A VIN is a 17-character code unique to your vehicle. It identifies the manufacturer, model, engine, body style, model year and assembly plant. For engines, the 8th character usually identifies the engine installed at the factory, and the 10th character shows the model year.
Where to find your VIN
- Dashboard: look through the windshield at the lower driver-side corner.
- Driver door jamb: on the sticker where the door latches.
- Registration, title or insurance card: the VIN is printed on each.
What your VIN tells us
| Characters 1 to 3 | World manufacturer identifier (country and maker) |
|---|---|
| Characters 4 to 8 | Vehicle description, including model, body and, on most US vehicles, the engine (8th character) |
| Character 9 | Check digit used to validate the VIN |
| Character 10 | Model year |
| Character 11 | Assembly plant |
| Characters 12 to 17 | Serial number |
Why a VIN matters more than year, make and model
The same model can be built with several engines, transmissions and drivetrains in one year. A 2018 F-150, for example, was offered with multiple engines and both 2WD and 4WD. The VIN removes the guesswork, which protects you from ordering a part that does not fit.
Other codes that help
- Engine code from the emissions label under the hood
- Transmission code from the tag on the transmission case
- For GM vehicles, the RPO code sticker in the glovebox
- The part number printed on your old part or module
VIN FAQ
Is it safe to share my VIN?
Yes. A VIN identifies the vehicle, not the owner. It is visible through your windshield and is used by every parts supplier and repair shop.
What if my VIN has the letter O?
Standard VINs never use I, O or Q, to avoid confusion with 1 and 0. If you see an O, it is the number zero.
Can you decode older vehicles?
Vehicles built since 1981 use the 17-character format. Send the VIN and we will confirm what we can match.