Volkswagen VIN Decoder
Volkswagen VIN Decoder
Last updated July 2026 · Reviewed by the VinWhere Vehicle Data Team · Source: NHTSA vPIC
A Volkswagen VIN decoder reads a 17-character Volkswagen 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, WVW identifies volkswagen cars built in germany.
What a Volkswagen VIN can tell you
A Volkswagen VIN can reveal the model year, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, body style, fuel type, manufacturer, country, and assembly plant when available.
Volkswagen VIN prefixes (WMI)
The first three characters of a Volkswagen VIN identify the manufacturer, country, and vehicle type. Common Volkswagen prefixes include:
| WMI prefix | Identifies |
|---|---|
| WVW | Volkswagen cars built in Germany |
| 1VW | Volkswagen built in the USA (Tennessee) |
| 3VW | Volkswagen built in Mexico |
Reading a Volkswagen VIN
Country of build
A VW VIN starting with WVW was built in Germany, 1VW indicates Tennessee, and 3VW indicates Mexico.
Position 10: model year
The 10th character encodes the Volkswagen model year code.
Volkswagen Group
Volkswagen shares platforms with Audi and other group brands but uses its own WMIs.
Sample Volkswagen VIN decode
An example decode for a Volkswagen VIN, showing the factory fields VinWhere returns:
- Year
- 2012
- Make
- VOLKSWAGEN
- Model
- Passat
- Body
- Sedan
- Engine
- 2.480000L 5-cyl
- Drive
- —
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Built in
- Chattanooga, UNITED STATES (USA)
Example VIN for illustration. Decode your own Volkswagen VIN above for exact results.
How to read a Volkswagen VIN
Every 17-character Volkswagen 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 Volkswagen models
VinWhere decodes VINs across the Volkswagen lineup, including:
Volkswagen build sheet by VIN
Can I get a Volkswagen build sheet by VIN?
Yes. A Volkswagen 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 Volkswagen window sticker (Monroney label), which lists the as-built options and original MSRP.
Start with the Volkswagen window sticker lookup to see the original as-built options and MSRP for your VIN.
Where to find your Volkswagen VIN
- Driver-side dashboard, through the windshield
- Driver door jamb sticker
- Vehicle registration and title
- Insurance card and policy
Data sources and limitations
Volkswagen 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.
Volkswagen VIN decoder FAQ
How do I decode a Volkswagen VIN for free?+
Enter your 17-character VW VIN into VinWhere's free decoder to see the model year, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, and assembly plant when available.
What does a VW VIN starting with 3VW mean?+
A Volkswagen VIN starting with 3VW was built in Mexico. WVW indicates Germany and 1VW indicates the US plant in Tennessee.
Where is the VIN on a Volkswagen?+
Check the driver-side dashboard through the windshield, the driver door jamb, and the vehicle's documents.