How long is a Ford VIN?
A Ford VIN is 17 characters long.
Since 1981, the automotive industry has standardized Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) to 17 characters. Ford uses this 17-character code to uniquely identify each vehicle and to encode information about its origin, attributes, and production history. The VIN is used by dealers, insurers, and authorities to verify a vehicle’s identity and history.
The 17-character VIN format
Ford’s VIN follows a three-part structure that appears in every 17-character code: World Manufacturer Identifier, Vehicle Description Section, and Vehicle Identifier Section. Here is how the code is organized.
- WMI — characters 1 through 3: World Manufacturer Identifier. These digits/letters identify Ford as the maker and indicate the country or region of manufacture.
- VDS — characters 4 through 9: Vehicle Description Section. This portion describes model features, body style, engine, and includes the check digit at position 9.
- VIS — characters 10 through 17: Vehicle Identifier Section. This portion includes the model year code (10th character), the manufacturing plant code (11th character), and a unique production sequence number (12th through 17th characters).
Important notes: the 9th character is a check digit used to verify VIN integrity; letters I, O, and Q are not used to prevent confusion; the 10th character encodes the model year and codes repeat every 30 years, so you may need cross-reference to confirm the exact year.
Ford WMIs in the first three characters reflect the origin and brand, and common prefixes for U.S.-built Ford vehicles include sequences starting with 1F (and its sub-designations like 1FA, 1FT, 1FMD, etc.), though exact values vary by model and region. For precise decoding, use Ford’s official VIN tools or trusted databases.
Reading a Ford VIN in practice
To interpret a VIN, start with the first three characters to identify the manufacturer and origin, then look at the 10th character to estimate the model year. The 11th character reveals the plant, and the 12th–17th characters provide the production sequence number. For exact details, cross-check with Ford’s decoder or a reputable VIN lookup service.
Where to find the VIN on a Ford
VINs are typically located on multiple readily accessible surfaces, making it easy to verify a vehicle’s identity during a sale or service.
- Dashboard: visible through the lower-left corner of the windshield.
- Driver’s door jamb sticker: a label on the door frame that includes the VIN.
- Vehicle documents: registration, title, and insurance cards.
When verifying a VIN, ensure you are reading all 17 characters, as any missing or altered digits can indicate tampering or a clerical error in the record.
Summary
In short, a Ford VIN is 17 characters long. It is a standardized code that encodes the vehicle’s origin (WMI), description (VDS), and production details (VIS), including the model year, plant, and serial number. The 9th character is the check digit, and certain letters are excluded to avoid confusion. For precise decoding, consult Ford’s official VIN decoder or trusted databases, and always verify against vehicle documents and records.
What is the length of a VIN?
A standard vehicle VIN is 17 characters long and consists of a mix of capital letters and numbers. Vehicles manufactured before 1981 may have shorter VINs, with lengths ranging from 5 to 13 characters.
- Modern vehicles: Since 1981, a standard 17-character format has been used for all vehicles, eliminating the letters I, O, and Q to avoid confusion with the numbers 1 and 0.
- Older vehicles: Vehicles made before 1981 may have VINs of different lengths, with the number of characters varying depending on the manufacturer.
Can a VIN be 9 digits?
A vehicle's identification number (VIN) is a unique identifier. The most common VIN format is the 17-digit VIN, which became standard for all vehicles manufactured since January 1981. Vehicles manufactured prior to 1981 may have as few as 5 digits to as many as 13 digits.
How many digits is a Ford VIN number?
Under NHTSA's regulations, each motor vehicle must contain a vehicle identification number, also known as a VIN, which is a 17-character number that encodes specific information about the particular vehicle.
What if my VIN is less than 17 digits?
If your vehicle's VIN is less than 17 characters, it was likely made before 1981. We recommend using our VIN decoder only if your vehicle was made post-1981.
