ATV VIN Check - Free ATV VIN Decoder
This ATV VIN Check tool is free to use. It is currently in beta testing and will decode the vehicle identification number of any Yamaha ATV. Once I am confident it is bug free, and if there is enough demand, I will update it to cover all makes and models of ATVs including Polaris, Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki and others.
Since writing my ATV VIN guide I've been asked for help in decoding ATV VIN's so I made this free ATV VIN check tool. Use the charts and instructions in the original guide if you'd like to know how to manually decode an ATV VIN, however, it is easier to do an ATV VIN check by entering your ATV VIN into a decoder, now you can.
What This ATV VIN Check Tool Does: It will tell you if the VIN is mathematically valid based on industry standards and, if it is, will attempt to provide you with year, make and model information based on that VIN. This is particularly useful when buying a used ATV and/or ATV Parts.
What it Doesn't do: It cannot tell you if an ATV is stolen and will not provide specific information about the ATV such as engine size, color or other information which may be particular to that ATV. I decided not to use that type of specific information in order to avoid this tool being used for the wrong reasons and to keep costs low(as in free). No owner history or personal information is collected or saved with this tool.
The VIN entered is invalid. Please check and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions About This ATV VIN Decoder
"It shows the wrong year!"
The 10th digit of an ATV VIN represents the year. The letters A through Z, with the exception of O, L, U and Q which are never used, and numbers 1 through 9 each represent a year(see charts on my VIN Guide page to determine year). The problem with using this system is that when you run out of numbers and letters the system starts over and as a result the letter A for example can mean 1980 or 2010. This problem was resolved by referencing the 7th digit as follows. If the 7th digit is a number the earlier year is accurate, if the 7th digit is a letter the later year is accurate. Check to make sure the 7th digit is also accurate on your VIN, not just the 10th digit.
"It says my vin is invalid!"
The 9th digit of every 17 digit ATV VIN is called the check digit and it represents the mathematical sum of the values of the entire VIN. Make sure you have correctly entered all 17 digits as they appear on your ATV. To make sure the tool is working correctly during beta testing you can enter the value 11111111111111111 which should validate, if it doesn't please let me know.
"I think I have a generic ATV not from a major brand name"
This is not only entirely possible but is in fact likely. Many ATVs are assembled in China using parts from many different companies and are named and branded by the end retailer where it was originally sold. During import these ATVs are often labeled as farm equipment which has different rules and regulations as you find on cars. This presents a problem for owners, the ATV VIN is usually printed in advance and does not follow the standard coding procedure. Semi-generic VINs are applied after the fact. If this is your case your best bet is to take a picture and take it to your local dealer, it's likely that an experienced person there will recognize the ATV style and help you get the parts you need.
"I'm buying a used ATV and the VIN doesn't check out!"
Do not go by the VIN printed on any paperwork, you need to check the VIN on the ATV or motorbike itself. If it still doesn't check out, or is hard to read, I urge you to contact your local DMV(Department of Motor Vehicles) for more specific information about that ATV. Buying an ATV without paperwork is also always a risk and not recommended, contact your local police office if you suspect the VIN might have been removed or tampered with intentionally. As can be seen on this typical VIN chart the first 13 digits can be numerical or alphabetical but the last 4 digits are always numerical.
"It doesn't tell me my model information!"
Did you know that not all Japanese ATVs are made in Japan and not all American ATVs are made in America etc? Some were even made from multiple locations and as a result there are multiple possible codes within the VIN to identify a single model of ATV. I am adding models and codes as quickly as I can verify them through a dealership.