VIN decoder: check your VIN for free.
Enter any 17-character VIN to instantly decode factory specifications: make, model line, manufacturer, assembly country, model year, assembly plant, and ISO structure.
How a 17-character VIN is structured
Every vehicle manufactured since 1981 follows the ISO 3779 and ISO 3780 international standards. A VIN is divided into three distinct segments, each encoding specific factory attributes:
WMI • World Manufacturer Identifier
Positions 1 to 3 indicate the geographic region, country of origin, and vehicle manufacturer (e.g., WVW for VW Germany, 3VW for VW Mexico, WBA for BMW Germany, UU1 for Dacia Romania).
VDS • Vehicle Descriptor Section
Positions 4 to 8 describe the vehicle model line, body style, engine type, transmission setup, and platform identifier according to manufacturer codes.
VIS • Vehicle Identifier Section
Position 9 holds the ISO check digit, position 10 encodes the model year, position 11 denotes the assembly plant, and positions 12-17 represent the unique serial production number.
Free VIN decoding vs full vehicle history report
Understanding what basic decoding offers compared to a full historical background check helps buyers make safe used-car purchases:
| Data category | Free VIN decoder | Certcar report |
|---|---|---|
| Make, model and basic specifications | Included | Check included |
| Country of origin and model year | Included | Check included |
| Assembly plant and VIN validation | Included | Check included |
| Factory equipment list | Not in the decoder | Check included |
| Mileage and service history | Not in the decoder | Check included |
| Damage, affected areas and estimated costs | Not in the decoder | Check included |
| Historical photos of the vehicle | Not in the decoder | Check included |
| Theft check | Not in the decoder | Check included |
| Legal status check | Not in the decoder | Check included |
| Commercial use | Not in the decoder | Check included |
| Market valuation | Not in the decoder | Check included |
Where to locate the VIN on your vehicle
When inspecting a vehicle before purchase, verify that the 17-character VIN matches identically across all physical locations and documentation:
Windshield corner
Visible through the bottom-left corner of the front windscreen on the driver's side.
Driver door B-pillar
Printed on the vehicle certification sticker on the driver door jamb or door post.
Engine bay / strut tower
Directly stamped into the metal firewall or suspension strut housing under the hood.
Vehicle documents
Found on the vehicle registration document (V5C / registration card) and insurance policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a free VIN decode and a history report?
A VIN decoder interprets the permanent numbers stamped by the manufacturer (make, model, factory, year, engine code). A Certcar vehicle history report queries live databases in 40+ countries to retrieve real recorded mileage readings, past insurance damage claims, stolen vehicle listings, and past auction photos.
Can a VIN reveal if a car has been in an accident?
The VIN sequence itself does not contain accident records. However, using the VIN to run a Certcar history check links to European insurance and repair databases, uncovering hidden collisions, total losses, and repair estimates.
Are all vehicle makes supported?
Yes, our decoder supports all international automotive brands complying with the standard 17-character ISO VIN format, including BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Dacia, Renault, Toyota, Skoda, Porsche, Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, and many more.