Porsche VIN Decoder

Do you have some questions about a used car’s specs, history, or safety? Simply enter the VIN into our Porsche VIN decoder to find the true story about the car’s details and records. Effortlessly secure your investment and buy with confidence.

What is a Porsche VIN Number?

A Porsche VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique identifier assigned to each Porsche vehicle. It usually consists of 17 characters, though vehicles manufactured before 1981 or older classic models may have 5 to 14 digits. This code provides essential information, including the car’s production year, model, engine type, and manufacturing plant.

Knowing your Porsche VIN is crucial for verifying the vehicle’s history, checking for recalls, confirming specifications, and ensuring accurate maintenance. It’s an important tool for buyers, sellers, and owners to make informed and confident decisions during a vehicle transaction.

How to Read a Porsche VIN Number

Porsche VIN Number Breakdown_ How to Read a Porsche VIN Number

Note that the letters I, O, and Q are not included in a VIN to avoid confusion with the numbers 1 (One), 0 (Zero) and 9 (Nine).

Now, let’s break down what all those characters in Porsche’s VIN mean. A VIN is made up of 17 characters (except in classic vehicles), and each one provides information about Porsche’s specific details. These characters are also grouped into three sections to make decoding easier, they are:

  • World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI): This includes the first three characters (characters 1 – 3) and signifies the vehicle’s country of origin and manufacturer.
  • Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS): This section includes the 4th to 8th characters (characters 4 – 8) and contains information about the vehicle’s make, engine specs, model, and more.
  • Vehicle Identifier Section: Here, you will find the 9th to 17th characters (characters 9 – 17), which encode details like the model year, manufacturing plant code, and a serial number unique to each vehicle.

What Does Each Character of the VIN Mean?

In this section, we will break down each character of the VIN using a 2008 Porsche 911 VIN: WP0AC299X8S792067 as an example:

PositionNumberPositionNumber
1stW10th8
2ndP11thS
3rd012th7
4thA13th9
5thC14th2
6th215th0
7th916th6
8th917th7
9thX

1st Character (Country of Origin):

The first character(W) indicates where the Porsche was manufactured. This helps identify the country of production. The sample VIN starting with “W” means the Porsche was built in Germany.

2nd Character (Manufacturer):

This identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer. For Porsches, this is typically represented by “P,” as in the sample VIN.

3rd Character (Vehicle type or Manufacturing division):

The third character(0) shows the vehicle type or the division. Here are the two common characters:

  • 0 = Sports/Passenger
  • 1 = SUV

4th Character:

This represents the Porsche body type. Some common characters include:

  • A = 911 Coupe
  • B = 964/996/997 Targa
  • C = 944 Cabriolet
  • D = 933 Targa
  • E = 911 SC Targa/Cabrio
  • J = 928 up to MY1990

5th Character:

This represents the engine type.

6th character:

This verifies if there are airbags and the locations. E.g. 0 means no airbags, 2 means front airbags only, E means no side airbags and F means there are side airbags.

7th Character:

These represent the model year category (Pre/Post 2010). It can either be 9 = Up to MY2009 or A = Starting with MY2010.

8th Character:

This represents the model number.

9th Character:

The check digit(X) verifies that the VIN is authentic and not a fake string of random characters. It is calculated using a specific algorithm developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

10th Character:

The tenth character (8) indicates the model year and alternates between numbers and letters. Each letter represents a specific year; ‘8,’ from the VIN example, signifies the Porsche is a 2008 model.

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

Code/YearCode/YearCode/YearCode/YearCode/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
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 (S) shows the vehicle’s assembly or manufacturing plant. For instance, the sample VIN has “S” as the 11th character, depicting the Porsche assembled in Stuttgart. Other codes include:

  • U = Uusikaupunki
  • L = Leipzig
  • K = Osnabruck VW factory
  • N = Neckarsulm Audi factory
  • D = Bratislava VW factory

12th Character:

This position and the 8th position are read together to find the Porsche model ID.

13th to 17th Characters:

These characters (92067) make up the unique sequential number (serial number) of the Porsche. This distinguishes it uniquely from other Porsches with the same model, trim, etc., manufactured in the same plant.

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Where is the VIN Number on a Porsche?

