Free Tesla VIN Decoder
Enter your Tesla VIN to see your car’s history, specs, battery/motor and more.
What Is a Free Tesla VIN Decoder?
Our free Tesla VIN decoder turns any 17-character Tesla Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or chassis number into simple info. Type your Tesla VIN to see model, trim, battery/motor, build year and registration status. For full peace of mind, upgrade to a full vehicle history report to check unpaid finance, write-offs and theft records.
Tesla Specifications
See your Tesla’s model, trim, body, drive unit and more.
Theft & Stolen Status
Run a quick stolen check using the Tesla VIN before you buy.
Outstanding Finance & Accidents
Upgrade for write-off and unpaid finance checks.
Previous Owners & Mileage
Spot mileage issues and odd ownership changes with a full report.
How Do I Use the Tesla VIN Decoder?
The Tesla VIN decoder is quick, simple and free. Follow these steps to decode a Tesla VIN.
Find Your Tesla VIN / Chassis Number
Your VIN is a 17-character code on the car and in your papers. You can also see it on the touchscreen (Software > Additional vehicle info) or in the Tesla app.
Enter the VIN
Type the VIN or chassis number into our decoder and tap “Decode VIN”.
Get Instant Tesla Results
See specs, battery/motor, model year and basic status in seconds.
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Common Warnings in a Tesla VIN Decoder
If the Tesla VIN decoder shows a warning, here is what it means and what to do.
Outstanding Finance on a Tesla
This means money is still owed on the car. If you buy a Tesla with unpaid finance, the lender could take it back. Get a full history report to confirm the finance status.
Tesla Marked as Stolen
This means the car is listed as missing or stolen. Do not buy it. Check a full report to confirm the stolen status before you go any further.
Mileage Problems on a Tesla
Sometimes mileage (odometer) is wrong or changed. This can hide heavy use. A full history check compares past readings to spot issues.
Why Decode a Tesla VIN Before You Buy?
A Tesla VIN check helps you make sure the car matches its papers. It can find problems early and save you money when buying a used Tesla like Model 3, Model Y, Model S or Model X.
Avoid Stolen Tesla Cars
See if the car was reported stolen before you pay.
Check for Unpaid Loans
Make sure the car isn’t still on finance.
Find Hidden Damage
See if it was in a big crash or written off.
Use the Tesla VIN Decoder Instantly
Fast, Simple, 100% Free
Run a Tesla VIN decoder to reveal key details for any Tesla. Decode the VIN to confirm build year, battery/motor, trim and basic history—then upgrade for complete checks.
Instant Tesla VIN Decoding
Enter any Tesla VIN or chassis number to see live decoding and core data.
Unlimited Free Tesla Decodes
Decode as many Tesla VINs as you like at no cost.
Perform a Quick Tesla VIN Decode
Our system makes Tesla VIN decoding easy. Check details before you buy any used Tesla.
How a Tesla VIN Is Structured
Every 17-character Tesla VIN has three parts that tell you where the car was built, what it is, and its unique serial number:
WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier)
Shows country and maker. Common Tesla WMIs include 5YJ (USA), LRW (China), XP7 (Germany) and 7SA (USA).
VDS (Vehicle Descriptor Section)
Characters 4–9 describe model/body/drive unit and safety systems. The 9th is the check digit.
VIS (Vehicle Identifier Section)
Characters 10–17 include model year, plant code and the serial number.
Check Digit (9th)
Checks that the VIN is valid. If it fails, the VIN may be typed wrong.
Where to Find the Tesla VIN
Tesla puts the VIN in several safe places. Check these common spots:
Dashboard / Windscreen
Look through the windscreen at the driver’s side lower dashboard for the VIN plate.
Driver’s Door Pillar
Open the driver’s door and check the inner B-pillar sticker.
On-Screen / Documents
Find the VIN on the touchscreen (Software menu), in the Tesla app, and on the V5C/logbook and insurance papers.
Free Tesla VIN Decoder vs Full Tesla History Report
The free Tesla VIN decoder gives the basics. For a deeper check on a used Tesla, choose the full history report.
Free Tesla VIN Decoder
Instant basics: make, model, trim, body, drive unit, build year and region. Great for a quick ID check.
Full Tesla History Report
Adds theft checks, write-off status, mileage checks, plate changes, keeper timeline, outstanding finance and more.
Why Upgrade for a Used Tesla?
Protect your money and resale value. Catch finance ties, salvage imports and water damage before you buy.
Tesla VIN Questions & Answers
Popular Tesla VIN and chassis number questions, answered:
Do Teslas always use 17-character VINs?
Yes—modern Teslas use 17 characters with no I, O or Q. Older or imported cars may vary; enter what you have and we’ll decode what’s possible.
Which VIN prefixes are common on Teslas?
You’ll often see 5YJ (USA), LRW (China), XP7 (Germany) and 7SA (USA). The rest of the VIN shows model year, plant and serial.
Can you decode Tesla option/build codes?
Tesla build codes list factory features. They’re separate from the VIN; your full report may include decoded options where available.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tesla VINs
Where can I find the Tesla VIN?
Common VIN spots include: driver’s side dashboard (seen through the windscreen), the driver’s door pillar/B-pillar sticker, the touchscreen (Software menu), the Tesla app, and papers like the V5C/logbook and insurance.
What do common Tesla VIN prefixes mean (WMI)?
Tesla WMIs often include 5YJ (USA), LRW (China), XP7 (Germany) and 7SA (USA). These three characters show the maker and country.
Which character shows the model year on a Tesla VIN?
The 10th character shows the model year. Letters/numbers are used; I, O and Q are skipped to avoid confusion.
Can a Tesla VIN tell me the battery/motor and trim?
The VIN shows the line, body and drive unit in the VDS. Exact trim/options are best confirmed via build codes and a detailed report.
Are Tesla build/option codes part of the VIN?
No. Tesla build codes list factory-fitted features. They are separate from the VIN and may appear on-screen or in service docs.
Is the chassis number the same as the VIN on a Tesla?
For modern Teslas, the 17-character VIN serves as the chassis number. Older/imported vehicles may differ, but we’ll decode whatever you enter.
Can I decode a pre-1981 or imported Tesla VIN?
Yes. We try to parse legacy/import formats, though detail can vary. For full checks, run a complete Tesla history report.
Will the Tesla VIN decoder show theft, finance and write-off status?
The free decoder gives identity and build info. Upgrade for stolen checks, outstanding finance, write-off status (Cat S/N), mileage issues and more.
Does a Tesla VIN include the plant code?
Yes. The VIS (characters 10–17) includes model year, assembly plant code and the unique serial.
Why does my Tesla VIN come up as invalid?
Make sure it’s exactly 17 characters with no I, O or Q. Errors in the 9th character (check digit) can also flag invalid. If it keeps failing, send us a photo of the VIN plate/sticker.