Airdrie Driving School
Understanding your
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
(for vehicles from 1981 onward)
The first character tells you where the vehicle was
built. It is called the
'World Manufacturing Identifier (WMI).'
1 =
2 =
3 =
4 =
5 =
The 9th character is part of a mathematical formula
for determining the validity of the VIN.
It must be one of the following:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, or X
The 10th character is the model year code.
B=1981
G=1986 M=1991 T=1996
1=2001 6=2006
C=1982
H=1987 N=1992 V=1997
2=2002 7=2007
D=1983
J=1988 P=1993
W=1998 3=2003 8=2008
E=1984
K=1989 R=1994
X=1999 4=2004 9=2009
F=1985
L=1990 S=1995
Y=2000 5=2005
Starting with 2010 the model year code starts over at the letter ‘A’
The 11Th character identifies the exact Plant where
the vehicle was made.
It can be either numeric or alpha.
Characters 12 through 17 identify the exact vehicle and must be numeric.
A Few Tips
Except for very old vehicles, the VIN should have 17 characters.
The letters I, O, and Q never appear in a VIN.
Always verify the VIN by looking at the vehicle. It should be visible by looking at the dashboard through the front window (the windshield) from the driver's side. It should also be on the driver's door.
Be careful when dealing with sets of letters and numbers such as:
S &
5 G & 6
D & 0 U & V
B & 8 Z &
2
When talking VIN's over the phone, reconfirm similar sounds such as:
H & 8, M &
N, J & G,
S & F, B & D
& V