
| 9 | Check digit (validates the VIN) |
| 10 | Model year code |
| 11 | Assembly plant |
| 12–17 | Serial number (production sequence) |
Note: Model year codes repeat on a cycle. For example, A can represent 1980, 2010, or 2040; the correct year is confirmed with build records and context.
Why the VIN matters
The VIN shows up on the title, registration, insurance papers, and service records. Manufacturers, insurers, dealers, and buyers use it to track a vehicle through its life.
Common uses
- History checks — look up accidents, theft records, and title changes.
- Parts matching — confirm a replacement part fits the exact engine, trim, and body.
- Recall status — see whether the vehicle is covered by a manufacturer recall.
Tips when reading a VIN
- Copy the code exactly. One character off can point to a different car.
- Verify in more than one spot: windshield dash plate, driver‑side door jamb, and under‑hood labels.
- Use reputable decoding resources or the manufacturer’s own tools for detailed specs.
Quick example
Take the VIN 1HGCM82633A004352:
- 1HG — Honda manufactured in the United States (WMI).
- CM826 — model and body details (VDS).
- 3 — check digit at position 9.
- A — model year code (2010 in the 2010–2039 cycle; confirm with build info).
- 004352 — production sequence number (VIS 12–17).