VIN Decoder / vin-check / United States
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Free United States VIN Decoder

Buying or importing a American car? Decode its VIN for free and get the full specifications, recalls and safety ratings, straight from open vehicle data. No registration.

NHTSA / Canada recalls Specifications NCAP safety
Free instant decode, no sign-up Official open-data sources

Why check a VIN when buying from United States?

US cars use a different VIN model-year scheme and federal safety standards; imports need careful checking against NHTSA recalls and the title record. Before you commit, a VIN check helps you confirm the exact specification, reveal outstanding recalls, and verify the car matches its documents, your first defence against odometer rollback, concealed accident damage and VIN cloning on a cross-border purchase.

The “VIN” on a American car

VIN

That's the American name for the 17-character VIN, the same number our decoder reads.

Windscreen & door

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

Registration document

It's printed in the Certificate of Title / registration.

How to read the VIN

A VIN has 17 characters. Positions 1–3 identify the maker and country of build, 4–9 the model and engine, 10 the model year, 11 the plant, and 12–17 the serial number.

What the free check shows, and what it doesn't

We're upfront: the free decode covers open data. Mileage, theft and accident history aren't public, so for those a full history report is the honest route.

Free VIN decode

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

Common makes to decode

Open a make-specific decoder for plants, WMI codes and headline models.

Check a car from another country

Importing from elsewhere? Open another country's VIN-check guide.

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United States VIN check FAQ

Can I check a United States VIN for free?+
Yes. Enter the 17-character VIN above to decode a American car for free, model, engine, body, model year, plus recalls and available safety ratings. No registration.
Where is the VIN on a American car?+
Look at the base of the windscreen on the driver's side and on the driver's door-jamb sticker. On paper it is printed in the Certificate of Title / registration. American drivers call it the “VIN”.
What does the United States VIN check show, and what doesn't it?+
The free decode shows specifications, recalls and safety/emissions from open data. It does not show mileage history, accident records or theft status, for those, use the full history report linked below.

Decode a American car's VIN, free

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

Decode VIN now