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What information do you get from a VIN?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code assigned to each vehicle manufactured. It serves as a comprehensive identifier that provides valuable information about the vehicle, including its manufacturer, model, year of production, assembly plant, and various distinguishing characteristics.

Here's the information you can obtain from a VIN:

1. World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI): The first three characters of the VIN represent the WMI. This section identifies the manufacturer and the country of origin.

2. Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS): The next five characters make up the VDS. It provides details about the vehicle's type, platform, body style, engine type, and restraint system.

3. Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS): The ninth character of the VIN is the check digit. It's a verification number that helps in identifying potential errors in the VIN. The remaining seven characters form the VIS, which includes information such as the model year, assembly plant, and sequential production number.

4. Model Year: The tenth character of the VIN represents the model year of the vehicle.

5. Assembly Plant: The eleventh character of the VIN indicates the assembly plant where the vehicle was manufactured.

6. Sequential Production Number: The last six digits of the VIN represent the sequential production number, often referred to as the serial number. It uniquely identifies each vehicle within its model year and assembly plant.

By interpreting the characters in a VIN, you can gain essential details about a vehicle, including its make, model, year, origin, and specific attributes. This information is valuable for various purposes, such as vehicle registration, title transfers, insurance claims, accident investigations, and parts identification.