Lincoln VIN Decoder
Lincoln VIN Decoder
Last updated July 2026 · Reviewed by the VinWhere Vehicle Data Team · Source: NHTSA vPIC
A Lincoln VIN decoder reads a 17-character Lincoln 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, 5LM identifies lincoln suvs (usa).
What a Lincoln VIN can tell you
A Lincoln VIN can reveal the model year, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, body style, fuel type, manufacturer, country, and assembly plant when available.
Lincoln VIN prefixes (WMI)
The first three characters of a Lincoln VIN identify the manufacturer, country, and vehicle type. Common Lincoln prefixes include:
| WMI prefix | Identifies |
|---|---|
| 5LM, 2LM | Lincoln SUVs (USA) |
| 1LN | Lincoln cars (USA) |
Reading a Lincoln VIN
Ford luxury brand
Lincoln uses its own WMIs but follows Ford's VIN conventions and the 17-character standard.
Position 10: model year
The 10th character encodes the Lincoln model year code.
SUV-focused lineup
Lincoln's current lineup is SUV-heavy, reflected in the 5LM prefix.
Sample Lincoln VIN decode
An example decode for a Lincoln VIN, showing the factory fields VinWhere returns:
- Year
- 2019
- Make
- LINCOLN
- Model
- MKC
- Body
- Sport Utility Vehicle
- Engine
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drive
- 4x2
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Built in
- Louisville, UNITED STATES (USA)
Example VIN for illustration. Decode your own Lincoln VIN above for exact results.
How to read a Lincoln VIN
Every 17-character Lincoln 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 Lincoln models
VinWhere decodes VINs across the Lincoln lineup, including:
Lincoln build sheet by VIN
Can I get a Lincoln build sheet by VIN?
Yes. A Lincoln 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 Lincoln window sticker (Monroney label), which lists the as-built options and original MSRP.
Start with the Lincoln window sticker lookup to see the original as-built options and MSRP for your VIN.
Where to find your Lincoln VIN
- Driver-side dashboard, through the windshield
- Driver door jamb sticker
- Vehicle registration and title
- Insurance card and policy
Data sources and limitations
Lincoln 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.
Lincoln VIN decoder FAQ
How do I decode a Lincoln VIN for free?+
Enter your 17-character Lincoln VIN into VinWhere's free decoder to see the model year, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, and assembly plant when available.
What does a Lincoln VIN starting with 5LM mean?+
A Lincoln VIN starting with 5LM identifies a Lincoln SUV built in the United States, such as a Navigator or Aviator.
Is a Lincoln VIN the same as a Ford VIN?+
Lincoln is Ford's luxury brand and uses different WMIs, but both follow the same 17-character VIN standard.