VIN year chart: decode the 10th digit
The 10th character of every VIN is the model year. Find yours below, or enter a VIN to decode everything at once.
The 10th VIN character is the model year code: A = 1980/2010, B = 1981/2011 … Y = 2000/2030, then 1 = 2001/2031 through 9 = 2009/2039. Letters I, O, Q, U, Z and the number 0 are never used. For light vehicles, a number in position 7 means 1980–2009; a letter means 2010–2039.
| 10th digit | 1980–2009 cycle | 2010–2039 cycle |
|---|---|---|
| A | 1980 | 2010 |
| B | 1981 | 2011 |
| C | 1982 | 2012 |
| D | 1983 | 2013 |
| E | 1984 | 2014 |
| F | 1985 | 2015 |
| G | 1986 | 2016 |
| H | 1987 | 2017 |
| J | 1988 | 2018 |
| K | 1989 | 2019 |
| L | 1990 | 2020 |
| M | 1991 | 2021 |
| N | 1992 | 2022 |
| P | 1993 | 2023 |
| R | 1994 | 2024 |
| S | 1995 | 2025 |
| T | 1996 | 2026 |
| V | 1997 | 2027 |
| W | 1998 | 2028 |
| X | 1999 | 2029 |
| Y | 2000 | 2030 |
| 1 | 2001 | 2031 |
| 2 | 2002 | 2032 |
| 3 | 2003 | 2033 |
| 4 | 2004 | 2034 |
| 5 | 2005 | 2035 |
| 6 | 2006 | 2036 |
| 7 | 2007 | 2037 |
| 8 | 2008 | 2038 |
| 9 | 2009 | 2039 |
How to tell which 30-year cycle
Because the codes repeat every 30 years, an L can mean 1990 or 2020. Since the 2010 model year, cars, SUVs and light trucks (10,000 lb GVWR and under) use the 7th character to break the tie: a number there means the 1980–2009 cycle, a letter means 2010–2039. For heavy trucks and buses, the rule doesn't apply, so decode the full VIN.
Where to find your VIN
On the driver's side of the dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the driver's door jamb sticker, and on your registration, title and insurance card.
Questions
Which VIN digit is the model year?
The 10th character. It uses letters (except I, O, Q, U and Z) and the numbers 1–9, and the cycle repeats every 30 years.
How do I tell 1990 from 2020 if both use L?
For cars, SUVs and light trucks under 10,000 lb, look at the 7th character. If it's a number, the model year is 1980–2009. If it's a letter, it's 2010–2039. Or decode the full VIN with our free tool.
Is the VIN year the same as the year it was built?
Not always. The 10th digit is the model year, which can start before the calendar year. A 2025 model may be built in mid-2024.
What year is a VIN with T in the 10th position?
T means 1996 or 2026. For a modern light vehicle, it's a 2026 model year.