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Free Volkswagen VIN Decoder

Decode any Volkswagen VIN for free and read the model, engine, body and factory options in seconds, plus recalls and safety ratings, for Volkswagen vehicles built in Germany. No registration.

WVWZZZ1KZAW123456See a decoded Volkswagen VIN
WMI: WVW · WVG · WV1 · WV2 · 1VW · 3VW Plant-code decode Recall lookup NCAP safety
157 Volkswagen models covered Free instant decode, no sign-up Official open-data sources

How to read a Volkswagen VIN number

A Volkswagen VIN has 17 characters. Each section tells you something different about the car.

WVW
1–3WMI · maker & country
ZZZ1KZ
4–9VDS · model, body, engine
A
10Model year
W
11Assembly plant
123456
12–17Serial number
WMI (1–3) World Manufacturer Identifier, Volkswagen uses WVW · WVG · WV1 · WV2 · 1VW · 3VW.
VDS (4–9) model line, body, engine and restraint, position 9 is the check digit.
Model year (10) a single letter or digit for the model year.
Plant (11) the assembly plant where this Volkswagen was built.
Serial (12–17) the unique production sequence number.

Where is Volkswagen made?

Volkswagen is a German manufacturer based in Wolfsburg and the core brand of the VW Group. Cars are built across Germany and worldwide; European VWs carry WVW/WVG, US-built cars 1VW and Mexican-built cars 3VW.

DE WolfsburgDE EmdenDE ZwickauSK BratislavaPT PalmelaMX Puebla

Popular Volkswagen models we decode

All variants and years are covered, see the full list further down.

Compact hatch

Golf

The best-known VW, hatch, Variant, GTI and R, across Mk1–Mk8.

Family saloon

Passat

Mid-size saloon and Variant estate; long-running fleet favourite.

Compact SUV

Tiguan

VW’s top-selling SUV, petrol, diesel and eHybrid.

Supermini

Polo

The compact city car, including the warm Polo GTI.

Crossover

T-Roc

Stylish compact crossover, also as a cabriolet.

Electric SUV

ID.4

Fully electric SUV on the MEB platform.

Why check a Volkswagen VIN before buying?

A Volkswagen VIN check helps you avoid odometer fraud, confirm the car matches its documents, reveal outstanding recalls, and verify the exact specification before you commit, essential for imported or cross-border vehicles.

Free VIN decode vs full history report

The free decoder covers the basics from open data. A full history report adds the records that aren't publicly available.

Free VIN decode

This tool · €0
  • ✓ Full specifications
  • ✓ Safety recalls
  • ✓ Safety ratings (NCAP)
  • ✓ Emissions & CO₂
  • Mileage history
  • Theft / stolen check
  • Accident history
Full history

Full history report

via carVertical
  • ✓ Everything in the free decode
  • ✓ Mileage / odometer verification
  • ✓ Stolen-vehicle check
  • ✓ Accident & damage records
  • ✓ Ownership & registration history
Check full history

20% off with code vindecoderapp · the “Check full history” button is an affiliate link to carVertical, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

How to find your Volkswagen VIN number

The 17-character VIN appears in several places on the car and its paperwork.

Windscreen & door

Through the base of the windscreen on the driver's side, and on the driver's door-jamb sticker.

Engine bay & body

Many Volkswagen models also stamp the VIN on the engine-bay bulkhead or a strut tower.

Registration documents

The VIN is printed on the registration certificate (V5C / title) and the insurance documents.

Volkswagen models in our spec database (157)

Every Volkswagen model and generation we hold specifications for.

