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Free VIN Decoder & Lookup

You can decode a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to find out more about a vehicle before you buy, sell, or trade.

Car displaying VIN number

What is a VIN and why do I need a VIN Decode?

A vehicle’s VIN is a unique 17-character identifier that is only ever associated with that vehicle. Each vehicle’s accident, service, and recall history is tied to it’s VIN.

A VIN decode helps you verify that the vehicle you are looking at is what you were expecting. This helps ensure that the history of the VIN in a vehicle history report matches the vehicle you are researching. A VIN decode can also potentially identify risks like vehicle fraud or VIN cloning (e.g. the VIN says it’s a truck but you are looking at an SUV).

You’ll find a lot more information on a Vehicle History Report that can provide important information like accident history, service records, registration history, vehicle theft and much more.

Where can I find my VIN?

The location of a VIN depends on the make and model of the vehicle, but it is most commonly found on the vehicle's dashboard.

You’ll be able to find it in one of these locations...

Car showing locations of VIN

  1. Under the hood (front of engine)

  2. Driver’s side interior dash (most common)

  3. Front end of frame (older cars)

  4. Driver’s side door pillar (inside)

How to read and decode your car's Vehicle Identification Number.

Let's take a look at a VIN and see how it's broken down and decoded:

VIN number
  1. 1
    Country of manufacturer
  2. 2
    Vehicle manufacturer
  3. 3
    Vehicle type or division
  4. 4
    Vehicle’s brand, body style, engine size & type, model series etc.
  5. 5
    Security check digit
  6. 6
    Model year
  7. 7
    Assembly plant
  8. 8
    Vehicle’s production # 
(serial number)

Decoded VIN Example

Our FREE VIN Decoder & Lookup will show you the model year, vehicle manufacturer, model type, engine type, and the trim.

VIN12458795412587489
YEAR2011
MANUFACTURERFord
MODELF-150
ENGINE6.2L V8
TRIMSuperCrew Pickup 4WD

VIN model year character codes

The tenth character in every VIN identifies the model year. The following chart displays model year character codes.

A - 1980, 2010L - 1990, 2020Y - 2000
B - 1980, 2011M - 1991, 20211 - 2001
C - 1982, 2012N - 1992, 20222 - 2002
D - 1983, 2013P - 1993, 20233 - 2003
E - 1984, 2014R - 1994, 20244 - 2004
F - 1985, 2015S - 1995, 20255 - 2005
G - 1986, 2016T - 1996, 20266 - 2006
H - 1987, 2017V - 1997, 20277 - 2007
J - 1988, 2018W - 1998, 20288 - 2008
K - 1989, 2019X - 1999, 20299 - 2009
A - 1980, 2010L - 1990, 2020
B - 1980, 2011M - 1991, 2021
C - 1982, 2012N - 1992, 2022
D - 1983, 2013P - 1993, 2023
E - 1984, 2014R - 1994, 2024
F - 1985, 2015S - 1995, 2025
G - 1986, 2016T - 1996, 2026
H - 1987, 2017V - 1997, 2027
J - 1988, 2018W - 1998, 2028
K - 1989, 2019X - 1999, 2029
Y - 20005 - 2005
1 - 20016 - 2006
2 - 20027 - 2007
3 - 20038 - 2008
4 - 20049 - 2009

What vehicles can be decoded with the CARFAX Canada VIN Decoder?

CARFAX Canada supports the following makes for VIN decodes.

A

  • Acura

  • Alfa Romeo

  • Aston Martin

  • Audi

B

  • Bentley

  • BMW

  • Buick

C

  • Cadillac

  • Chevrolet

  • Chrysler

D

  • Daewoo

  • Datsun

  • Dodge

E

  • Eagle

F

  • Ferrari

  • FIAT

  • Ford

  • Freightliner

G

  • Geo

  • GMC

H

  • Honda

  • HUMMER

  • Hyundai

I

  • Infiniti

  • Isuzu

J

  • Jaguar

  • Jeep

K

  • Kia

L

  • Lamborghini

  • Land Rover

  • Lexus

  • Lincoln

M

  • Maserati

  • Maybach

  • Mazda

  • McLaren

  • Mercedes-Benz

  • Mercury

  • MINI

  • Mitsubishi

N

  • Nissan

O

  • Oldsmobile

P

  • Plymouth

  • Pontiac

  • Porsche

R

  • RAM

  • Rolls-Royce

S

  • Saab

  • Saturn

  • Smart

  • Subaru

  • Suzuki

T

  • Tesla

  • Toyota

V

  • Volkswagen

  • Volvo

Car Fox waving

Upgrade your decoded VIN with a Vehicle History Report & Free History-Based Value today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, and you can usually find them on the vehicle frame. NHTSA requires all motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), or “four-wheelers” and “three-wheelers,” to display their 17-digit unique vehicle identification number on the frame. Check your owner’s manual for the exact location. CARFAX Canada’s VIN decode system is optimized for passenger cars and light trucks. Our system may not be able to recognize the VIN of a motorcycle. If you encounter any issues ordering a CARFAX Canada Vehicle History Report for a motorcycle, please contact CARFAX Canada Support for assistance.
  • Unfortunately not. For vehicle’s manufactured prior to 1981: If you wish to verify the history, current condition and/or the lien status of a classic vehicle, please take a thorough test drive. Have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic or auto technician to ensure the vehicle is functioning properly. Speak to the seller to discuss vehicle history further. They have service, damage, repair and/or other documentation to share with you. And contact the province's personal property security registry for more information on obtaining a provincial lien search for a classic vehicle.
  • You may require a VIN decode prior to ordering a Vehicle History Report to determine if your VIN is recognizable by our system. At this time, Vehicle History Reports cannot be ordered for VINs that cannot be recognized by our system. For vehicles with current and/or past BC registration history, a successful VIN decode at time of order is also required to ensure successful completion of the Add ICBC Check.
  • The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a code is assigned to a vehicle manufacturer in order to allow identification of the said manufacturer. When used in conjunction with the remaining section of the VIN, it ensures uniqueness of the VIN for all vehicles manufactured for a period of 30 years.
  • You can verify your VIN for free using the CARFAX Canada VIN Decoder & Lookup tool. You may also be able to verify the VIN through the vehicle manufacturer's website.