Tesla VIN decoder

Free Tesla VIN decoder: lookup windows sticker / build sheet options

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Every Tesla vehicle is assigned a unique 17-digit code, known as a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This code, composed of letters and numbers, is used by several organizations, including Tesla, dealerships, and insurance companies, to track and locate a specific vehicle. The VIN can be found on the vehicle itself.

You can use a Tesla VIN decoder to learn more about your vehicle, including details about its make and model, production history, and other features. By using this tool, you can gain a better understanding of your one-of-a-kind Tesla. Fun fact: Tesla is an American electric vehicle and clean energy company founded in 2003, known for its innovative and environmentally-friendly vehicles, such as electric cars, solar panels, and home battery systems.

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John - out author and car expert

By John Devn

our car expert

2 minutes read

Updated 2023-04-04

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Where to find Tesla VIN number

  • Located on the dashboard on the driver's side, near the bottom of the windshield, among other locations. It must be visible from the outside through the windshield.
  • Stamped on the engine block: The engine block, usually located near the front of the engine, may have the VIN stamped on it.
  • Engraved on the vehicle's frame or undercarriage: The VIN may be engraved on the vehicle's frame or undercarriage.
  • On the transmission: The VIN may also be found on the car's transmission.
  • If a vehicle history report is available, it will include the VIN. This report provides details about the car's ownership, maintenance, and accidents.
  • On the driver's side door hinge: This is where the door's attachment to the car's frame is located when the door is closed.
  • The VIN is also often stated in vehicle-related literature, such as the operator's manual.
  • On documents like the title, registration, and insurance papers: These documents can be kept in the trunk, the glove box, or at home.
Where to find Tesla VIN number
Chart option of VIN number

Chart option of VIN number

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a Tesla vehicle. Typically, the WMI is the first three characters of the VIN, which helps determine the vehicle's country of origin, manufacturer, and type. Here are some examples of WMI codes for Tesla vehicles:

WMI code Company Location Date
5YJ TESLA MOTORS  USA 2008-11-01
SFZ LOTUS  United Kingdom 2008-11-01

The Vehicle Description Section (VDS) is a section of the VIN that provides specific information about the vehicle's make, model, body type, engine type, and transmission. It typically contains six to seven characters, which can be used to identify the car's original design and check for any changes made to it.

The Vehicle Identification Section (VIS) is another part of the VIN that contains information about the vehicle's make, model, body type, engine type, and transmission. The VIS typically contains six to eight characters, which can be used to identify the vehicle's features, place of origin, production sequence, and model year.

What you can know from VIN decoder tool

A tool for decoding a vehicle identification number (VIN) can provide a plethora of information about the vehicle, including:

  • The manufacturer, model, and production year of the vehicle
  • The type and size of engine
  • The transmission type
  • The specific trim level, options, and packages
  • The body style and number of doors
  • The location of manufacture
  • Safety equipment and features
  • The date of production and sequence number
  • The exterior and interior color and trim
  • Fuel efficiency and emissions ratings
  • Recall and service bulletins
  • The manufacturer's warranty information
  • Registration and title details

Example of free VIN decoding

The VIN number "5YJSA1DP5CFS00932" corresponds to a 2012 Tesla Model S (Performance).

  • 1st character (5): Indicates the country of origin, which in this case is the United States.
  • 2nd character (Y): Identifies the manufacturer, which in this case is Tesla.
  • 3rd character (J): Identifies the vehicle attributes, such as model type, restraint types, body type, engine, and transmission.
  • 4th-8th characters (SA1DP): Identifies the model, which in this case is Model S.
  • 9th character (5): Check digit, used to ensure the accuracy of the VIN.
  • 10th character (C): Identifies the model year, which in this case is 2012.
  • 11th character (F): Identifies the manufacturer's plant code, which in this case is Fremont, California, United States.
  • 12th-17th characters (S00932): Identifies the production number, used to identify the specific vehicle within the production run.

By decoding the VIN, we can determine that this is a 2012 Tesla Model S (Performance) Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback manufactured in Fremont, California, United States by Tesla Inc. It has a Level 3 DC Charger or fast charger (up to 400A, up to 600V DC, up to 240KW) and a performance, Tier 7 Battery (81-90 kWh). 

What you can know from VIN history

Additional information about a vehicle's history can be found in a vehicle history report (VHR), which includes:

  • Details on previous ownership and registration
  • Reports on accidents and repairs
  • Logs of service and maintenance
  • Notices of safety recalls and defects
  • Readings of odometer and history of rollbacks
  • Classification of salvage or scrap
  • Records of flood or fire damage
  • Information on lemon history
  • Accounts of total loss
  • Results of emissions tests
  • Information on title and registration
  • Plate numbers

Models of Tesla

  • It's possible that the VIN was lost, covered up by paint or another substance, removed on purpose by the owner, or tampered with by someone else attempting to hide the car's identity, or any combination of these things.

  • Reach out to the automaker for assistance. They may have records of the VIN or be able to provide you with instructions on how to obtain it.
  • If you know it, contact the dealership where the vehicle was bought. They may have information about the VIN or be able to assist you in locating it.

All information about Tesla on this page is based on data from:

NHTSA logo

NHTSA

SaferCar logo

SafeCar

NMVTIS logo

NMVTIS