Tools / Everyday
VIN decoder
Buying a used car? Enter the 17-character VIN to see make, model, trim, year, plant country and factory, engine and drive — and check the VIN is well-formed.
Where's the VIN?
Bottom of the windscreen on the driver's side (from outside), the driver's door pillar, or the registration card.
Details from NHTSA's open vPIC database.
How to use it
- Find the VIN: bottom of the windscreen on the driver's side, the driver's door, or the registration card.
- Type it (17 characters, no I, O or Q).
- Tap “Decode” and compare with what the seller says.
Questions
Does it show accident history?
No, only factory specs. Accident and ownership history come from paid services, an inspection report or traffic records.
Do GCC cars decode?
Most show make, model and maker; some details are missing because the database is American.
Check digit wrong?
Position 9 is mandatory only for North American cars — others often won't match.