What is Code 39?
Code 39 (also called Code 3 of 9, USS Code 39, USD-3, Alpha 39, and other names) was developed by Dr. David Allais and Ray Stevens in 1974 as the first alphanumeric barcode. The symbology can encode 43 different characters (uppercase A through Z, the digits 0 through 9, and 7 special characters: space, period, minus sign, plus sign, dollar sign, slash, and the percent symbol). A later extension to the symbology allowed the full ASCII character set to be represented by using a two-character encoding scheme. Code 39 is also a variable length symbology, with no theoretical limit on code length.
Code 39 is a linear, or one-dimensional (1D) barcode. This means the barcode is composed of a single set of varying width vertical lines and spaces. The data in the barcode is represented linearly by these black/white (bar/space) patterns. Below is a simple example.
Each character in a Code 39 barcode consists of 5 bars (black) and 4 spaces (white)—every character starts and ends with a bar. Of these nine elements, three are always “wide” (either 2 or 3 times the width of a “narrow” element), and six are always narrow. Both a start character and a stop character are used, though Code 39 does not include a checksum, as a single print or read defect cannot transpose one character into another valid character. The symbology is further characterized as a discrete barcode, meaning that each character is separated with an inter-character gap element (typically a single white element, though larger gaps are permitted). Here is our example again, diagramed for clarity:
Although Code 39 is self-checking, not requiring a checksum digit, it is sometimes used with an optional modulo 43 check digit for enhanced data security and reliability. The checksum digit comes after the final data character and before the stop character.
Who uses Code 39?
Code 39 is a standard bar code used by the United States Department of Defense (LOGMARS, Logistics Applications of Automated Marking and Reading Symbols) as well as the Health Industry Business Communications Council (HIBCC) in the healthcare industry.
Code 39 is also used in vehicle identification numbers (VIN) throughout the world.
Why use Code 39 for a VIN?
Using Code 39 for VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) barcodes is common and practical for several reasons:
- Industry Standard Compatibility
- Code 39 is one of the only barcode symbologies explicitly approved for VIN encoding by the U.S.
- Department of Transportation (DOT) and ISO 3779 standards.
- Supports Alphanumeric Characters
- VINs are 17-character strings that include letters and numbers (except I, O, and Q).
- Code 39 supports uppercase A–Z, 0–9, and a few special characters, making it a natural fit.
- No Check Digit Requirement
- Code 39 does not require a checksum (though it can include one if needed), which simplifies implementation for applications that don’t require high error detection.
- Ease of Implementation
- It’s a discrete, variable-length barcode type—easy to generate and read with nearly all barcode scanners.
- Ideal for printed labels, documents, and durable tags used in auto manufacturing and sales.
- Legacy and Hardware Compatibility
- Code 39 is universally supported by barcode printers and scanners, including older hardware still commonly used in dealerships, repair shops, and DMV systems.
How do I scan a VIN Code 39 Barcode?
With a dedicated app specifically for VIN scanning, dealers will get more powerful vehicle information on the go to help them better sell. The Laser Appraiser VIN Scanner for iPhone and Android allows dealers to quickly and easily scan a VIN, delivering a mobile vehicle appraisal and valuation, with live, critical auction and valuation data.
How does Laser Appraiser use VIN Code 39 Barcodes?
The Laser Appraiser VIN scanner is an ideal way to get vehicle information quickly. And with new advanced technology, it can automatically find VIN Codes, VIN numbers or VIN barcodes within larger blocks of text, automatically—even damaged or hard-to-read codes! Having a fast-reliable VIN scanner is vital for dealerships, but specifically for small independent dealers. To keep prospective buyers engaged on the lot, you need in-depth vehicle information at your fingertips, and even a moment wasted with a faulty scanner can compromise the deal.
How can I generate a Code 39 Barcode from a vehicle identification number (VIN)?
You can generate VIN Codes for free with our handy VIN Code Generator Tool. This tool allows you to turn any VIN into a barcode—either a Code 39, PDF417, Data Matrix or QR Code. Simply choose your code type, enter your VIN and then select your format and resolution to generate your VIN barcode.
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