Audi VIN Decoder
Audi VIN Decoder
Last updated July 2026 · Reviewed by the VinWhere Vehicle Data Team · Source: NHTSA vPIC
A Audi VIN decoder reads a 17-character Audi Vehicle Identification Number to identify factory data such as model year, make, model, body style, engine, drivetrain, fuel type, manufacturer, country, and assembly plant when available. The first three characters are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) — for example, WAU identifies audi built in germany.
What a Audi VIN can tell you
An Audi VIN can reveal the model year, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, body style, fuel type, manufacturer, country, and assembly plant when available.
Audi VIN prefixes (WMI)
The first three characters of a Audi VIN identify the manufacturer, country, and vehicle type. Common Audi prefixes include:
| WMI prefix | Identifies |
|---|---|
| WAU, WA1 | Audi built in Germany |
| TRU | Audi built in Hungary |
Reading a Audi VIN
Country of build
An Audi VIN starting with W was built in Germany, while TRU indicates Audi's Hungarian plant.
quattro drivetrain
Many Audis use quattro all-wheel drive, reflected in the VIN's drivetrain field when reported.
Volkswagen Group
Audi shares platforms with Volkswagen and Porsche but uses its own WMIs.
Sample Audi VIN decode
An example decode for a Audi VIN, showing the factory fields VinWhere returns:
- Year
- 2018
- Make
- AUDI
- Model
- Q7
- Body
- Sport Utility Vehicle
- Engine
- 3L 6-cyl
- Drive
- AWD/All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Built in
- Bratislava, SLOVAKIA
Example VIN for illustration. Decode your own Audi VIN above for exact results.
How to read a Audi VIN
Every 17-character Audi VIN follows the same position structure. The 10th character is the model year (see the VIN year chart) and the 11th is the assembly plant.
| Position(s) | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 | Country or region of manufacture (WMI) |
| 2 | Manufacturer (WMI) |
| 3 | Vehicle type or manufacturing division (WMI) |
| 4–8 | Vehicle attributes: model, body, engine, restraints (VDS) |
| 9 | Check digit (validates the VIN) |
| 10 | Model year |
| 11 | Assembly plant |
| 12–17 | Production sequence / serial number |
Common Audi models
VinWhere decodes VINs across the Audi lineup, including:
Audi build sheet by VIN
Can I get a Audi build sheet by VIN?
Yes. A Audi build sheet is the factory record of how a specific vehicle was originally built — its installed options, packages, and paint and trim codes. VinWhere reconstructs this from the VIN: it decodes the factory specification, then checks the original Audi window sticker (Monroney label), which lists the as-built options and original MSRP.
Start with the Audi window sticker lookup to see the original as-built options and MSRP for your VIN.
Where to find your Audi VIN
- Driver-side dashboard, through the windshield
- Driver door jamb sticker
- Vehicle registration and title
- Insurance card and policy
Data sources and limitations
Audi VIN decoding is based on manufacturer-reported vehicle data from the official NHTSA vPIC database, plus brand-specific window sticker providers where available. Some fields — trim, options, or window sticker — may be unavailable depending on the model year, vehicle type, and source. A VIN decode shows factory specifications only, never owner names, addresses, or private DMV records.
Audi VIN decoder FAQ
How do I decode an Audi VIN for free?+
Enter your 17-character Audi VIN into VinWhere's free decoder to see the model year, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, and assembly plant when available.
What does an Audi VIN starting with WAU mean?+
An Audi VIN starting with WAU identifies an Audi passenger car built in Germany.
Where is the VIN on an Audi?+
Check the driver-side dashboard through the windshield, the driver door jamb, and the vehicle's registration, title, and insurance documents.