How to Decode Your Car VIN: The 17-Character Guide
Your VIN reveals country, manufacturer, engine, transmission, and production year. Learn how to decode it and use it to order the exact right parts.
# Decoding Your Car's VIN
Every vehicle sold worldwide since 1981 has a unique 17-character VIN. Understanding it helps you order parts with 100% fitment confidence.
Structure
- Chars 1–3 (WMI): Country + manufacturer (e.g. `JT1` = Toyota Japan)
- Chars 4–8 (VDS): Model, body, engine, transmission
- Char 9: Check digit
- Char 10: Model year (A=1980, B=1981... N=2022, P=2023, R=2024, S=2025, T=2026)
- Char 11: Plant
- Chars 12–17: Production sequence
Where to find your VIN
- Driver-side dashboard (visible through windshield)
- Driver-door jamb sticker
- Vehicle registration card
Using VIN with partAT
Paste your VIN into any partAT request and suppliers will match the exact OEM references for your specific build.