Decode any Vehicle Identification Number instantly — 200+ manufacturers supported.
200+ makes · VIN validation · Model year / plant
Methodology: ISO 3779 VIN standard · NHTSA recall data · WMI manufacturer database
A VIN decoder reads a vehicle's 17-character identification number to reveal the manufacturer, country of origin, model year, assembly plant, and NHTSA safety recalls — all for free.
Decode any 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) instantly. Our decoder identifies the manufacturer, country of origin, model year, assembly plant, and validates the check digit — supporting 200+ global manufacturers per ISO 3779 standards. Plus, we cross-reference active NHTSA safety recalls so you can check a vehicle before buying.
Check GST/HST rates by province to budget sales tax on your vehicle purchase, or estimate your take-home pay to see what you can afford. All VIN decoding runs in your browser — no data is stored or tracked. Just type your VIN and results appear automatically.
A VIN is a unique 17-character code that identifies a vehicle's manufacturer, country, model year, engine type, and assembly plant.
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle manufactured after 1981. It reveals the manufacturer, country of origin, model year, assembly plant, engine type, and vehicle specifications. It is the vehicle's fingerprint — no two vehicles share the same VIN.
Look on the driver's side dashboard (through the windshield), the door jamb sticker, or your registration/insurance documents.
Look at the dashboard on the driver's side (visible through the windshield), the driver's side door jamb sticker, your vehicle registration card, insurance documents, or under the hood near the firewall. Most vehicles also have the VIN stamped on the engine block.
Yes — usecos offers a completely free VIN decoder for Canadian, US, and global vehicles with 200+ manufacturers and NHTSA recall checks.
Yes! Our VIN decoder is completely free and supports Canadian, US, and global vehicles from 200+ manufacturers. The basic decode runs entirely in your browser. NHTSA recall checks are fetched securely. No signup, no tracking, no data stored.
Chars 1-3: manufacturer & country. 4-8: vehicle attributes. 9: check digit. 10: model year. 11: plant. 12-17: serial number.
Characters 1-3 (WMI): manufacturer and country. Characters 4-8 (VDS): model, body type, engine, restraints. Character 9: check digit for validation. Character 10: model year code. Character 11: assembly plant. Characters 12-17: unique serial number.
Enter the 17-character VIN in our decoder to automatically cross-reference the NHTSA recall database for active safety recalls.
Enter the 17-character VIN into our decoder and we automatically cross-reference the NHTSA recall database. You can also check directly at nhtsa.gov/recalls or Transport Canada's recall database. Always verify recalls before buying a used vehicle.
No — VIN decoders show build data and recalls. For theft/write-off history, get a CARFAX Canada or CarProof vehicle history report.
A VIN decoder gives manufacturer info and recalls, but for theft or write-off history you need a vehicle history report from CARFAX Canada or CarProof. Our decoder shows you the basic build data — always pair it with a history check before purchasing.