VIN Decoder Guide Australia: How to Read Your Vehicle's VIN Number
Every vehicle in Australia has a unique 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Here's exactly what each character means and how to decode yours for free.
What is a VIN Number?
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character alphanumeric code assigned to every motor vehicle manufactured after 1981. Think of it as the vehicle's fingerprint — no two vehicles in the world share the same VIN.
The VIN is used for everything from warranty claims and recalls to insurance, registration, and — critically — PPSR checks. If someone tries to sell you a car without a VIN, or the VIN appears to have been tampered with, walk away immediately.
Where to Find Your VIN in Australia
Australian vehicles typically have the VIN in multiple locations:
📍 Dashboard (most common)
Visible through the windscreen on the driver's side. Look at the lower corner of the windscreen from outside the car.
📍 Driver's door frame
On the sticker or plate on the B-pillar (the door frame). Also shows compliance plate details.
📍 Compliance plate (under bonnet)
Usually on the firewall or radiator support. Contains the official compliance information.
📍 Registration papers
Your vehicle registration certificate always includes the VIN.
📍 Engine bay
Some manufacturers also stamp the VIN on the engine block or chassis.
📍 Insurance documents
Your insurance policy should also reference the VIN.
How to Read a VIN: Position-by-Position Breakdown
Let's break down what each section of a 17-character VIN means:
Example VIN:
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)
Identifies the country and manufacturer. For example, "6FP" = Ford Australia, "JN1" = Nissan Japan, "1HG" = Honda USA.
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Describes the vehicle attributes: model, body style, engine type, and restraint systems. Manufacturer-specific.
Check Digit
A mathematical validation digit used to verify the VIN is legitimate and hasn't been altered.
Model Year
A single character that represents the model year. "K" = 2019, "L" = 2020, "M" = 2021, "N" = 2022, "P" = 2023, "R" = 2024, "S" = 2025.
Plant Code
Identifies which manufacturing plant assembled the vehicle.
Sequential Serial Number
The unique production sequence number for the specific vehicle off the assembly line.
Common Australian Manufacturer VIN Prefixes
| WMI Code | Manufacturer | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 6FP | Ford Australia | Australia |
| 6G1 | Holden | Australia |
| JA3 | Mitsubishi | Japan |
| JHM | Honda | Japan |
| JN1 | Nissan | Japan |
| JT2 | Toyota | Japan |
| WBA | BMW | Germany |
| WDB | Mercedes-Benz | Germany |
| WAU | Audi | Germany |
| WVW | Volkswagen | Germany |
What Does a Free VIN Check Show?
A free VIN decode at CheckMyCars instantly reveals:
- ✓ Make, model, and year
- ✓ Engine type and displacement
- ✓ Body style
- ✓ Country of manufacture
- ✓ Safety recall information
Upgrading to the $5.99 PPSR report adds finance owing status, stolen vehicle check, write-off history, ANCAP safety ratings, registration details, and a professional PDF certificate.
Decode Any VIN for Free
Enter any 17-character VIN to instantly decode the vehicle details. Upgrade to a $5.99 PPSR report for full history.
Free VIN Decode →