Volkswagen VIN Decoder — Decode Any VW VIN Number
Decode any Volkswagen VIN free. Enter the 17-character VIN from a Jetta, Tiguan, Golf, GTI or Atlas and the decoder reads the World Manufacturer Identifier, model year, plant, body and engine, then validates the check digit — instant, no signup.
Free · instant · no signup · full or partial VIN
Common Volkswagen WMI prefixes (VIN positions 1–3)
| WMI prefix | What it identifies |
|---|---|
| WVW | Volkswagen car built in Germany |
| 1VW | Volkswagen built in the USA (Chattanooga) |
| 3VW | Volkswagen built in Mexico (Puebla) |
| WV1 / WV2 | Volkswagen commercial vehicle / van |
How a VW VIN decodes
Volkswagen's origin shows in the WMI: WVW for Germany-built cars, 1VW for the US Chattanooga plant (Passat and Atlas), and 3VW for the Mexican Puebla plant (Jetta and others). Positions 4–8 carry the model line, body style, restraint system and engine. Position 9 is the check digit, position 10 the model year and position 11 the plant.
VW also documents its factory build through PR option codes on a sticker (usually in the spare-wheel well and the service book) rather than in the VIN. The VIN decode establishes the year, engine and plant; the PR codes fill in the exact options — see our build-sheet guide for decoding those.
Decode, then check the history
After confirming the build, run the VIN through a history report to surface accident, title and odometer records — none of which the VIN encodes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a VW VIN starting with 3VW mean?
3VW identifies a Volkswagen built in Mexico (the Puebla plant), such as many Jetta and Golf models. WVW is a Germany-built VW and 1VW is built in Chattanooga, USA.
Where are the VW PR option codes?
The PR (production option) code sticker is usually in the spare-wheel well and duplicated in the service book — not in the VIN. The VIN decode gives the year, engine and plant that anchor a PR-code lookup.
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Want the Full Story Behind This VIN?
A decode shows the factory specs. A history report adds accidents, title brands, odometer fraud, theft records and open recalls — sourced from NMVTIS and every state DMV.
Run a Free VIN CheckNMVTIS-sourced · DPPA compliant
Siempre verifica el VIN antes de comprar
La vista previa gratis muestra marcas de título, estado de robo y recalls abiertos en segundos, e indica si existen registros de accidentes y odómetro. El historial completo cuesta $14.99 — pago único, sin suscripción.
Decode Another VIN
Paste any 17-character VIN to see the full position breakdown — manufacturer, model year, plant and engine.
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