ToolviaChevrolet VIN decoder
Chevrolet VINs follow GM’s system, so the first three characters point straight to the type of vehicle. 1GC is a Chevy truck like the Silverado, 1GN is an SUV like the Tahoe or Suburban, and 1G1 is a car.
Decode a Chevy VIN below to get the year, model, trim, engine and plant, plus recalls, owner complaints and crash test ratings where NHTSA has them.
Chevrolet manufacturer codes (WMI)
The first three characters of a Chevrolet VIN are its World Manufacturer Identifier. These are the ones you’re most likely to see on vehicles sold in the United States:
| VIN starts with | Meaning |
|---|---|
1G1 | Chevrolet cars built in the US |
1GC | Chevrolet trucks built in the US |
1GN | Chevrolet SUVs built in the US |
2G1 | Chevrolet cars built in Canada |
3GN | Chevrolet SUVs built in Mexico |
KL | Chevrolet models built in South Korea |
Not sure what the rest of the characters mean? Our guide to what each digit in a VIN means walks through all 17, and the VIN year chart shows how to read the model year from the 10th character.
How to read a Chevrolet VIN
The 8th character is the engine
Like other GM brands, Chevrolet uses the 8th character of the VIN for the engine code. That’s how you tell, for example, which V8 a Silverado or Camaro left the factory with.
Look for the parts label
Most GM vehicles have a Service Parts Identification label, usually in the glove box, the trunk or on the console lid. It lists three-character RPO codes for the factory options. Together with the VIN, it tells you almost everything about how the car was built.
Imports carry other codes
Not every Chevy starts with 1. Models built in Mexico use 3, Canada uses 2, and smaller models built in South Korea start with KL.
Before you buy a used Chevrolet: what to check with the VIN
Once you’ve decoded the VIN, these are the Chevrolet-specific things worth comparing against the listing.
Match the engine to the price
A Silverado or Tahoe with a larger V8 usually costs more. The 8th character and the decoded engine size confirm what\u2019s under the hood.
Find the RPO label
Open the glove box or look in the trunk for the Service Parts Identification label. Its RPO codes list factory options like axle ratio and towing packages, which the VIN alone doesn\u2019t show.
2WD or 4WD
Check the Drive type row before you pay four-wheel-drive prices. It\u2019s one of the most common mistakes in truck listings.
Where to find the VIN on a Chevrolet
Check the dashboard through the windshield on the driver’s side first, then the label on the driver’s door jamb. The VIN is also printed on the title, registration and insurance card. See all the places to look.
Frequently asked questions
How do I decode a Chevy engine from the VIN?
Enter the VIN above. The 8th character is GM’s engine code, and the report shows the engine size, cylinders and fuel type.
Is a GMC VIN decoded the same way?
Yes. GMC uses the same GM system. GMC trucks and SUVs usually start with 1GT, 1GK or 3GK, and our decoder handles them the same way.
What is an RPO code?
A Regular Production Option code is a short GM code for a factory option, such as an engine, axle ratio or package. They’re printed on the Service Parts Identification label, not in the VIN.
Chevrolet is a trademark of its owner. Toolvia is an independent site and isn’t affiliated with Chevrolet. Decoded details come from data the manufacturer reports to NHTSA.