The VIN represents a way to identify a vehicle. If you’re unsure about your Porsche VIN location, check the following places:

  • On the dashboard of the vehicle, near the windshield.
  • On the driver’s side door pillar.
  • On the car’s title, registration, maintenance book, or the auto insurance policy.
  • For most Porsches, the VIN can be found on the driver’s side windshield post. 
  • For the 1973 – 1998 Porsche 911, the VIN is located on the driver’s side windshield post. The VIN can also be located inside the front luggage compartment under the rug, to the right hood latch.
  • From the 1999 models, the VIN is located on the left windshield pillar.
  • For the Porsche 912 and 930, the VIN is located on the driver’s side windshield post or the luggage compartment.
  • The 914 model VIN can also be found on the right front wheel and on the right headlamp housing.
PORSCHE VIN LOCATION

Now that you’ve found the VIN, it’s time to retrieve all the information available from the VIN.

Decode your Porsche VIN now

Porsche VIN Numbers Before 1981

Before the NHTSA standardization of VIN, Porsche used several VIN number systems with the chassis number only indicating the car sequence coming off the production line.

Porsche VIN 1948 – 1968 (5 & 6 Digits)

From 1948 – 1958, the 356 models had 5 digit VIN. This became a six digit identification tag, covering the 356 B and 356 C. This system lasted until 1968 when Porsche moved to an 8 digit VIN code.

Porsche VIN 1968 (8 Digits)

The VIN ID number became 8 digits where the first two digits represented the model number. Other information include the model year, variant details and the serial number. E.g. the VIN 12801211 codes for a MY1968 912 Coupe.

Porsche VIN 1969 (9 Digits)

When the 9 digit system was introduced, the first two digits represented the model year. Other details include the model year, sub model etc. For instance, the VIN 129010219 codes for a MY1969 Targa.

Porsche VIN 1970 – 1979 (10 Digits)

In 1970, the 10 digit VIN ID system was introduced and included the 914/4 – a sports car that combined the affordable Porsche and a modern Volkswagen. The first three digits represented the model number. Other details are the model year, sub model, variant details and the serial number. For instance, the VIN 9249204924 codes for a MY1969 92 kW.

Porsche VIN 1980 (10 Digits)

The Porsche VIN 1980 had a unique 10 digits with the position 1, 2 and 5 required to verify the model. For instance the 911 model (VIN: 91A0134831) had a “9” in position 1, a “1” in position 2, and a “1” in position 5.

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What Information Can I Get from Decoding a Porsche VIN Number?

A Porsche VIN decoder can help you access everything about a new or used Porsche, including vehicle specifications, features, build sheets, and past history records.

Here are some Porsche specifications you can access when you use a Porsche VIN decoder:

  • Year
  • Make
  • Exterior dimensions
  • Number of doors
  • Ground clearance
  • Standard seating
  • Transmission style
  • Fuel type
  • Braking
  • Range extender
  • Engine Description
  • Front airbag information
  • Emissions
  • Cargo dimensions
  • Model
  • Valve train design
  • Interior dimensions
  • Suspension
  • Traction battery
  • Engine Size and specs
  • Drive Type
  • Tank capacity
  • Trailering
  • Displacement
  • Mileage
  • Tire pressure and size
  • Wheels
  • Electrical powertrain
  • Trim
  • Country
  • Delivery charges
  • Steering
  • Weight
  • MSRP
  • Body type
  • Seating
  • EPA Class
  • Engine model
  • Engine configuration
  • Seat belt type
  • Off-road attributes
  • Electrical specifications
  • Year
  • Make
  • Exterior dimensions
  • Number of doors
  • Ground clearance
  • Standard seating
  • Transmission style
  • Fuel type
  • Braking
  • Range extender
  • Engine Description
  • Front airbag information
  • Emissions
  • Cargo dimensions
  • Model
  • Valve train design
  • Interior dimensions
  • Suspension
  • Traction battery
  • Engine Size and specs
  • Drive Type
  • Tank capacity
  • Trailering
  • Displacement
  • Mileage
  • Tire pressure and size
  • Wheels
  • Electrical powertrain
  • Trim
  • Country
  • Delivery charges
  • Steering
  • Weight
  • MSRP
  • Body type
  • Seating
  • EPA Class
  • Engine model
  • Engine configuration
  • Seat belt type
  • Off-road attributes
  • Electrical specifications

Buying a Used Porsche? Look Beyond a Porsche VIN Decoder

The VIN number is important for checking a car’s details and where it was made, but there’s more to it. When buying a used Porsche, you can use a reliable Porsche VIN decoder to find past records and learn about the car’s history.

