VIN Decoder
Technical data and vehicle history for your used car.
What does the VIN Decoder from CARFAX do?
A VIN decoder deciphers the chassis number of a used car. A VIN query will tell you what make and model it is and whether there is an import history from 20 European countries or North America. You can also use our free VIN check for your used car purchase. Our VIN decoder is linked to CARFAX's vehicle history. It gives you important information about the vehicle, so you don't unknowingly get behind the wheel of a vehicle with a safety risk.
Why is a VIN check important?
- A VIN Decoder helps to buy and sell used cars safely
- A CARFAX VIN Check is linked to the used car history
- Verifies the vehicle identity to rule out fake or cloned VINs
- Keeps you from buying cars with hidden and expensive repair costs
Where can I find the VIN number?
The VIN is always found in the vehicle documents. In addition, the individual serial number is affixed to various parts of the car, for example on the windshield or on the door frame of the driver's door.
How is the VIN structured?
The 17-digit VIN number is assigned individually for each vehicle and therefore needs different components. It consists of digits and letters, excluding the letters I, O and Q to avoid confusion. The number is divided into several blocks:
Manufacturer identification
Check digits
References to the model
Equipment
Year of manufacture
Production site
What does a CARFAX vehicle history look like?
CARFAX gives you the opportunity to find out as much information as possible about the life of a used car and helps you avoid buying a car with hidden problems.
VIN Decoding for Business Customers - The CARFAX Vehicle Data Service
We provide valuable VIN decoding services to all types of automotive businesses to dramatically improve the user experience. Every time a user has to manually enter vehicle information, the number of abandonment increases exponentially. With CARFAX Vehicle Data Service (VDS), vehicle details are pre-filled into forms, for example, by simply entering the license plate number or VIN. This leads to higher quality and more sales.