What is a VIN?
VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number and, since 1981, is expressed as a 17-character serial number. Each of the positions in a VIN describes a specific aspect of the vehicle
Example VIN for 2011 Ford Fiesta
- 3
- F
- A
- D
- P
- 4
- E
- J
- 9
- B
- M
- 1
- 5
- 6
- 9
- 3
- 7
The World Manufacturer Identification code, with the first character identifying the country of assembly (e.g. 1:United States)
Characters used to identify vehicle attributes such as body style, model and engine type. Each manufacturer uses this section differently
A Check Digit used to algorithmatically validate the entire VIN
Indicates the model year of the vehicle (e.g. B:1987 or 2011). Must sometimes be read with postion 7 in the VIN, in order to make an accurate determination
The plant in which the vehicle was manufactured. The code varies with each manufacturer
These last six digits are used to identify a specific vehicle within the border Year/Make/Model class