Key Takeaways
- The 10th character of the VIN is always the model year code, and it uses letters and numbers in a repeating 30-year cycle.
- You can find your VIN on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), your registration documents, or your insurance card.
- The year code does not always match the calendar year the car was sold — manufacturers assign model years in advance.
- A VIN decoder tool or your vehicle's registration will confirm the exact year if you are unsure which 30-year cycle applies.
Where to Find Your VIN
Your VIN is printed in three places on every vehicle. The easiest place to look is the driver's side dashboard, just below the windshield on the left. You can read it from outside the car without opening the door. The number is 17 characters long and runs left to right.
If you cannot see it clearly from outside, check your vehicle registration card (the one you keep in your glove box), your insurance documents, or your title. All three will show the full VIN. Write down all 17 characters — you will need the exact sequence to use a VIN decoder or to order parts that match your specific vehicle.
The Model Year Code Chart
The model year code repeats every 30 years. This chart shows which letter or number corresponds to which year. Find the 10th character of your VIN in the left column, then read across to see the years it could represent.
| 10th Character | Years It Represents |
|---|---|
| A | 1980, 2010 |
| B | 1981, 2011 |
| C | 1982, 2012 |
| D | 1983, 2013 |
| E | 1984, 2014 |
| F | 1985, 2015 |
| G | 1986, 2016 |
| H | 1987, 2017 |
| J | 1988, 2018 |
| K | 1989, 2019 |
| L | 1990, 2020 |
| M | 1991, 2021 |
| N | 1992, 2022 |
| P | 1993, 2023 |
| R | 1994, 2024 |
| S | 1995, 2025 |
| T | 1996, 2026 |
| V | 1997, 2027 |
| W | 1998, 2028 |
| X | 1999, 2029 |
| Y | 2000, 2030 |
| 1 | 2001, 2031 |
| 2 | 2002, 2032 |
| 3 | 2003, 2033 |
| 4 | 2004, 2034 |
| 5 | 2005, 2035 |
| 6 | 2006, 2036 |
| 7 | 2007, 2037 |
| 8 | 2008, 2038 |
| 9 | 2009, 2039 |
Notice that the letter I, O, Q, U, and Z do not appear in the code. The system skips these letters to avoid confusion with numbers or other characters. Also, the code does not use I, O, Q, U, or Z anywhere in a VIN for this reason.
Why the 10th Position Matters
Manufacturers use the 10th position as the official model year identifier because it sits in a standardized location across all vehicles. This makes it straightforward for mechanics, parts suppliers, and registration offices to pull the year without decoding the entire VIN. When you order replacement parts, the parts counter will ask for your VIN specifically so they can match the exact year and make sure the part fits your vehicle.
The model year is not always the same as the calendar year the car was built or sold. Manufacturers often assign model years months in advance. A 2025 model year car might roll off the assembly line in late 2024. This is why your registration documents are more reliable than the calendar year — they show the official model year assigned by the manufacturer.
How to Count to the 10th Character
Count from left to right, starting at 1. The VIN always has exactly 17 characters. Here is an example:
1-G-1-Z-F-5-3-W-1-2-M-Z-5-5-5-5-5
In this example, the 10th character is "2", which means the model year is 2002 or 2032. Since this is a modern vehicle, it is almost certainly 2002. If you are unsure which 30-year cycle applies, your registration or insurance documents will show the year clearly.
Using a VIN Decoder as a Backup
If you want to confirm the year without counting, you can use a free VIN decoder online. Enter your full 17-character VIN, and the decoder will break down each section and tell you the model year, make, model, engine type, and other details. Many auto parts websites (like AutoZone or RockAuto) have free decoders built in. You do not need to provide any personal information — you are only entering the VIN number itself.
A VIN decoder is also useful if you are buying a used car and want to verify the year before you commit. The seller's paperwork should match what the decoder shows. If there is a mismatch, that is a red flag to investigate further before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the model year be different from the year I bought the car?
Yes. Manufacturers assign model years before the car is built and sold. A 2025 model year vehicle might be manufactured in late 2024 and sold in early 2025. Your registration documents show the official model year, not the calendar year of purchase.
What if I cannot read the 10th character clearly?
Check your registration card, insurance documents, or title — they all list the model year in plain text. You can also contact your insurance company or the DMV with your VIN, and they will tell you the year when ready.
Why do some letters not appear in the VIN code?
The letters I, O, Q, U, and Z are excluded from all VIN positions to prevent confusion with numbers (1 and 0) or other characters. This makes VINs easier to read and reduces errors when typing or transcribing them.
Does the model year code work the same for all vehicles?
Yes. The 10th position model year code is standardized across all vehicles manufactured for sale in North America, regardless of make or country of origin. Every car, truck, and motorcycle follows the same 30-year cycle.