Tool · Converters
VIN Decoder
Check VIN format and limited local codes, then choose whether to request vehicle details from NHTSA vPIC.
VIN sections
WMI (positions 1–3) · VDS (4–9) · VIS (10–17)
Inspect a VIN
Spaces at either end are ignored and lowercase letters are treated as uppercase. Standard VINs do not use I, O or Q. Format checks do not verify that a VIN was issued.
If you select Request NHTSA vehicle details, this browser sends the normalized VIN directly to the NHTSA vPIC API. Hex Labs does not proxy this request. No remote request is made while you type.
What this VIN decoder checks
A standard modern Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) has 17 characters. The local check trims surrounding spaces, treats lowercase letters as uppercase, checks the length and permitted character set, and displays the WMI, VDS and VIS positions. A small built-in table can provide limited WMI and model-year-code lookups. Year codes repeat, and local lookups do not confirm that a VIN was issued or identify every vehicle.
For the structure, year-code context and limits of local versus external decoding, read Understanding VIN Numbers: Structure, Decoding and Limitations.
The optional NHTSA Product Information Catalog Vehicle Listing (vPIC) request can return manufacturer-submitted vehicle fields such as make, model, model year, body class or engine details when available. It is sent directly from your browser only after you choose the NHTSA lookup. Results can be partial or unavailable and do not establish ownership, accident history, theft status or guaranteed factory specification. NHTSA vPIC is an external data source; Hex Labs is not affiliated with or endorsing that service.
Read the official NHTSA vPIC API documentation for service details.
How to Find Your VIN
- Look at the base of the windshield on the driver side dashboard.
- Check the sticker inside the driver door jamb.
- Your registration or insurance card may also list the VIN.
Coverage and limitations
Manufacturer reporting and vPIC coverage vary. Treat returned fields as reference data and confirm important details with vehicle documents or the manufacturer. This decoder is not a vehicle-history service and does not provide ownership, accident, theft or title records.