Free VIN Decoder for Canadian & US Vehicles
Enter any 17-digit VIN number and instantly decode the manufacturer, country of origin, vehicle type, year and more — completely free.
Example: 1HGBH41JXMN109186 or 2HGES16504H600001
VIN Decoded Successfully
Want the Full Vehicle History?
A VIN decode shows what the vehicle is. A full history report shows what the vehicle has been through — accidents, theft, salvage, ownership and more.
What is a VIN Number?
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every motor vehicle manufactured since 1981. Think of it as the vehicle's fingerprint — no two vehicles share the same VIN.
In Canada, Transport Canada requires all vehicles sold or registered domestically to carry a VIN. It is stamped on a metal plate visible through the windshield on the driver's side dashboard, and also appears on your vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents.
A VIN decode reveals basic manufacturing information — the country where the vehicle was built, the manufacturer, the vehicle type, and the model year. It does not show accident history, ownership records, or whether the vehicle was stolen. For that, you need a full vehicle history report.
World Manufacturer Identifier (Pos. 1)
Country of origin. "1" or "4" = USA, "2" = Canada, "3" = Mexico, "J" = Japan, "W" = Germany.
Manufacturer (Pos. 2–3)
Identifies the manufacturer. "HG" = Honda, "FA" = Ford, "PC" = Chrysler etc.
Vehicle Type (Pos. 4)
Identifies the vehicle type, body style, and restraint systems.
Vehicle Descriptor (Pos. 5–8)
Engine type, model line, body style and series information.
Check Digit (Pos. 9)
A mathematical verification digit used to validate the entire VIN number.
Model Year + Plant (Pos. 10–11)
"M" = 1991, "N" = 1992... the letter/number identifies the production year and assembly plant.
Sequential Number (Pos. 12–17)
The unique production sequence number assigned to this specific vehicle.
Free VIN Decode vs Full History Report
Here is what you get — and what you are missing — with a free decode alone.
Free VIN Decode (This Tool)
Tells you the country of manufacture, make, vehicle type, model year, and whether the VIN format is valid. Good for a basic identity check.
Full History Report (Recommended)
Reveals the full story — accident records, theft checks, salvage history, all previous owners, title status, and market value. Essential before buying any used vehicle.
Why Canadian Buyers Need This
Vehicles imported from the US may have hidden flood or hurricane damage. Canadian provincial records do not always capture US incident history — a full report does.
Ready for the Full Picture?
A VIN decode is just the start. Get a complete vehicle history report delivered to your inbox in 4–8 hours.
View All Report Plans →