The VIN tells you the model year in the 10th character
The 10th digit of a vehicle identification number (VIN) is the model year code. A VIN is always 17 characters long, and each position carries specific information about the vehicle. The 10th position uses a letter or number to represent the year the vehicle was manufactured, though the year code repeats every 30 years because there are only 30 possible characters (the letters I, O, Q, and Z are skipped).
To find the model year, count 10 characters from the left side of the VIN and look at that single character. That character corresponds to a specific year. For example, if the 10th character is "M", the vehicle was made in 2021. If it is "N", the year is 2022. The pattern continues forward and backward depending on the decade.
This system has been in place since 1981, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standardized VIN format across all manufacturers. Every vehicle sold in the United States since then uses the same position for the year code, though some imported vehicles or specialty vehicles may have different rules.
Key Takeaways
- The 10th character in a 17-character VIN always represents the model year, using letters and numbers in a repeating 30-year cycle.
- The year code repeats every 30 years because I, O, Q, and Z are excluded from the sequence, leaving 26 letters plus 10 digits.
- You can cross-reference the 10th character against a year code chart to find the exact year without needing a decoder tool.
- The model year in the VIN may differ from the calendar year the vehicle was actually built, since manufacturers produce model years before the calendar year ends.
Year code chart for vehicles made 1981 to present
The year code follows a fixed sequence that repeats. Below is the current cycle, which began in 2010 and will repeat in 2040:
| Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 2010, 1980 | K | 2019, 1989 | U | 2024, 1994 |
| B | 2011, 1981 | L | 2020, 1990 | V | 2025, 1995 |
| C | 2012, 1982 | M | 2021, 1991 | W | 2026, 1996 |
| D | 2013, 1983 | N | 2022, 1992 | X | 2027, 1997 |
| E | 2014, 1984 | P | 2023, 1993 | Y | 2028, 1998 |
| F | 2015, 1985 | R | 2024, 1994 | 1 | 2029, 1999 |
| G | 2016, 1986 | S | 2024, 1994 | 2 | 2030, 2000 |
| H | 2017, 1987 | T | 2023, 1993 | 3 | 2031, 2001 |
| J | 2018, 1988 | V | 2025, 1995 | 9 | 2039, 2009 |
To use this chart, find the 10th character of the VIN in the left column, then read across to see which years that code represents. Context matters: a 1985 vehicle and a 2015 vehicle would both have an "F" in the 10th position, but other parts of the VIN (the first three characters, which identify the manufacturer and type) will differ.
How to locate and read the 10th position in a VIN
The VIN appears in several places on a vehicle. The most common location is on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb, visible when you open the door. It also appears on the vehicle registration, insurance documents, and title. On the windshield, it is often printed on a small plate at the bottom left corner, though this is not always present on older vehicles.
Once you have located the VIN, count from left to right: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10. The 10th character is the year code. Write it down and cross-reference it against the chart above. If the 10th character is a letter, use the letter rows. If it is a number, use the number rows at the bottom of the chart.
A common mistake is confusing the 10th position with other positions. The first three characters identify the manufacturer and vehicle type. Positions 4 through 8 describe the vehicle's features like body style, engine, and transmission. Positions 11 through 17 are the serial number unique to that specific vehicle. Only position 10 tells you the year.
Why model year differs from build date
The model year shown in the VIN is not always the calendar year the vehicle was physically built. Manufacturers assign model years to vehicles months before they are actually produced. A 2024 model year vehicle may have been built in late 2023. This is standard practice across the industry and is why you will sometimes see vehicles with a model year that appears to be from the future relative to when they were purchased.
The actual build date is not encoded in the VIN itself. If you need to know the exact month and year a vehicle was manufactured, that information is usually found on a separate build sheet or sticker inside the vehicle, often located on the driver's side door jamb below the VIN sticker, or in the engine compartment. Some manufacturers also include a partial build date in positions 11 through 17, but this varies by manufacturer and is not standardized.
What the other VIN positions tell you
While the 10th position gives you the year, the other 16 characters provide a complete picture of the vehicle. Positions 1 through 3 are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), which tells you the country of origin and the manufacturer. For example, "1G1" indicates a General Motors vehicle made in the United States, while "JH2" indicates a Honda made in Japan.
Positions 4 through 8 describe the vehicle's attributes: body type (sedan, truck, SUV), engine size, transmission type, and safety features. Position 9 is a check digit calculated using a mathematical formula to verify the VIN is valid. Positions 11 through 17 are the serial number, a unique identifier for that specific vehicle that allows manufacturers and dealers to track individual cars.
Understanding the full VIN structure helps you verify that a vehicle's documented history matches its actual specifications. If you are buying a used vehicle, cross-checking the VIN against the title and registration ensures they all refer to the same car and that the year has not been altered.
Common reasons to check the VIN year code
Buyers often check the VIN year when purchasing a used vehicle to confirm the seller's stated age. A vehicle listed as 2015 should have an "F" in the 10th position; if it shows a different year code, the title or registration may be incorrect or fraudulent. This is a quick way to spot a discrepancy before committing to a purchase.
Insurance companies use the VIN year to calculate premiums and determine coverage may be able to access. Mechanics and repair shops reference the year to order the correct parts and follow the right service procedures. Lenders check the year when financing a vehicle, since loan terms and interest rates often depend on the vehicle's age. Law enforcement and vehicle registration offices use the year code to maintain accurate records and prevent title fraud.
If you are researching a vehicle's history through services like Carfax or AutoCheck, those reports pull the year from the VIN and cross-reference it against accident records, ownership history, and service records. A mismatch between the VIN year and the reported history can indicate a salvage title, odometer fraud, or other issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the 10th character is a number instead of a letter?
Numbers in the 10th position represent years 2029 through 2039 (and previously 1999 through 2009). The sequence is 1 for 2029, 2 for 2030, continuing through 9 for 2039. After 2039, the cycle repeats and letters begin again with A for 2040.
Can the year code be used to determine the exact month a vehicle was built?
No. The 10th position only gives you the model year, not the build month. The actual production date is usually found on a separate manufacturer's sticker or build sheet inside the vehicle, often on the driver's door jamb or under the hood. Some VINs include partial date information in the serial number section, but this is not standardized across manufacturers.
What does it mean if the VIN year code does not match the title?
A mismatch between the VIN year code and the year listed on the title is a red flag. It may indicate a clerical error, a salvage or rebuilt title, or title fraud. Before purchasing a vehicle, have the title and VIN verified by your state's motor vehicle department or a trusted mechanic to may support they match.
Do all vehicles use the same year code system?
All vehicles sold in the United States since 1981 follow the same VIN standard set by NHTSA, including the 10th position year code. Some imported vehicles or specialty vehicles may have variations, but the vast majority of cars, trucks, and SUVs use this system. Motorcycles and some older vehicles may have different formats.
How do I know if a VIN year code refers to 1980s or 2010s?
Context from other parts of the VIN and the vehicle's condition usually makes this clear. A 1985 vehicle will show wear and outdated design, while a 2015 vehicle will look modern. The first three characters (WMI) also help: manufacturers that did not exist in the 1980s will only appear on 2010s vehicles. When in doubt, check the title or registration, which always lists the year in standard calendar format.