Tesla VIN Decoder
Tesla VIN Decoder
Last updated July 2026 · Reviewed by the VinWhere Vehicle Data Team · Source: NHTSA vPIC
A Tesla VIN decoder reads a 17-character Tesla 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, 5YJ identifies tesla built in the united states.
What a Tesla VIN can tell you
A Tesla VIN can reveal the model year, model, trim, drivetrain, body style, manufacturer, country, and assembly plant when available. As an EV, Tesla VINs encode an electric drivetrain rather than a combustion engine.
Tesla VIN prefixes (WMI)
The first three characters of a Tesla VIN identify the manufacturer, country, and vehicle type. Common Tesla prefixes include:
| WMI prefix | Identifies |
|---|---|
| 5YJ, 7SA | Tesla built in the United States |
| LRW | Tesla built in China (Shanghai) |
| XP7 | Tesla built in Germany (Berlin) |
Reading a Tesla VIN
Country of build
Tesla VINs start with 5YJ or 7SA (USA), LRW (China), or XP7 (Germany).
Position 10: model year
The 10th character encodes the Tesla model year code.
Electric drivetrain
Because Teslas are electric, the VIN's powertrain fields reflect an EV rather than a gas or diesel engine.
Sample Tesla VIN decode
An example decode for a Tesla VIN, showing the factory fields VinWhere returns:
- Year
- 2019
- Make
- TESLA
- Model
- Model 3
- Body
- Sedan
- Engine
- —
- Drive
- —
- Fuel
- Electric
- Built in
- Fremont, UNITED STATES (USA)
Example VIN for illustration. Decode your own Tesla VIN above for exact results.
How to read a Tesla VIN
Every 17-character Tesla 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 Tesla models
VinWhere decodes VINs across the Tesla lineup, including:
Tesla build sheet by VIN
Can I get a Tesla build sheet by VIN?
Yes. A Tesla 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 Tesla window sticker (Monroney label), which lists the as-built options and original MSRP.
Start with the Tesla window sticker lookup to see the original as-built options and MSRP for your VIN.
Where to find your Tesla VIN
- Driver-side dashboard, through the windshield
- Driver door jamb sticker
- Vehicle registration and title
- Insurance card and policy
Data sources and limitations
Tesla 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.
Tesla VIN decoder FAQ
How do I decode a Tesla VIN for free?+
Enter your 17-character Tesla VIN into VinWhere's free decoder to see the model year, model, drivetrain, and assembly plant when available.
What does a Tesla VIN starting with LRW mean?+
A Tesla VIN starting with LRW was built in China at Tesla's Shanghai factory. 5YJ and 7SA indicate the United States, and XP7 indicates Germany.
Where is the VIN on a Tesla?+
A Tesla's VIN is visible on the driver-side dashboard through the windshield, on the door jamb, and in the vehicle's documents and Tesla account.