VIN Decoding

The VIN Decoder is used to take the unique 17 digit identifier for your vehicle and decode it into detailed information to be used in the administrative and sales process. It's important that you select the Decode String after decoding a VIN to make sure you have the vehicle selected.

Decoding Information

Information that can be decoded:

  • Year/Make/Model
  • Trim - This sometimes required the Decode String to be selected.
  • Vehicle Type - The body style of the vehicle is generally decodable.
  • Drivetrain
  • Transmission - This requires the Decode String to be selected. There are sometimes multiple options available, for example in pickup trucks or other heavy duty vehicles.
  • Engine - This requires the Decode String to be selected. There are sometimes multiple options available, for example in pickup trucks or other heavy duty vehicles.
  • Fuel Type
  • GVWR/CWR - This information comes straight from the manufacturer for the specified decode string/trim/engine combinations. We've seen titlework doesn't always have the correct GVWR, so you should delete this field if it is negatively affecting your titlework.
  • Factory Colors - A list of available factor colors are decoded for most vehicles, along with a sample color swatch for the estimation of what the color looks like. You'll need to select the factory exterior and interior color after decoding.
  • Optional Equipment - Paid/extra equipment that was available when the vehicle was built. You should use the description of the optional equipment to determine whether your vehicle is equipped with that option.

VINs that can be Decoded

There are VINs associated with nearly every vehicle out there, however there are only a few categories of VINs that we can decode.

  • Cars/Trucks/SUVs
    • Canadian Vehicles - A less commonly decoded vehicle type, we have licensed this for our dealers.
  • HD Trucks - 1 ton + pickups and chassis, as well as tractor semis and other heavy-duty trucks. This category may include some data on Motorhomes. It's important to note that the detail retrieved for these types of vehicles are generally limited to year/make/model, engine, and transmission details.
  • Trailers - Decodes are available on trailers for many major manufacturers. Accessories or configurations are not available for trailers.
  • Powersports - Decodes are available on powersports (ATVs, dirt bikes, etc.) for many major manufacturers. Decoded information is less common for this categories.
  • Motorcycles - Decodes are available on motorcycles for many major manufacturers. Decoded information is less common for this categories.

VINs that we can't decode:

  • Boats (hull numbers)
  • RVs/Motorhomes - Generally the chassis or trailer can be decoded, but we can't determine floorplans or other details.

VIN Structure

VINs are logically structured identifiers for vehicles, and include a variety of parameters specific to the vehicle.

Squish VIN

Our VIN decoder uses what's called the Squish VIN, which consists of the first 11 digits of the VIN, minus the 9th digit (the check digit). Further, because optional equipment, colors, and vehicle configuration are generally serial number specific, those values cannot be decoded as part of the Squish VIN. Things like year, make, model, drivetrain, and some other parameters can generally be encoded in the Squish VIN. Beyond that, we can usually provide a series of Decode Strings that allow you to select the correct vehicle trim and configuration.

Decode String

Some manufacturers, like Nissan, do not encode their trim into the VIN, which means that you always have to select the decode string for those vehicles. Additionally, you may see pickup trucks require the decode string consistently. That is generally because there are several configuration options on pickups, like cab style, bed length, engine, and transmission.