Can I look up my vehicle specs by VIN number?

All modern cars have a unique 17-character Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN), used not only to check a vehicle’s history but also to reveal its specifications. These specs can help you decide before buying a used car or even to learn more about your current vehicle.

Let’s find out how to use the VIN to reveal any vehicle’s specifications and history on carVertical.

How to identify vehicle specifications by VIN using carVertical

VIN numbers have been assigned for virtually every vehicle worldwide over the past several decades. When these vehicle identification numbers became the universal global standard in the early 1980s, they helped buyers in at least several ways (e.g., reduce the risk of buying a motor vehicle with a falsified millage or a theft record).

To reveal basic vehicle specifications, you can enter your car's VIN into the carVertical VIN decoder and push the “Decode VIN” button. The system will show you available details, such as model name, fuel type, and country of origin.

Additionally, you can get a vehicle history report, which typically contains a more informative “Specs” section together with historical facts about the vehicle.

In Norway, you can also find some basic vehicle details for free on the Statens vegvesen website, but carVertical gives you a much deeper look – including accident history and equipment details.

With this information, you can make a more informed decision when buying a used car or simply gain a better understanding of your own vehicle. Knowing both the specifications and the vehicle’s history helps you assess its condition, verify its authenticity, and plan for future maintenance or upgrades.

Where can I find the VIN number on a car?

The easiest way to find the vehicle's VIN number is to look at the registration or insurance documents. However, the vehicle identification number is also located in several areas of a car, but a few of the most common ones are:

• On the driver's side of the dashboard (visible from the outside)
• On the driver's side door frame
• On the frame inside the engine bay
• On the driver's side door pillar

Where can I find the VIN on a motorcycle?

If you have a motorcycle, the VIN should be located in the following places:

• On the frame rail
• Near the headstock (steering head)
• On the bottom of the engine

When looking for the VIN, remember that they don’t include O (o), I (i), and Q (q) letters to prevent confusion with digits 0, 1, and 9. Regardless of the vehicle type, always inspect the VIN in multiple areas and ensure they match and are without any discrepancies. Manufacturers place these in several locations to help people ensure that the vehicle still has original structural parts.

Which vehicle specs can be identified?

Vehicles in manufacturing plant are produced based on specific buyer configurations or statistics that help manufacturers maximize their chances of selling the vehicle.

Due to the extremely high number of combinations of body color, rims, equipment, engines, and gearboxes, vehicle manufacturers link this information to the vehicle identification number, which, once decoded, gives you detailed information on the vehicle specs.

Here’s a list of vehicle spec categories that can typically be identified:

• Make, model, model year and country of origin
• Engine displacement and transmission type
• Standard and optional mechanical components
• Standard and optional equipment
• Exterior and interior colors
• Safety equipment

Which specs can't be identified by VIN and why?

Traditionally, vehicle identification numbers have been used to keep track of mileage rollbacks, accidents, and other events related to its ownership. However, even the most advanced VIN decoder cannot reveal certain types of data.

When it comes to specs, vehicle manufacturers tend to safeguard OEM build data and details that vary depending on specific conditions. This avoids future confusion if specific terms change, as the VIN always remains the same. Here are a few examples:

• Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP)
• Warranties
• Fuel economy ratings

What other information does the carVertical report provide?

Vehicle specifications are handy for quick car identification, but there are more important aspects to check if you’re considering buying a used car. A carVertical history report can reveal many facts that you’d want to know before buying a car, including:

• Historical photos of the vehicle
• Mileage records
• Damage records
• Theft records and legal status
• Safety ratings, recalls
• Commercial usage (for example, if the car was previously used as a taxi), and more

One of the most interesting parts of carVertical reports is the “Damage” section.

You can see damage records from damage data providers and other institutions with dates, damage costs, locations, and even damaged areas. Imagine how much easier it is to check the quality of body repairs when you know which areas were damaged.

Scams are very common in the used car market, so always thoroughly inspect the car and stay sharp. You can take a look at the car yourself and get a vehicle history report before booking a professional inspection. In fact, you can check the car’s history before even without seeing the car itself – maybe it’s not even worth the trip?