What do VIN numbers represent?
A VIN is composed of 17 characters (digits and capital letters) that act as a unique identifier for the vehicle. A VIN displays the car’s unique features, specifications and manufacturer. The VIN can be used to track recalls, registrations, warranty claims, thefts and insurance coverage.
What does it mean when a VIN starts with 5?
Toyota VINs starting with “1”, “4”, or “5” represent vehicles assembled in the United States, VINs beginning with “2” indicate vehicles assembled in Canada, and vehicles with VINs beginning with “3” were assembled in Mexico. The next five digits (4 through 8) are the Vehicle Description Section (VDS).
When did the VIN numbers start?
1954
VINs were first used in 1954 in the United States. From 1954 to 1981, there was no accepted standard for these numbers, so different manufacturers used different formats.
What does the VIN number on a car mean?
A vehicle identification number, or VIN, identifies your car. It’s made up of individual numbers and letters with special significance, and provides information about your vehicle.
How to decode the first character in a VIN?
Step 1: Decode the meaning of the first number or letter. The first character in a VIN may be either a letter or number and tells you the geographic area of origin. This is where the car was actually made, and it may be different from where the manufacturer is located.
When was the last revision of the VIN number?
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) was “officially” described in ISO Standard 3779 in February 1977 and last revised in 1983. Vehicle identification numbers are standardized – all contain 17 characters.
What’s the 9th character in the VIN number?
9th Character: The 9th character in your car’s vehicle identification number is a VIN accuracy check digit, verifying the previous numbers within the VIN. This check digit is a single number or letter “X” used to verify the accuracy of the transcription of the vehicle identification number.
What does each digit in a vin mean?
Each character in a VIN has a specific meaning, and the VIN is broken up into sections. The first section identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle, and uses the first three digits: The first digit identifies the nation of origin.
What VIN starts with 5?
The first three digits are called the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI). Toyota VINs starting with “1”, “4”, or “5” represent vehicles assembled in the United States, VINs beginning with “2” indicate vehicles assembled in Canada, and vehicles with VINs beginning with “3” were assembled in Mexico.
What is VIN 8th digit?
The eighth VIN digit (1) will describe engine information a little more in depth, like number of cylinders, number of liters, diesel or gas, etc. These VIN digits can also describe whether the vehicle is a manual, automatic and even trim level (F150 XL, XLT, FX4, Lariat, etc.).
What is VIN format?
VIN Format. Every VIN is built using international standards, the ISO 3779 (Vehicle Identification Numbers) and ISO 3780 (World Manufacturer Identifier) standards. For manufacturers who produce more than 500 vehicles per year, the VIN is divided into the following sections: