Tesla VIN Decoder

Q: How do I check a Tesla VIN in the UK?

Simply use our Tesla VIN decoder to verify the original specifications and check for the number of previous keepers, mileage discrepancy, MoT history, insurance written off, and more.

Q: Can I lookup Tesla by VIN?

Yes. Use our reliable Tesla VIN number lookup tool to find detailed information about any Tesla, including the vehicle specs and history.

Our Tesla VIN decoder helps to instantly verify key Tesla details. Decode the VIN to view vehicle specs, trim and features, and check for potential risks like insurance write-off and theft before you buy a used Tesla.

What is a Tesla VIN decoder?

A Tesla VIN decoder is an online tool that reads and interprets the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of a Tesla. It reveals vital information about the car’s specs, trim, battery type, and more. It’s also essential for verifying a vehicle’s history, especially when buying or selling a secondhand Tesla.

How to Decode a Tesla VIN Number?

A 17-digit Tesla VIN provides details about the vehicle, such as the manufacturer, model, production location, and unique identifiers. It serves as a distinct fingerprint for each vehicle.

In the VIN, the letters I, O, and Q are omitted to prevent confusion, as they can be mistaken for the numbers 1 and 0.

What are the Parts of a VIN Number?

The VIN is divided into three key sections:

Characters 1 – 3 is the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI). It verifies the car manufacturer and country of origin.
Characters 4 to 9 is the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS). It unlocks detailed specifications, such as the model, body style, and engine type.
The remaining characters (10 to 17) represent the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS). It codes for the vehicle’s model year, assembly plant, and a unique serial number.

Let’s break down what each of the 17-digit VIN characters means:

1st to 3rd Characters:

The first three characters represent the country and manufacturer. Some of the characters include:

5YJ – Fremont (through Model Year M)
7SA – Fremont/Austin (from Model Year N onwards)
5YY – USA (Model 3/S)
7G2 – USA (Tesla Semi)

LRW – Shanghai
XP7 – Berlin
SFZ – Great Britain (Tesla Roadster)

4th Character:

This provides information about the vehicle model. Some of the characters include:

Y – Model Y
S – Model S
3 – Model 3
Y – Model Y

R – Roadster
C – Cybertruck
T – Semi

5th Character:

This represents the body type and steering wheel position of the Tesla. Some of the characters include:

A: 5 doors, left-hand drive, hatchback (Model S)/sedan (Model 3)
B: 5 doors, right-hand drive, hatchback (Model S)/sedan (Model 3)/cabin (Semi)
C: 5 doors, left-hand drive, SUV
D: 5 doors, right-hand drive, SUV
E: left-hand drive, 4 doors, sedan (Model 3)/3 doors, convertible (Roadster)
F: 4 doors, right-hand drive, sedan
G: 5 doors, left-hand drive, SUV crossover
H: 5 doors, right-hand drive, SUV crossover

6th Characters:

This represents the safety equipment installed, including seat belts, airbags, pedestrian protection etc. A few of the characters include:

1: Type 2 seat belts (2 front, 3 rear), front airbags, knee airbags (front), side airbags, PODS (Passenger Occupant Detection System).
3: Type 2 seat belts (2 front, 2 rear), front airbags, knee airbags (front), side airbags.
4: Type 2 seat belts (2 front, 2 rear), front airbags, knee airbags (front), side airbags.
A: Type 2 seat belts (2 front, 3 second row, 2 third row), front airbags, knee airbags (front), side airbags, PODS.
B: Type 2 seat belts (2 front, 2 second row, 2 third row), front airbags, knee airbags (front), side airbags, PODS.
C: Type 2 seat belts (2 front, 2 second row, 2 third row), front airbags, side airbags, PODS.
D: Type 2 seat belts (2 front, 3 rear), front airbags, knee airbags (front), side airbags, PODS.
E: Tesla Semi only.

7th Characters:

This helps to determine if the Tesla is an EV. Until 2013, the character represented the charging module type and power. From Tesla manufactured from 2014 onwards, the 7th digit codes for the battery type. Some of the characters include:

A: Charger with 10 kW charging power.
B: Charger with 20 kW charging capacity.
C: Charger with 10 kW charging power and DC fast charger.
D: Charger with 20 kW charging power and DC fast charger.
E: NMC/NCA battery (for cars produced in Shanghai). If digit 8 is “S”, then BYD LFP battery (for non-Shanghai cars). Otherwise, E simply stands for “Electric”.
F: LFP battery. If digit 8 is “S”, then the battery comes from CATL.
H: NMC battery with high capacity (85 kWh).
S: NMC battery with standard capacity (60 kWh).
V: NMC battery with ultra-high capacity (90 kWh).

8th character:

This represents the different motors, which can have up to 21 different values. Some of the characters include:

1: a standard AC induction motor, 3-phase.
2: two standard AC induction motors, 3-phase.
3: one performance AC induction motor, 3-phase.
4: two performance AC induction motors, 3-phase.
5: two motors (facelift Model S/X).
6: three engines (Model S/X Plaid).
A: one standard or performance motor of the type “Wire Windings” (3#RP, Model 3).
B: two standard motors of type “Wire Windings” (3#DB, Model 3 or Semi).
C: two “Wire Windings” type performance motors with 82 kWh battery (3#DP).
D: a standard or performance motor of the type “Wire Windings” (Y#RP, Model Y).

9th Character:

The check digit is located in the ninth position of the chassis number. It helps verify the authenticity and accuracy of the VIN—if the VIN has been altered or incorrectly issued, the check digit will not match.

10th Character:

The tenth character indicates the model year and alternates between numbers and letters.

Here’s a table that can help you quickly identify any car’s model year:

Code/Year

A 1980
B 1981
C 1982
D 1983
E 1984
F 1985
G 1986
H 1987
J 1988
K 1989

Code/Year

L 1990
M 1991
N 1992
P 1993
R 1994
S 1995
T 1996
V 1997
W 1998
X 1999

Code/Year

Y 2000
1 2001
2 2002
3 2003
4 2004
5 2005
6 2006
7 2007
8 2008
9 2009

Code/Year

A 2010
B 2011
C 2012
D 2013
E 2014
F 2015
G 2016
H 2017
J 2018
K 2019

Code/Year

L 2020
M 2021
N 2022
P 2023
R 2024
S 2025
T 2026
V 2027
W 2028
X 2029

Code/Year

A 1980
B 1981
C 1982
D 1983
E 1984
F 1985
G 1986
H 1987
J 1988
K 1989
L 1990
M 1991
N 1992
P 1993
R 1994
S 1995
T 1996
V 1997
W 1998
X 1999
Y 2000
1 2001
2 2002
3 2003
4 2004

Code/Year

5 2005
6 2006
7 2007
8 2008
9 2009
A 2010
B 2011
C 2012
D 2013
E 2014
F 2015
G 2016
H 2017
J 2018
K 2019
L 2020
M 2021
N 2022
P 2023
R 2024
S 2025
T 2026
V 2027
W 2028
X 2029

11th Character:

The eleventh character shows the manufacturing plant. Some of the possible characters include:

1: California, Menlo Park.
3: United Kingdom, Hethel (Roadster).
A: Texas, Austin.
B: Germany, Berlin/Grünheide.
C: China, Shanghai.
F: California, Fremont.
G: Germany, Berlin/Grünheide.
N: Nevada, Reno.
P: California, Palo Alto.
R: Development/Research.

12th to 17th Characters:

The last six digits of a Tesla VIN form a unique serial number that specifically identifies the individual vehicle—no two vehicles share the same sequence. Although the final five digits serve solely as a unique identifier, the first digit of this serial number may carry additional meaning if it is one of the following letters:

A: Prototype stage Alpha.
B: Prototype stage beta.
E: Evaluation prototype (Roadster).
F: Founder series (Roadster number 1 to 1000).
M: Prototype drivable (Roadster).
P: Production vehicle (only first 100.000 Model S).
R: Release Candidate.
S: Signature series (first 1000 Model S/X).
V: Validation prototype (Roadster).

How to Check a Tesla VIN Number?

Simply have the Tesla VIN number ready and follow these easy steps:

Enter the VIN

Input the 17-character VIN, your email address, and your phone number into the form above.

Click “Decode VIN”:

Submit details to initiate the decoding process.

View Specifications:

Instantly access the car’s make, model, body type, and other key details.

You can upgrade to a full car check report to verify MOT status, mileage discrepancy, finance status, and other vital information.

What is a Tesla VIN Number?

A Tesla VIN is a unique 17-character code that identifies every Tesla vehicle. It holds key data such as model, manufacturing plant, battery size, and year. It’s essential during resale, insurance, and registration.

Where Can I Find Tesla's VIN Number?