Amarok 2017+Amarok Double Cab 2009–2016Amarok Single Cab 2011–2016Ameo 2016–2020Arteon 2017+Arteon R 2020+Arteon Shooting Brake 2020+Arteon Shooting Brake R 2020+Atlas 2017–2019Atlas Cross Sport 2024+Atlass Cross Sport 2019+Beetle 1946+Beetle Cabriolet 2003–2005Beetle Cabriolet A5 2005+Beetle GSR 2014+Bora 1998–2005Bora (China) 2008+Bora Variant 1999–2004CC 2012–2017Caddy 2005–2016Corrado 1989–1995Cross up! 2013–2016CrossGolf 2007–2010CrossPolo 2006–2009CrossTouran 2007–2010Derby 1977–1981Eos 2006–2016Fox 2005–2009Gol 2008–2014Golf Alltrack 2020+Golf GTD 2020+Golf GTD 3 Doors 2009–2017Golf GTD 5 Doors 2009–2020Golf GTE 2021+Golf GTI 2013–2017Golf GTI 3 Doors 2008–2013Golf GTI 5 Doors 2008–2013Golf I (5 Doors) 1974–1983Golf I 3 Doors 1974–1983Golf I GTI 1976–1983Golf II 3 doors 1983–1992Golf II 5 Doors 1983–1992Golf II GTI 3 Doors 1984+Golf III 3 Doors 1991–1997Golf III 5 Doors 1992–1997Golf III Cabriolet 1993–1998Golf III GTI 1992–1997Golf III Variant 1993–1999Golf IV 3 doors 1997–2003Golf IV 5 doors 1997–2003Golf IV Cabriolet 1998–2002Golf IV R32 2002–2004Golf IV Variant 1999–2006Golf Plus 2005–2013Golf R 2022+Golf R Variant 2022+Golf R32 3 Doors 2005+Golf Sportsvan 2014–2017Golf V 3 Doors 2003–2008Golf V 5 Doors 2003–2008Golf V GTI 3 Doors 2004–2008Golf V GTI 5 Doors 2004–2008Golf V R32 5 Doors 2005–2008Golf V Variant/ Jetta Sportwagon 2007–2014Golf VI 3 Doors 2008–2012Golf VI 5 Doors 2008–2012Golf VI Cabriolet 2011–2016Golf VI GTI Cabriolet 2012–2015Golf VI R 3 Doors 2009–2013Golf VI R 5 Doors 2009–2013Golf VI R Cabriolet 2013–2017Golf VI Variant 2009–2013Golf VII 3 Doors 2012–2019Golf VII 5 Doors 2012–2019Golf VII Alltrack 2014–2020Golf VII GTD Variant 2015+Golf VII GTE 2017–2020Golf VII R 2017–2021Golf VII R - 5 Doors 2013+Golf VII R 3 Doors 2013–2017Golf VII R Variant 2015–2021Golf VII Variant 2013–2020Golf Variant 2020+ID Buzz LWB 2024+ID. Buzz 2023+ID.3 2020+ID.4 2020+ID.4 GTX 2021+ID.5 2021+ID.5 GTX 2021+ID.7 2024+ID.7 GTX 2024+ID.7 GTX Tourer 2025+Jetta 2005–2021Jetta GLI 2022+Lavida 2008–2012Lupo 1998–2005Lupo 3L 1999–2005Lupo GTI 2002–2005Multivan 2003–2015Multivan (T6) 2015+Multivan Bulli (T6.1) 2019+New Beetle 1998+New Beetle RSi 2001+Nivus 2020+Passat 1981–2014Passat (US) 2012–2019Passat 3 Doors 1973–1981Passat Alltrack 2012–2019Passat CC 2009–2011Passat GTE 2015–2019Passat Hatchback 1981–1987Passat R36 2008–2010Passat R36 Variant 2008–2010Passat Sedan 2014+Passat Variant 1974–2014Passat Variant GTE 2015–2019Phaeton 2002–2016Phaeton Long 2004–2009Pointer 1994–1996Polo 2021+Polo 3 Doors 1975–2017Polo 5 Doors 1994–2021Polo BlueGT 2013+Polo Classic 1996–1998Polo Coupe 1982–1990Polo Fun 2004–2005Polo GTI 2005–2017Polo Sedan 2010+Polo Variant 1997–2001Routan 2008–2013Santana 1982–1985Scirocco 1977–2014Scirocco R 2014+Sharan 1996–2010T-Cross 2019+T-Roc 2017+T-Roc Cabriolet 2020+T-Roc R 2019+Taigo 2021+Taos 2025+Tiguan 2008–2020Tiguan Allspace 2017+Tiguan R 2020+Touareg 2002–2019Touareg R 2020+Touran 2003–2015Transporter Kombi (T6) 2015+VW e-UP! 2013+Vento 2010+Vento/Jetta 1992–1998XL1 2013–2016e-Golf 2014–2016e-UP! 2019+up! 3 doors 2012–2016up! 5 doors 2012+up! GTI 2018+

Decode other makes

Comparing vehicles from different brands? Open another make-specific decoder, or browse all makes.

Volkswagen VIN Decoder FAQ

Common questions about checking Volkswagen vehicle identification numbers.

What is a Volkswagen VIN decoder?+
A Volkswagen VIN decoder reads the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number and returns the model, engine, body type, model year, production plant and factory options. Our Volkswagen VIN checker is free and needs no registration.
How do I decode a Volkswagen VIN for free?+
Enter the 17-character VIN in the box at the top of the page and submit. The free Volkswagen VIN checker instantly runs a lookup and returns specifications, recall information and available safety ratings.
Where is the VIN located on a Volkswagen?+
On most Volkswagen vehicles the VIN is visible at the base of the windscreen on the driver's side, on the driver's door jamb sticker, and on the vehicle registration document (V5C / title).
How many characters is a Volkswagen VIN?+
A valid Volkswagen VIN has exactly 17 characters and never contains the letters I, O or Q, to avoid confusion with the digits 1 and 0.
Where is Volkswagen made, and how do I tell from the VIN?+
Volkswagen is associated with Germany and is built at several plants. The country and plant are encoded in the VIN: Volkswagen uses WMI prefixes such as WVW · WVG · WV1 · WV2 · 1VW · 3VW, and position 11 identifies the assembly plant.
Is the Volkswagen VIN decoder really free?+
Yes. Decoding specifications, recalls and safety ratings is completely free with no account required. A paid full-history report is optional if you also need mileage and theft checks.
Can I check Volkswagen recalls by VIN?+
Yes. The decoder cross-references Volkswagen recall campaigns from NHTSA, Transport Canada and the EU Safety Gate so you can see whether a specific VIN is affected.
What is the difference between a free decode and a full history report?+
The free decode covers specifications, recalls, safety ratings and emissions. The full report adds mileage verification, stolen-vehicle checks, accident records and ownership history.

Decode your Volkswagen VIN, free

Enter the 17-character VIN to get instant specifications, recalls and safety data. No registration required.

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