The VIN tells you the model year in the 10th position
The 10th character in your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a single letter or number that represents the model year the car was built. This position is standardized across all manufacturers, so once you know where to look, you can read it the same way for any vehicle.
The VIN is 17 characters long. Count from left to right: the 10th position sits between the 9th character (which describes the body type and engine) and the 11th character (which identifies the manufacturing plant). On most vehicles, you can find the VIN on the driver's side dashboard, visible through the windshield, or on the driver's side door jamb.
The year code repeats every 30 years. This means the letter or number used for 1980 is the same as the one used for 2010, and the code for 1981 matches 2011. If you are looking at an older car, you will need to use context clues — the overall condition, other features, or the odometer reading — to determine which decade the car actually comes from.
Key Takeaways
- The 10th character of the VIN is the model year code, and it uses letters and numbers in a specific sequence that repeats every 30 years.
- You can find the VIN on the driver's side dashboard (visible from outside through the windshield) or on the driver's side door jamb of most vehicles.
- The year code A represents 2010 and 1980, Y represents 2000 and 1980, and the pattern cycles through the alphabet and numbers in order.
- If the 10th character is a letter or number you do not recognize, cross-reference it with a VIN year chart to confirm the exact year.
The complete VIN year code chart
The year codes follow an alphabetical and numerical pattern. The sequence starts with A for 2010 (and 1980), moves through the alphabet, skips the letter I, and then continues with numbers 0 through 9.
| Code | Year | Code | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 2010, 1980 | N | 2022, 1992 |
| B | 2011, 1981 | P | 2023, 1993 |
| C | 2012, 1982 | R | 2024, 1994 |
| D | 2013, 1983 | S | 2025, 1995 |
| E | 2014, 1984 | T | 2026, 1996 |
| F | 2015, 1985 | V | 2027, 1997 |
| G | 2016, 1986 | W | 2028, 1998 |
| H | 2017, 1987 | X | 2029, 1999 |
| J | 2018, 1988 | Y | 2030, 2000 |
| K | 2019, 1989 | 1 | 2031, 2001 |
| L | 2020, 1990 | 2 | 2032, 2002 |
| M | 2021, 1991 | 3 | 2033, 2003 |
Notice that the letter I is skipped in the sequence. This is intentional — manufacturers avoid using I because it can be confused with the number 1 when reading a VIN quickly or in poor lighting.
Where to locate your VIN
The easiest place to find your VIN is on the driver's side of the dashboard, just below the windshield. Look from outside the vehicle, and you should see a 17-character code printed on a metal plate or etched into the glass. This location is standardized so police, insurance companies, and mechanics can find it without opening the car.
If you cannot read the dashboard VIN clearly, check the driver's side door jamb — the vertical edge of the door frame where the door closes. Open the driver's door and look at the inside edge of the frame. You will often find a label with the VIN printed on it, along with other vehicle information like the paint color and weight specifications.
You can also find the VIN on your vehicle registration, insurance card, or title document. These are useful if you are looking up a car you do not currently have access to, or if you want to verify the year without leaving your home.
Why the 10th position matters for vehicle history
The model year code helps you understand when the car was manufactured, which affects everything from warranty coverage to emissions standards. A car built in 2015 will have different safety features and fuel efficiency ratings than one built in 2005, even if they are the same make and model.
Insurance companies use the model year to calculate premiums, since newer cars often cost less to insure due to better safety technology. Mechanics also use the year code to order the correct parts and know which service bulletins explore to your vehicle. Knowing the exact year from the VIN prevents ordering parts designed for a different generation of the same car.
Reading the full VIN for additional details
While the 10th character tells you the year, the other 16 characters in the VIN tell you about the manufacturer, body style, engine type, and production sequence. The first three characters identify the manufacturer and country of origin. Characters 4 through 8 describe the vehicle's features — things like whether it is a sedan or truck, and what engine it has.
Characters 11 through 17 are the serial number, unique to each individual vehicle. This is why two cars from the same year and model can have different VINs — the last seven digits distinguish one car from another rolling off the assembly line.
What to do if the 10th character is unclear
If the VIN is worn, faded, or partially obscured, you may have trouble reading the 10th character clearly. In this case, check your vehicle registration or title — both documents list the model year separately, so you do not have to rely on decoding the VIN yourself.
If you are buying a used car and the VIN appears to have been altered or is difficult to read, this is a red flag. A legitimate seller should be able to provide the year from their title or registration. If they cannot, or if the VIN does not match the documents, have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before you purchase it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find the year from just the VIN number online?
Yes. Many free VIN decoder websites let you enter the full 17-character VIN and will display the year along with other details like the manufacturer, body style, and engine type. You can also contact the manufacturer directly with the VIN, and they will confirm the year and original specifications.
What if my car was made in late 2024 but the VIN says 2025?
The VIN shows the model year, not the exact build date. Manufacturers assign model years in advance, so a car built in November 2024 might carry a 2025 model year designation. This is normal and does not affect the car's value or warranty.
Does the VIN year match the registration year?
Usually yes, but not always. The registration year is based on when you registered the vehicle with your state, which can be different from the model year shown in the VIN. If you registered a 2015 model car in 2016, your registration might show 2016 even though the VIN indicates 2015.
Why is the letter I skipped in the VIN year code?
The letter I is skipped because it looks too similar to the number 1, especially when the VIN is printed small or photographed. By removing I from the sequence, manufacturers reduce confusion and errors when people read or type VINs.
Can I use the VIN year code to check if a car has been in an accident?
No. The year code only tells you when the car was built. To learn about a car has been in an accident or has other damage history, you need a vehicle history report from a service like Carfax or AutoCheck, which pulls information from insurance claims and repair records.