The Tesla VIN number can be found in several key locations. Here are the most common Tesla VIN number locations:

Dashboard : Look through the windshield on the lower-left corner of the driver’s side dashboard.
Driver’s Side Door Pillar :Check the sticker or plate on the inside edge of the driver’s door.
Registration Documents : The VIN is often printed on the vehicle’s registration (V5C logbook), or insurance paperwork.
On the Chassis : The VIN is also stamped on the car’s chassis, visible behind the right-hand front wheel with the wheels turned to right full lock.
Passenger Seat Floor : The Tesla VIN is also stamped onto the floor beneath the passenger seat.
On the Touchscreen : Locate the Tesla VIN from the infotainment touchscreen (Controls > Software).

Benefits of a Tesla VIN Number Check

With over 2000 cars written off daily, a Tesla VIN check can help avoid costly surprises. Here are six reasons why decoding a Tesla VIN is vital:

Verify Vehicle Specs

Confirm the Tesla model, trim, battery type, and other factory details, ensuring you’re buying the right car.

Enhance Fair Pricing

Verified history helps set a fair price, avoiding overpaying or underselling due to hidden issues.

Checks Mileage Discrepancies

Catches mismatched mileage data that may suggest odometer rollback or fraud.

Verify Theft Status

Checks police and insurance records to confirm if the car has ever been stolen or cloned.

Insurance Write-Off Check

Know if the car was declared a total loss by insurers, essential in assessing potential hidden damage and future repairs.

View Previous Keepers

See if a car changed hands regularly, helping to assess any potential wear and overall value.

Tesla VIN Decoding: Free Vs. Full Car Check Report

Depending on your needs, you can choose between our free VIN decoding and a detailed, paid full car check. We would especially recommend a full car check as it is essential if you’re buying a used car.

Free VIN Decoding

No payment required. Our free Tesla VIN decoder reveals your Tesla’s basic specs, such as model, year, battery, trim, and more.

Check below for what our free VIN decoder provides.

Year

Body style

Colour

Voltage

Make

Trim level

Battery type

Number of doors

Model

Transmission

Electric motor

Number of seats

Vehicle type

Vehicle class

Power

Torque

Full Car Check Service

A full car check offers complete vehicle history, including ownership history, mileage, theft, and more. It is ideal for used car buyers and sellers and provides full access to the wing:

High-risk records

Written-off check

Stolen records

Outstanding finance

Mileage history

Scrapped records

Auction history

Plate change history

MOT history

Ownership records

Logbook checks

Colour change history

Tax Status

Imported checks

Exported checks

Vehicle Registration

What You Need to Know About Tesla Cars?

The Tesla Model S is one of the most stolen EVs in the UK, ranking second after the Nissan Leaf.
Tesla vehicles are known to be involved in fewer severe accidents due to their advanced safety features.
Tesla’s UK sales dropped 62% year-over-year in April 2025, following the end of EV tax exemptions.
Tesla vehicles tend to depreciate faster than some competitors, with resale values fluctuating based on demand and incentives.
Tesla’s UK market share has declined, with no Tesla model appearing in the top 10 best-sellers in early 2025.

Other Smart Car Check Tools

Our specialized car check tools provide you with all the information you need in one place. Here’s an overview of the additional tools available:

Registration Number Check

Retrieve vehicle details using the registration number.

MOT History Check

Access past MOT records to evaluate the car’s condition.

Insurance Write-Off Check

Identify vehicles previously classified as total losses.

Tax Check

Confirm tax status and compliance.

Stolen Car Check

Verify if the car is flagged as stolen in databases.

MPG Check

Determine the fuel efficiency and performance of the car.

Motorcycle VIN Check

Get specific data and history for motorcycles.

Car Value Check

Estimate the current market value of the vehicle.

Car Outstanding Finance Check

Verify if a car has an outstanding finance or loans.

Check Car VIN Numbers by Make

Vauxhall

MINI

Suzuki

Honda

Peugeot

BMW

Ford

Audi

VW

Get our Smart Car Check Mobile App

Are you looking for the best car history check UK? Make a smart decision with Smart Car Check App. Perform a Reg. number check in the UK to uncover any past problems and hidden history that the seller will not tell you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is VIN located on Tesla?

The Tesla VIN number can be found in several locations, including

on a plate at the top of the dashboard
on the door pillar,
stamped on the floor.
On the touchscreen
Check the Tesla mobile app or by viewing the page source on Tesla’s website.

How do I check a Tesla VIN in the UK?

Simply use our Tesla VIN decoder to verify the original specifications and check for the number of previous keepers, mileage discrepancy, MoT history, insurance written off, and more.

Can I lookup Tesla by VIN?

Yes. Use our reliable Tesla VIN number lookup tool to find detailed information about any Tesla, including the vehicle specs and history.