FordSections

Ford VIN Components Breakdown

Ford VIN - ISO 3779 Standard Structure | 17 Character VIN Positions

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI):

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

[1] Country or region of manufacturer.

[2] Manufacturer name.

[3] Vehicle type.

 

Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS):

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

[4-9] General characteristics of the vehicle. [European Models]

[4-8] General characteristics of the vehicle, [9] Vin check-digit. [North America]

 

Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS):

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

[10-17] Information on installed options / engine / transmission / Etc. [European Models]

[10] Model year. [North America]

[11] Plant code. [North America]

[12-17] Sequential number - serial or production number. [North America]

Sample Ford VIN (from window)

Ford VIN bar code plate

Where to find the Ford VIN code

1. Lower section of windshield on either side. Visible from the outside (default position for modern cars).

2. Inside front door frame.

3. Vehicle legal documents. In the UK this will be the Log Book (V5C).

Ford VIN Notes

Not used: letters O, I, Q avoiding confusion with numerals 0, 1, and 9. This is standard for all modern VIN codes.