Online VIN decoderVolkswagen VIN decoder: free lookup
Have the VIN of a Volkswagen? Enter all 17 characters and see the model, engine, model year and plant for free, then check the history: accidents, title brands and odometer.
- Free
- No sign-up
- Instant result
Where to find the VIN on a Volkswagen
On a Volkswagen the VIN plate sits at the lower left of the windshield and on the driver-side door jamb; the same 17 characters are printed on the title, the registration card and the insurance card. If any of them differ, stop and check the vehicle history.
- Dashboard, driver side
Look through the windshield in the lower left corner, where the dash meets the glass.
- Driver-side door jamb
The sticker or plate on the B-pillar or door edge (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard label).
- Engine bay or frame
Stamped on the firewall or, on trucks, on the frame rail near the front wheel.
- Title certificate
Every state title shows the VIN near the year, make and model.
- Registration card
The registration card in the glove box repeats the VIN.
- Compare with the car
If the VIN on the title differs from the one on the dashboard, do not buy until it is explained.
- Insurance ID card
Your insurance card or app lists the VIN of each covered vehicle.
- Policy documents
The declarations page of the policy shows the full VIN too.
- Service records
Repair orders and dealer invoices usually carry the VIN as well.
How to recognize a Volkswagen VIN
Volkswagen is a brand from Germany. The first three characters of the VIN (the WMI code) identify the maker and, often, the plant or the market the vehicle was built for.
Example: a VIN that starts with WVW stands for Volkswagen cars. The 10th character is the model year; the last six characters are the production number. A VIN that starts with another code is not necessarily a problem (makers change codes over time), but it is worth checking the history before you buy.
Volkswagen plants in North America
A VIN that starts with 1, 4 or 5 was assigned in the United States, 2 in Canada and 3 in Mexico. Volkswagen builds or built vehicles for the US market here:
- Chattanooga, Tennessee (Atlas, ID.4)
- Puebla, Mexico (Jetta, Taos, Tiguan)
Volkswagen VIN decoder by model
| Model | Production years | Generations | Engine versions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Passat | 1973–present | 20 | 367 |
| Volkswagen Golf | 1974–present | 30 | 496 |
| Volkswagen Amarok | 2010–2020 | 3 | 29 |
| Volkswagen Polo | 1975–present | 16 | 189 |
| Volkswagen Touareg | 2002–present | 5 | 40 |
| Volkswagen Caddy | 2003–present | 10 | 76 |
| Volkswagen Touran | 2003–present | 6 | 80 |
| Volkswagen Passat CC | 2008–2016 | 2 | 49 |
| Volkswagen T-Roc | 2017–present | 2 | 31 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | 2007–present | 6 | 93 |
| Volkswagen Bora | 1998–present | 5 | 78 |
| Volkswagen Eos | 2006–2015 | 2 | 11 |
What each part of a Volkswagen VIN means
For Volkswagen: WVW, WVG, WV1, WV2, 1VW, 3VW, 3VV. The first character is the region (Germany or the country of the plant).
Volkswagen codes the model line, body style and engine here, which is why the VIN shows which version of the Volkswagen Passat you are looking at.
Every Volkswagen sold in the US carries a valid check digit; our decoder flags a VIN whose check digit does not compute.
Model year, plant code and the unique production number of the Volkswagen, which history reports use to link accidents, title brands and odometer readings.
The full guide: year codes, WMI countries and the check digit · Volkswagen VIN check: history, recalls, title
Decoded Volkswagen VIN examples
Real Volkswagen VINs decoded on DecodeThatVIN, with the model and engine read from the code.
What does a Volkswagen VIN start with?
Usually one of these codes: WVW – Volkswagen cars; WVG – Volkswagen SUVs; WV1 – Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles; WV2 – Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (Transporter); 1VW – Volkswagen, Chattanooga, Tennessee. The first three characters are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI); a maker can have several, one per plant, vehicle type or market.
Where are Volkswagen vehicles for the US built?
In North America, Volkswagen builds or built at Chattanooga, Tennessee (Atlas, ID.4); Puebla, Mexico (Jetta, Taos, Tiguan). Their VINs start with 1VW, 3VW and 3VV. Imported Volkswagen vehicles keep the code of their home plant.
Does the VIN show the model year of a Volkswagen?
Yes: on Volkswagen VINs the 10th character is the model year (see the VIN year chart). The letter repeats every 30 years, so check it against the production years of the model.
Can I see the history of a Volkswagen from its VIN?
The free decode shows what the car is. Accidents, title brands and odometer readings are in the Volkswagen history report; recalls are checked on the Volkswagen VIN check page.