ISO 3779 VIN structure (WMI, VDS, VIS)
ISO 3779 defines the standard 17‑character VIN format. Understanding the structure helps you decode key details and spot invalid VINs.
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VIN sections (ISO 3779)
| Section | Positions | What it represents |
|---|---|---|
| WMI | 1–3 | World Manufacturer Identifier (region/manufacturer) |
| VDS | 4–9 | Vehicle Descriptor Section (attributes + check digit) |
| VIS | 10–17 | Vehicle Identifier Section (year, plant, serial) |
Decode your VIN free
Enter a 17-character VIN to instantly decode its model year, country, manufacturer and check digit — no sign-up. These values are read straight from the VIN's built-in structure.
VIN structure decoded. For the full history — title brands, odometer readings, accidents, liens and auction records — run the complete report.
Get the full vehicle history
Model-year codes repeat every 30 years, so a code can map to two possible years (e.g. 1996 or 2026) — the manufacturer and body style confirm which. This free tool reads only the VIN's encoded structure and does not include vehicle history.
Key positions to know
- 9th digit: check digit (validation)
- 10th digit: model year code (see VIN year code chart)
- 11th digit: plant code (varies by manufacturer)
How to spot invalid VINs
- Not 17 characters (modern standard)
- Contains I, O, or Q (usually not allowed)
- Fails check-digit validation (9th digit)
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