Tesla VIN Check
Every Tesla 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 Tesla VIN helps you verify a used-vehicle listing, confirm the correct parts and service history, check for open recalls, and detect potential title fraud.
Tesla uses manufacturer-specific encoding in the Vehicle Descriptor Section (positions 4–8). Position 4 typically identifies the model line — for example, popular Tesla models include Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, Cybertruck. 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. 5YJ is the WMI for U.S.-built Teslas; 7SA indicates Gigafactory Berlin; LRW indicates Gigafactory Shanghai.
Tesla accelerated the global shift to electric vehicles with the Model S (2012), mass-market Model 3 (2017), and Model Y crossover. Tesla VINs encode the model at position 4 and drive configuration at position 6.
How to Read a Tesla VIN
To read a Tesla VIN manually, start with the WMI (positions 1–3) to confirm the manufacturer and country of origin. For Tesla, the WMI prefixes in our database include 5YJ, 7SA, LRW and others depending on where the vehicle was built.
Position 4 encodes the Model. Common values include A=Model S, B=Model 3, C=Model X, D=Model Y, E=Cybertruck, F=Roadster. Position 5 encodes trim or series level. Position 8 encodes the engine (varies by model year). 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=Fremont, CA, B=Berlin, Germany, C=China (Gigafactory 3), D=Austin, TX, E=Europe). Positions 12–17 are the unique serial number for that vehicle.
Because Tesla 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.
Tesla VIN Position Breakdown
| Pos. | Section | Standard Meaning | Tesla 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 Tesla |
| 3 | WMI | Vehicle type | Tesla WMI codes: 5YJ (United States), 7SA (Germany), LRW (China) |
| 4 | VDS | Model | A=Model S; B=Model 3; C=Model X; D=Model Y; E=Cybertruck; F=Roadster; G=Semi; H=Model 3 Performance |
| 5 | VDS | Drive Unit | 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 | Engine family or displacement code |
| 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=Fremont, CA; B=Berlin, Germany; C=China (Gigafactory 3); D=Austin, TX; E=Europe; F=Fremont, CA |
| 12–17 | VIS | Serial number | Unique production sequence at the assembly plant |
Frequently Asked Questions — Tesla VIN
Where is the VIN on a Tesla?
Driver's side dashboard (visible through windshield), driver's door jamb, and in the Tesla mobile app under Vehicle Info.
What does 5YJ mean in a Tesla VIN?
The WMI prefix 5YJ identifies a Tesla vehicle. 5YJ is the WMI for U.S.-built Teslas; 7SA indicates Gigafactory Berlin; LRW indicates Gigafactory Shanghai.
How do I decode a Tesla VIN for free?
Enter your 17-character Tesla VIN in the decoder above. Our engine validates the check digit, reads the model year, identifies the assembly plant, and applies Tesla-specific rules for positions 4–8 where available.
Can a Tesla VIN tell me the engine type?
For most Tesla models, position 8 encodes the engine family or displacement. Our decoder maps this using manufacturer data. Popular models like Model 3 and Model Y are supported.
What plants build Tesla vehicles?
Position 11 is the assembly plant code. Tesla operates factories worldwide — our decoder translates the plant letter to a city and country. 5YJ is the WMI for U.S.-built Teslas; 7SA indicates Gigafactory Berlin; LRW indicates Gigafactory Shanghai.
How do I verify a Tesla VIN is genuine?
Use our decoder to validate the check digit at position 9. A valid Tesla VIN like 5YJSA1E45HF000001 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 Tesla 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 Tesla models can I decode?
Our decoder supports all Tesla models with standard 17-character VINs since 1981, including Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, Cybertruck. WMI lookup works for every Tesla VIN; detailed trim and engine data is available where manufacturer encoding is documented.