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GET STARTEDHistorically, the standard Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) embedded within a barcode and attached to a car has been represented by the Code 39 symbology. The Uniform Symbology Specification Code 39 (USS Code 39) is used for vehicle identification, and while based on Code 39, it does not contain start and stop characters.
Automotive manufacturers are now utilizing two-dimensional barcodes to represent VINs on their automobiles. For example, General Motors (GM) now utilizes the Data Matrix barcode symbology to represent the VIN on some models. Ford uses a QR Code for marketing on their window stickers. Automotive auction houses utilize the one-dimensional Code 128 barcode type VIN representations for cars in their auction runlists.
Some US Federal labels and State vehicle registration documents store VINs within PDF417 barcodes since data capacity and space efficiency are two of its major advantages. There are also security features that can be used with PDF417.
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-digit code, comprised of numbers and uppercase letters that provides specific information about a vehicle including the year, make, model, engine size, and manufacturer, and more.
VIN information is sectioned out into three groups: World Manufacturer Identifier, Vehicle Descriptor Section, and the Vehicle Identifier Section.
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) represent the first three digits of an automotive VIN:
Digits in position 4 through 9 make up the Vehicle Description Section (VDS):
Digits in position 10 through 17 make up the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS):
| Year | Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year | Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980: | A | 1995: | S | 2010: | A | 2025: | S |
| 1981: | B | 1996: | T | 2011: | B | 2026: | T |
| 1982: | C | 1997: | V | 2012: | C | 2027: | V |
| 1983: | D | 1998: | W | 2013: | D | 2028: | W |
| 1984: | E | 1999: | X | 2014: | E | 2029: | X |
| 1985: | F | 2000: | Y | 2015: | F | 2030: | Y |
| 1986: | G | 2001: | 1 | 2016: | G | 2031: | 1 |
| 1987: | H | 2002: | 2 | 2017: | H | 2032: | 2 |
| 1988: | J | 2003: | 3 | 2018: | J | 2033: | 3 |
| 1989: | K | 2004: | 4 | 2019: | K | 2034: | 4 |
| 1990: | L | 2005: | 5 | 2020: | L | 2035: | 5 |
| 1991: | M | 2006: | 6 | 2021: | M | 2036: | 6 |
| 1992: | N | 2007: | 7 | 2022: | N | 2037: | 7 |
| 1993: | P | 2008: | 8 | 2023: | P | 2038: | 8 |
| 1994: | R | 2009: | 9 | 2024: | R | 2039: | 9 |
Sometimes a VIN barcode has a leading “I” that extends the decoded result length to 18 digits. According to the regulation, the letters O (o), I (i), and Q (q) are illegal VIN characters to avoid confusion with numerals 0, 1, and 9. But a leading “I” actually represents an “import” to identify imported vehicles.
Any automotive dealer or wholesale business with a Laser Appraiser subscription may utilize the powerful Laser Appraiser VIN Scanner for iPhone and Android to quickly and easily scan a VIN, delivering a mobile vehicle appraisal and valuation, with live, critical auction and valuation data.
Laser Appraiser is the original, most comprehensive and affordable car appraisal and vehicle valuation solution available for used automotive dealerships, auctions, wholesalers, and appraisers..
The powerful Laser Appraiser Mobile VIN Scanner for iPhone and Android delivers car dealers mobile purchasing efficiency and simplicity.
On the desktop, the powerful Laser Appraiser Dealer Studio brings big data and statistical analysis to dealer purchases, providing insight on when to buy, where to price, and when to sell each vehicle acquisition.
Live auto auction integration from the most popular car auction providers enables early-access to the run numbers and lanes containing the best deals.
