VIN Decoder & Window Sticker Lookup
Enter any 17-character VIN to decode vehicle details. We'll also show you what CarWhere buyers are paying for the same vehicle.
Enter a VIN to Decode
What Is a Window Sticker?
A window sticker (officially called a Monroney sticker) is the label required by federal law on every new car sold in the United States. It's your primary source of truth for what a vehicle includes and what the manufacturer thinks it should cost.
What's on a Window Sticker
How to Read a Window Sticker
Top Section
Manufacturer name, model year, model name, trim level, and body style. This identifies the exact vehicle configuration.
Standard Equipment
Lists everything included at the base price — engine, transmission, safety features, tech features. Compare across trims to see what's worth upgrading for.
Optional Packages
Individual option prices add up. Check if you actually want every feature in a package — sometimes it's cheaper to skip it and add individual options.
Pricing Breakdown
Base MSRP + options + destination charge = total MSRP. The destination charge ($1,000-$1,800) is non-negotiable. Everything else is fair game.
Fuel Economy
EPA estimates for city/highway/combined MPG plus estimated annual fuel cost. These are standardized but your real-world numbers will vary based on driving style.
What Is a VIN?
Every vehicle manufactured since 1981 has a unique 17-character Vehicle Identification Number. It's like a fingerprint — no two vehicles share the same VIN.
Anatomy of a VIN
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)
Country of origin, manufacturer, and division
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Model, body type, engine, transmission, restraint system
Check Digit
Mathematical validation to detect invalid VINs
Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS)
Model year, plant, and sequential production number
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a VIN number?▼
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle manufactured since 1981. It contains encoded information about the vehicle's manufacturer, model, engine type, and where and when it was built. No two vehicles have the same VIN.
Where do I find the VIN on my car?▼
The most common location is the driver's side dashboard — look through the windshield at the base where it meets the dash. It's also on the driver's door jamb sticker, your registration card, insurance documents, and the vehicle title.
What is a window sticker?▼
A window sticker (Monroney sticker) is the federally required label on every new car showing the MSRP, standard features, optional equipment, fuel economy ratings, and safety ratings. It's named after Senator Mike Monroney who sponsored the 1958 law requiring it.
Can I get the original window sticker from a VIN?▼
For most new vehicles still on dealer lots, the manufacturer can provide the window sticker. For used vehicles, original window stickers are generally not available through free tools. Our VIN decoder provides the key vehicle specifications that would appear on the sticker.
Is VIN decoding free?▼
Yes. Our VIN decoder uses the free NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) database and is completely free to use. We also show you what CarWhere buyers are paying for matching vehicles at no cost.