Land Rover VIN Check
Every Land Rover vehicle manufactured for the North American market since 1981 carries a standardized 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) regulated by NHTSA under FMVSS 565 and ISO 3779. This code is unique to each vehicle and encodes the country of assembly, manufacturer identity, model attributes, engine configuration, model year, assembly plant, and production sequence number. Decoding a Land Rover VIN helps you verify a used-vehicle listing, confirm the correct parts and service history, check for open recalls, and detect potential title fraud.
Land Rover uses manufacturer-specific encoding in the Vehicle Descriptor Section (positions 4–8). Position 4 typically identifies the model line — for example, popular Land Rover models include Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Defender, Discovery, Evoque, Velar. Position 8 usually encodes the engine type. Position 9 is a mathematical check digit that detects typos and many forms of VIN tampering. Position 10 encodes the model year, and position 11 identifies the assembly plant. SAL is the WMI for all Land Rover vehicles, indicating UK manufacture.
Land Rover created the original luxury off-roader in 1948. The Range Rover remains the definitive full-size luxury SUV, while the new Defender revived the iconic nameplate in 2020.
How to Read a Land Rover VIN
To read a Land Rover VIN manually, start with the WMI (positions 1–3) to confirm the manufacturer and country of origin. For Land Rover, the WMI prefixes in our database include SAL and others depending on where the vehicle was built.
Position 4 encodes the Vehicle Line. Common values include A=XE / Discovery Sport, B=XF / Range Rover Evoque, C=XJ / Range Rover, D=F-Type, E=E-Pace, F=F-Pace. Position 5 encodes trim or series level. Position 8 encodes the engine (A=2.0L Turbo, B=2.0L Diesel, C=3.0L V6 Supercharged, D=3.0L V6 Diesel, E=5.0L V8 Supercharged). Position 9 is the check digit — our decoder validates it automatically using the ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm. Position 10 is the model year (see our year-code reference), and position 11 is the assembly plant (A=Castle Bromwich, UK, B=Birmingham, UK, C=Coventry, UK, D=Dubai, UAE, E=Europe). Positions 12–17 are the unique serial number for that vehicle.
Because Land Rover may change VDS encoding between model years, treat decoded attributes as informational. Always confirm critical details (engine, trim, drivetrain) against the window sticker, build sheet, or dealer records.
Land Rover VIN Position Breakdown
| Pos. | Section | Standard Meaning | Land Rover Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WMI | Country of manufacture | ISO 3779 region code — e.g. 1=USA, J=Japan, W=Germany |
| 2 | WMI | Manufacturer | Combined with pos. 1–3 identifies Land Rover |
| 3 | WMI | Vehicle type | Land Rover WMI codes: SAL (United Kingdom) |
| 4 | VDS | Vehicle Line | A=XE / Discovery Sport; B=XF / Range Rover Evoque; C=XJ / Range Rover; D=F-Type; E=E-Pace; F=F-Pace; G=I-Pace (EV); H=Defender |
| 5 | VDS | Series / trim | Trim, series, or drive configuration |
| 6 | VDS | Body / restraint | Body style and/or restraint system (varies by year) |
| 7 | VDS | Restraint / body | Supplemental restraint or body attribute |
| 8 | VDS | Engine | A=2.0L Turbo; B=2.0L Diesel; C=3.0L V6 Supercharged; D=3.0L V6 Diesel; E=5.0L V8 Supercharged; F=Electric |
| 9 | Check digit | Validation | ISO 3779 weighted-sum check — detects typos and tampering |
| 10 | VIS | Model year | Standard 30-year letter/digit cycle (1980–2039) |
| 11 | VIS | Assembly plant | A=Castle Bromwich, UK; B=Birmingham, UK; C=Coventry, UK; D=Dubai, UAE; E=Europe; F=Ford Bridgend (historic) |
| 12–17 | VIS | Serial number | Unique production sequence at the assembly plant |
Frequently Asked Questions — Land Rover VIN
Where is the VIN on a Land Rover?
Dashboard at windshield, driver's door jamb, and on the owner's manual.
What does SAL mean in a Land Rover VIN?
The WMI prefix SAL identifies a Land Rover vehicle. SAL is the WMI for all Land Rover vehicles, indicating UK manufacture.
How do I decode a Land Rover VIN for free?
Enter your 17-character Land Rover VIN in the decoder above. Our engine validates the check digit, reads the model year, identifies the assembly plant, and applies Land Rover-specific rules for positions 4–8 where available.
Can a Land Rover VIN tell me the engine type?
For most Land Rover models, position 8 encodes the engine family or displacement. Our decoder maps this using manufacturer data. Popular models like Range Rover and Range Rover Sport are supported.
What plants build Land Rover vehicles?
Position 11 is the assembly plant code. Land Rover operates factories worldwide — our decoder translates the plant letter to a city and country. SAL is the WMI for all Land Rover vehicles, indicating UK manufacture.
How do I verify a Land Rover VIN is genuine?
Use our decoder to validate the check digit at position 9. A valid Land Rover VIN like SALWR2FK95FA12345 must pass the ISO 3779 check-digit test. Also compare the dashboard VIN with the door jamb label — mismatches may indicate tampering.
Does the model year in a Land Rover VIN match the calendar year?
Not always. Position 10 encodes the model year using the standard 30-year ISO cycle. A vehicle assembled in late 2024 may carry a 2025 model-year code. Always treat position 10 as the manufacturer's designated model year.
Which Land Rover models can I decode?
Our decoder supports all Land Rover models with standard 17-character VINs since 1981, including Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Defender, Discovery, Evoque, Velar. WMI lookup works for every Land Rover VIN; detailed trim and engine data is available where manufacturer encoding is documented.