What do all the digits in a VIN mean?

The first group of three numbers and letters in a VIN make up the world manufacturer identifier (WMI). In this group, the first digit or letter identifies the country of origin. ... The third digit, when combined with the first two letters or numbers, indicates the vehicle's type or manufacturing division.

1. What do the last 6 digits in your VIN stand for?
2. What does the 8th digit of a VIN mean?
3. Can I see who owns a car by VIN number?
4. What does the 10th digit of a VIN mean?
5. Why does my VIN only have 11 numbers?
6. Can a VIN number be 12 digits?
7. What letters are not allowed in the VIN?
8. What do the 17 digits in a VIN mean?
9. What does the 5th number in a VIN mean?
10. What digit in VIN tells engine size?
11. Can you tell trim level by VIN?
12. Can a VIN number be 16 digits?
13. What is the best free VIN check website?
14. Is a VIN number public information?

What do the last 6 digits in your VIN stand for?

The last six digits of a VIN reveal the vehicle's regular production options (RPO) and is also commonly referred to as its serial number. ... These last six digits identify all of the factory fitted options, as provided by the manufacturer—imagine it as the vehicle's 'DNA.

What does the 8th digit of a VIN mean?

Vehicle Description Section

The fourth through eighth digits describe your vehicle's model, body type, restraint system, transmission type, and engine code. The ninth digit is the check digit, which is used to detect fraudulent VINs.

Can I see who owns a car by VIN number?

VIN is also used to find out who owns a vehicle. Not anyone can make this inquiry within valid and legal means because some places protect this information as a privilege and even a right by the vehicle owner. ... Usually, their investigation can give you information such as the name, address, and phone number.

What does the 10th digit of a VIN mean?

The 10th character in the 17-character VIN represents the vehicle model-year. This standard applies to vehicles built in or after 1981. Before 1981, the VIN format was not standardized and varied by manufacturer.

Why does my VIN only have 11 numbers?

Between 1968 and 1980, all manufacturers issued VINs for their vehicles, but there was no uniformity. Some manufacturers issued 13-digit VINs, while others issued 11-digit or even 9-digit VIN's. ... Uniformity between the manufacturers and the state titling agencies (for those who titled vehicles) was non-existent.

Can a VIN number be 12 digits?

A 12-character VIN number

In some cases, the VIN you will find in the car will only contain 12 characters. The number may be shorter because the previous one was damaged or unreadable and the owner decided to replace it in accordance with applicable regulations.

What letters are not allowed in the VIN?

The VIN does not use I, O, Q, U or Z. From 2001 to 2009, the numbers 1 through 9 were used in place of letters. The alphabet started over from A in 2010 and will continue until 2030.

What do the 17 digits in a VIN mean?

A VIN is composed of 17 characters (digits and capital letters) that act as a unique identifier for the vehicle. A VIN displays the car's unique features, specifications and manufacturer. The VIN can be used to track recalls, registrations, warranty claims, thefts and insurance coverage.

What does the 5th number in a VIN mean?

Each manufacturer uses this six-digit field in its way. ... At Toyota, the fifth digit of the VIN identifies the engine and the sixth digit represents the series. The seventh digit details the restraint system, including seat belts and airbags. The eighth digit identifies the model.

What digit in VIN tells engine size?

Your VIN number is your vehicle identification number and you can find your engine size by VIN number. In the series of numbers and letters, the tenth from the left denotes the model year and the eighth is the engine codes. Just tell the store clerk those two characters and you're in business.

Can you tell trim level by VIN?

Specific vehicles will often show the trim level on the vehicle itself. ... The VIN can reveal a number of things about a car, including its airbag type, country of origin, engine size, model year and trim level. The last 6 characters of the VIN is the most important part that contains the vehicle's unique ID.

Can a VIN number be 16 digits?

A vehicle's vehicle identification number (VIN) is like its birth certificate, a unique identifier that sets it apart from all others. Older vehicle models carry 16-digit VINs, while newer VINs are made up of 17 digits/characters. ... By 1983, ISO Standard 3779 introduced a standard VIN system for all manufacturers.

What is the best free VIN check website?

You can get a free VIN check at the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), VehicleHistory.com or iSeeCars.com/VIN. Just pop in your car's digits and these sites will do the VIN lookup and give you information on the vehicle. But you should use more than one of these sites to get the full picture.

Is a VIN number public information?

Because VIN data is not public record, it is completely safe to provide your car's VIN to a potential buyer, be that online or in person. A VIN can only be used to obtain general information about your vehicle's service records and history. After all, any person could simply walk up to your car and read its VIN.