---
title: "Free VIN decoder"
url: "https://lookvalid.com/tools/vin-decoder.md"
canonical_url: "https://lookvalid.com/tools/vin-decoder"
last_updated: "2026-10-17"
type: "tool"
summary: "Decode a vehicle identification number (VIN) for free."
related: ["https://lookvalid.com/docs/api/vin-decoder.md"]
---

# Free VIN decoder

Decode a vehicle identification number (VIN) for free.

Enter the 17-character VIN of a vehicle. We decode it with the public NHTSA database and list the make, model, year, engine and where it was built.

## Facts

- Free, no account needed. Rate limited per visitor.
- Runs the `vin-decoder` product. The same lookup through the API costs 1 credit.
- API reference: [vin-decoder](https://lookvalid.com/docs/api/vin-decoder.md)

We first check the VIN: it must have 17 characters, use no letters I, O or Q, and pass the check digit in position nine. A VIN that fails is refused with the reason, before any request is made.

A valid VIN is then decoded with the vPIC service of the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which publishes vehicle data for the public.

## Related

- [VIN Decoder reference](https://lookvalid.com/docs/api/vin-decoder.md)