Read a VIN from a photo
No typing: take a photo of the VIN barcode or plate, check the 17 characters, and open the free decode. Your photo never leaves your phone.
Tip: the barcode on the driver door label reads best.
Prefer to type it?
How the VIN scanner works
- Barcode first. Most cars have a label in the driver door frame with a barcode that holds the VIN. Your browser reads it in a second.
- Then the letters. No barcode? A text reader in your browser reads the characters on the windshield plate or your papers.
- Check digit. We test every result against the VIN check digit and fix typical misreads, like 0 and D or 8 and B.
- You confirm. You see the VIN, can correct it, and open the free VIN check: specs, model year, plant and open recalls.
Questions about reading a VIN from a photo
Where do I take the photo?
Best: the barcode on the label in the driver door frame. It holds the VIN and reads almost every time. You can also photograph the small plate at the bottom of the windshield on the driver side (from outside), or the VIN printed on the title, registration or insurance card.
Do you keep my photo?
No. The photo is read inside your own browser and is never uploaded to VinGear or anyone else. Only the VIN you confirm is sent when you open the free VIN check.
Is it free?
Yes. There is no limit and no sign-up.
Why could the VIN not be read?
Glare, shadows, a blurry or angled shot, or a dirty windshield. Take the photo straight on and close up, in good light, with all 17 characters (or the whole barcode) in the picture. Then check the result: you can correct any character before you continue.
How do you know the VIN is right?
Cars sold in North America have a check digit in the 9th position. We only call a VIN "checked" when that digit fits. For other VINs, compare the result with the car before you continue.