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What Does Each Digit in a VIN Mean?
A VIN is not random. Each of its 17 characters has a job, and once you know the layout you can read the year, maker and build details at a glance. Here is the full breakdown, and what it means when you are shopping for a replacement key.
The 17 characters, in three blocks
| Position | Name | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | World manufacturer identifier | Country and maker. For example 1HG is a Honda built in the US, 5TD is a Toyota built in the US, and WBA is a BMW. |
| 4 to 8 | Vehicle descriptor | Model, body, engine, restraint system and series. Each maker defines its own codes here. |
| 9 | Check digit | A calculated number that confirms the VIN is valid. |
| 10 | Model year | A letter or number, see the chart below. |
| 11 | Assembly plant | The plant where the car was built. |
| 12 to 17 | Serial number | The unique production sequence for that car. |
Model-year code in the 10th character
Letters run in order and skip I, O, Q, U and Z. After 2009 the pattern starts again from A.
| Code | 1980 to 2009 | 2010 to 2039 |
|---|---|---|
| A | 1980 | 2010 |
| B | 1981 | 2011 |
| C | 1982 | 2012 |
| D | 1983 | 2013 |
| E | 1984 | 2014 |
| F | 1985 | 2015 |
| G | 1986 | 2016 |
| H | 1987 | 2017 |
| J | 1988 | 2018 |
| K | 1989 | 2019 |
| L | 1990 | 2020 |
| M | 1991 | 2021 |
| N | 1992 | 2022 |
| P | 1993 | 2023 |
| R | 1994 | 2024 |
| S | 1995 | 2025 |
| T | 1996 | 2026 |
| V | 1997 | 2027 |
| W | 1998 | 2028 |
| X | 1999 | 2029 |
| Y | 2000 | 2030 |
| 1 to 9 | 2001 to 2009 (1 is 2001, 9 is 2009) | |
To tell 1996 from 2026, look at the 7th character: on most cars built in 2010 or later it is a letter, and on older ones it is a number.
What matters for a replacement key
- Model year. The 10th character decides which key generation you need. A one-year difference can change the chip or frequency.
- Model and trim. Characters 4 to 8 tell a base model from one with push-button start or remote start, which changes the fob.
- Assembly plant and build date. Mid-year production changes sometimes switch key types. The door jamb label lists the build date.
Enter your VIN in the finder at the top of this page and we decode these characters for you, then list matching keys. See where to find your VIN if you need help locating it, and how to read the FCC ID to double-check any key before you buy.
Keys and tools matching this topic at UrbanX
Popular in-stock picks. Enter your VIN above to see keys matched to your car.
Frequently asked questions
What does the 5th digit of a VIN represent?
The 5th character is part of the vehicle descriptor section (characters 4 to 8). Manufacturers use it for details such as model line, series or body type. The meaning differs by maker, so it cannot be read the same way on every car.
What three letters are not allowed in a VIN?
The letters I, O and Q are never used, because they are easily confused with the numbers 1 and 0. If you copy a VIN and see one of them, it was misread.
Which character shows the model year?
The 10th character. It is a letter or number code, for example T for 2026 and S for 2025. The code repeats every 30 years, so it is read together with the rest of the VIN.
What is the 9th digit of a VIN?
The check digit. It is calculated from the other 16 characters and lets software catch typing mistakes. A VIN that fails the check is usually mistyped, which is why the VIN Key Finder warns you.
Does the VIN tell me which key my car uses?
No. The VIN identifies the vehicle. The key type and FCC ID depend on the model, year, trim and build, and a VIN lookup uses the decoded vehicle to match them. Always confirm the FCC ID printed on your current key.