VIN decoder
This free tool decodes a vehicle's 17-character VIN: the manufacturer, country of manufacture, model year and check digit are worked out from the code itself, while make, model, body and engine come from the US NHTSA database. It helps you verify what a seller tells you before buying a used car in Georgia, Azerbaijan or Armenia.
Check before you buy
- Many used cars sold in Georgia come from US auctions (Copart, IAAI) — search the VIN online: auction photos often show earlier damage.
- The VIN on the body and under the windshield must match the registration certificate.
- Ask for proof of customs clearance and that the car is registered to the seller.
Registration authority: MIA Service Agency (sa.gov.ge)
Sources: NHTSA vPIC; VIN structure per ISO 3779. Country tips verified 2026-10.
How it works
A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code for each vehicle. The first 3 characters (WMI) identify the manufacturer and country, the 10th the model year and the 9th is a check digit — the tool decodes these without any database. The code is then sent to the open database of the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is most complete for US-market cars — common in Georgia and Armenia. Pick a country to see what to check before buying there. VINs never use the letters I, O or Q.
Example
Enter 1HGCM82633A004352: the tool shows country of manufacture USA, manufacturer Honda, model year 2003 and a valid check digit, and NHTSA returns 'Honda Accord'. You can find your car's VIN under the windshield, on the driver's door pillar or in the registration certificate.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the VIN?
Under the windshield on the driver's side, on the driver's door pillar, and in the registration certificate.
Does it work for every car?
Manufacturer, country, year and check digit are shown for any 17-character VIN. Details such as model, body and engine are most complete for US-market cars; for European and Korean cars some fields may be empty.
What does an invalid check digit mean?
For North-American-market cars the 9th character must match — if it does not, either the VIN was mistyped or it may have been altered. Some European and Japanese makers do not use the check digit, which is normal.
Can I check a car's registration in Georgia, Azerbaijan or Armenia by VIN?
This tool is not connected to any state registry and is not an official site. Vehicles are registered by the MIA Service Agency in Georgia, the State Road Police in Azerbaijan and the Road Police in Armenia — ask the seller for the documents.
Does it show accident history?
No — only specs. For cars imported from the US, searching the VIN online often finds auction photos; full history comes from paid services.
Is the tool free?
Yes — completely free.