VIN Decoder & Lookup

EpicVIN’s Free VIN Decoder instantly decodes any car’s VIN to reveal key vehicle specs and history highlights at no cost

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Why Choose EpicVIN's VIN Decoder?

  1. 1B+ decoded VINs across all U.S. states – EpicVIN's decoder is backed by one of the largest databases, updated daily.
  2. 5B+ historical auction photos available – See real image details from past auctions to uncover hidden damage.
  3. NMVTIS-approved and government-integrated – Official provider with direct access to registration info.
  4. 100% No-cost – Our VIN decoder has no hidden fees or limitations. Get results instantly.
EpicVIN provides the most up-to-date vehicle data on the market Robert P. Allred, auto expert

How to Use EpicVIN's Free VIN Decoder

Using the EpicVIN decoder is simple. Follow these steps and learn how to decode a particular sequence:

Select a Vehicle Make to Decode

What is a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)?

A vehicle identification number (VIN) is a unique 17-character sequence. It's assigned to every car, truck, or motorcycle. The VIN is like the vehicle's fingerprint. It contains information about the vehicle's brand, year, manufacturer, model, and engine size. In the United States, the standardized 17-digit VIN has been mandatory for all vehicles since 1981, according to NHTSA regulations. The sequence uses only digit characters and capital letters. I, O, and Q aren't included to avoid errors. VIN is used in official registries, such as DMV and insurance databases.

How is a VIN number structured?

The VIN is divided into three main sections:

VIN Description
  • WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier) - Positions 1-3: According to the NHTSA, these symbols are the WMI and indicate the vehicle's manufacturer. The first digit shows the origin. Positions 2-3 identify the specific manufacturer. See the full list of country codes in our VIN Country Codes guide.
  • VDS (Vehicle Descriptor Section) - Positions 4-9: This section describes the model, engine size, year, and vehicle specifications. The 9th digit is a check digit for VIN verification, calculated using a specific algorithm to detect errors in VIN entry.
  • VIS (Vehicle Identifier Section) - Positions 10-17: Contains model year (10th symbol), plant assembled location (11th digit), and unique serial number (positions 12-17). Each manufacturer uses different sequences for identifying the assembly factory.
Symbols Sample What It Reveals
1st 1 Manufacturing country (1 means the United States)
2nd-3rd FT Vehicle manufacturer (F means Ford Inc.)
4th-8th GHDLZ Brand, engine size, and type
9th B Security verification code
10th G Model year information
11th K Assembly plant location
12th-17th 456923 Unique serial number

Vehicles built before 1981 may have shorter VINs.

Where Do I Find the VIN in My Car?

You can find a vehicle's VIN in several places. Where to find the vehicle's VIN depends on the vehicle type:

Where Do I Find the VIN in My Car?
  • On cars/trucks: The VIN location on the car includes the dashboard on the driver's side (the dashboard is visible through the windshield) or door jamb sticker (the driver's side). The vehicle's VIN is also often stamped on the engine or inside the hood area.
  • On motorcycles/ATVs: The VIN on a motorcycle is located on the frame - usually on the steering column or stamped on the engine block.
  • In documents: The VIN appears on the title, registration documents, insurance papers, and dealership documentation. Ensure the vehicle's VIN in documents matches the actual VIN.

If the VIN is unreadable, use License Plate Lookup as an additional searching method to find vehicle information.

Why Decode a VIN Number?

Understanding why decoding a VIN is important for smart vehicle purchasing. The benefits of a VIN lookup include verifying vehicle authenticity and ensuring safety. The importance of VIN check becomes clear when considering these key advantages:

Verification: Confirm authenticity and prevent fraud when searching used car history.

Safety: Find recalls through official manufacturer references.

Specifications: Understand engine, transmission, year, and origin for maintenance.

History Access: Use VIN lookup to access a comprehensive vehicle history report for complete background information.

Cars damaged in floods or accidents can hide unsafe parts - always run a free VIN check first. David Glawe, NICB

Used Cars Can Hide Damage – Real EpicVIN Data

Purchasing a used car without checking the history is risky – our accident car statistics prove it. Hidden damage in used cars presents serious risks that basic inspections miss. This is exactly why you should check the vehicle’s history before buying.

🚨 EpicVIN Statistics:

  • 38.3% of vehicles in our database had reported accidents
  • 3.5% had odometer discrepancies indicating possible fraud
  • 9.5% were marked as salvage vehicles
  • 1.9% showed evidence of flood damage

👉 These risks aren't visible with a basic VIN lookup. Only the vehicle history report shows complete details.

Based on 10M+ VINs analyzed from EpicVIN's proprietary database in 2024.

Nearly 1 in 5 used vehicles we analyze turn out to be salvage or rebuilt — and buyers have no idea until it's too late. Alex Black, EpicVIN CMO.
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What Information Can You Get from a VIN Number?

A VIN decoder reveals essential vehicle specs and manufacturing details:

Results for VIN Decoding for
VIN# KNDPM3AC2L7737242

2020 KIA Sportage

BLOCKCHAIN Confirmed Data Approved NMVTIS Data Provider
2020 KIA Sportage
  • Odometer

    No problems

  • Safety Recalls

    2 record

  • Accidents

    4 problems

  • Last mileage

    133,828 km

  • Auction Sales

    1 sale found

  • Owners

    2+ owners found

  • Year

    Year 2020

  • Make

    Make KIA

  • Model

    Model Sportage

  • Fuel Type

    Fuel Type Gasoline

  • Engine

    Engine 2.4L GDI THETA II

  • Made in

    Made in SOUTH KOREA

  • Basic facts: The brand, model, year, and engine options.
  • Manufacturing information: Place of origin plus manufacturing facility.
  • Safety: Recall campaigns and known defects.
  • Ownership: Basic vehicle history and title status.

Complete accident history requires a full vehicle history report.

VIN Decoder vs. Vehicle History Report

A VIN decoder reveals vehicle specifications, while a VIN lookup (vehicle history report) shows the vehicle's past events. Simple decoding provides technical information: factory specs and basic model details. A vehicle history report includes ownership changes, accidents, and additional facts. Using both tools gives complete vehicle information – decode specifications first, then review history through a comprehensive VIN lookup.

Useful Resources and Links

Frequently Asked Questions

Reputable decoders use public or NMVTIS-approved facts, as well as insurance records, auction photos, and other legal details. Always avoid suspicious sites that require early payment without explaining all further operations.

Free VIN checks cross-reference national stolen vehicle databases to indicate if the sequence is associated with theft or cloning. Drivers are aware of whether sequences are cloned or vehicles are stolen.

Cars built before 1981 feature abbreviated identification numbers of 11-13 characters that need expert interpretation. Certain state DMVs mandate police officer verification for these vintage vehicle registrations.

Vehicle identification numbers enable warranty verification through manufacturer and independent service platforms. These systems reveal original service dates, mileage restrictions, and current powertrain protection status.

Yes. Some tools let drivers enter sequences to pull the factory Monroney label. This includes MSRP and option codes.

Generally, yes. The sequence is visible through the windshield anyway. However, never post documents that link to personal or sensitive data, as this could expose you to identity theft or fraud.

Yes. Look for “commercial, fleet, taxi, or rental use” markers. Check the ownership history section of the comprehensive reports.

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