Our free Chevy VIN decoder works for every 17-character Chevrolet VIN, including Silverado, Corvette, Camaro, Tahoe and Malibu.
What a Chevrolet VIN tells you
Every Chevrolet built since 1981 has a 17-character VIN. The first three characters (the World Manufacturer Identifier) show who built it and where; characters 4–8 describe the model, body and engine; the 10th character is the model year; the 11th is the assembly plant; and the last six are the vehicle’s serial number.
| VIN starts with | Usually means |
|---|---|
| 1G1 | Chevrolet passenger cars (including Corvette and Camaro) built in the United States |
| 1GC | Chevrolet trucks built in the United States |
| 1GN | Chevrolet SUVs built in the United States |
| 3GC / 3GN | Built in Mexico |
Prefixes are a general guide. The decoder above reads the full VIN for the exact details.
How to get the original Chevrolet window sticker
GM keeps sticker records for many recent Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac vehicles, but availability varies by model year, so not every VIN will have an original sticker on file.
Decoding a Corvette VIN
A Corvette VIN shows the model year, body style and engine. For the exact factory options, look at the RPO codes or the original window sticker. Classic Corvettes built before 1981 use a shorter VIN that standard decoders, including ours, can’t read.
Where to find the VIN on a Chevrolet
- On the dashboard on the driver’s side; look through the bottom of the windshield
- On the label inside the driver’s door frame
- On the title, registration card and insurance card
Frequently asked questions
Is this Chevy VIN decoder free?
Yes. It’s free with no sign-up, using data from the U.S. federal vehicle database.
Can I decode a classic Chevy VIN?
Vehicles from before 1981 have shorter, non-standard VINs that most online decoders can’t read. Classic car clubs and marque registries are the best source for those.
What does the 10th character mean?
It’s the model year. For example, A = 2010, L = 2020 and S = 2025.