By conducting a Porsche VIN number lookup, you can track the vehicle history records from when the vehicle first left the factory. Below are the records you can uncover:

  • Mileage
  • Odometer Readings
  • Sales History
  • Auction History
  • Accident History
  • Title Brand
  • Salvage Title
  • Hail Damage
  • Flood Damage
  • Structural Damage
  • Ownership History
  • Usage History
  • Ownership Duration
  • Lien & Loans
  • Maintenance Schedule
  • Warranty Status
  • Repair Cost
  • Recalls History
  • Mileage
  • Odometer Readings
  • Sales History
  • Auction History
  • Accident History
  • Title Brand
  • Salvage Title
  • Hail Damage
  • Flood Damage
  • Structural Damage
  • Ownership History
  • Usage History
  • Ownership Duration
  • Lien & Loans
  • Maintenance Schedule
  • Warranty Status
  • Repair Cost
  • Recalls History

How to Decode a Porsche VIN Number For Detailed Vehicle Information

Using a free VIN decoder is a helpful starting point for vehicle information, but it often provides limited details. For a comprehensive view of Porsche’s specs, features, options, MSRP, fuel economy, safety ratings, warranty, color, and more, we recommend performing a Porsche window sticker lookup by VIN. You can also search using the US license plate or the vehicle’s year, make, and model.

If you’re buying a used Porsche for sale and want to check its history and condition, use our Porsche VIN number lookup tool to uncover any hidden records and get a clearer picture before making a decision.

Follow these simple steps to get your Porsche vehicle history reports within seconds:

  • In the form above, enter the Porsche VIN, email, and phone (optional) in the above form. Our tool can decode standard VINs (17 characters) and classic VINs (5 – 14 characters).
  • Click on ‘Search VIN’ to preview the vehicle specs and some records.
  • Complete the payment process to generate and view your vehicle history report. You can download or print the report as a PDF for future reference.
  • To get the window sticker, click “Get window sticker” in the form above to get redirected to the Porsche window sticker lookup page. Follow the instructions that follow.
View Sample Report Get Porsche Vehicle History Report

Common Uses of the Porsche VIN Number

The VIN can serve different purposes depending on what you’re searching for – basic specs, detailed specs and features, or the vehicle history. Some of the common uses of the Porsche VIN are:

Vehicle Verification

The VIN can be decoded to reveal the vehicle profile like the year, make, model, engine etc. This helps ensure the vehicle matches its factory description and as advertised by the seller.

Vehicle Registration

A vehicle registration is only possible by providing the VIN. This is mandatory before you can legally drive the vehicle on the road. Documents like ownership papers, bills of sale, and titles usually have the VIN for proper identification.

Insurance Purposes

The VIN helps insurance firms to obtain accurate vehicle information for insurance and registration purposes.

Vehicle History Checks

This is one of the main reasons why the VIN is important. A VIN check tool can decode the Porsche VIN to reveal any Porsche history and condition that has been used. You can uncover records, including ownership history, theft, sales records, lien accidents, salvage brands, rebuilt titles, warranty coverage, and more. This helps you avoid car scams like buying a stolen car or detecting a car with an odometer rollback. The rule of thumb is never to purchase a used car without checking its history.

Safety Recalls

Since manufacturers have VINs in their database, they can easily identify specific vehicle models that get recalled and notify the owners to get them fixed as soon as possible. Before purchasing, car buyers can also run a recall check by VIN for pending recalls on any used car.

Police Checks

If a vehicle is reported stolen, the police can track it using its VIN. They can even place police markers on those VINs and receive alerts at checkpoints.

Popular Porsche Models to Explore with our Porsche VIN Decoder

You can easily decode any Porsche VIN format – standard 17-digit or classic car VINs ( 5- 14 digits long) using our Porsche VIN decoder. Here are some Porsche models you may be interested in:

911Cayenne CoupeCayenne E-Hybrid
Cayenne911 Turbo911 GT3
Panamera911 CarreraTaycan GTS
MacanTaycan Cross Turismo718 Spyder
TaycanPanamera SportPanamera Turbo S
718 BoxsterTurismoCayenne Turbo GT
718 CaymanMacan S911 GT2 RS

Other Available Lexus VIN Tools

Porsche Paint Code by VINPorsche Options by VINPorsche Warranty Check by VIN
Porsche Build Sheet by VINPorsche Specs by VIN

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you decode a Porsche VIN number?

Yes, you can look up any Porsche VIN using our Porsche VIN decoder. These are the information to expect with different VIN tools.

  • Free VIN decoder: Basic information like the year, make, model, engine, transmission, and more
  • Window Sticker Lookup Tool: Basic information plus detailed features, fuel economy, colors, MSRP, factory installed options and packages, warranty info etc.
  • VIN Check Tool: Basic information plus vehicle history and condition – verify ownership, mileage, theft records, lien and loan, recall information, service and maintenance history, and more

Where is the VIN on a Porsche Cayenne?

You can find the VIN on a Cayenne by checking the following locations:

  • The base of the lower right windshield (the most easily accessible Porsche VIN location).
  • On the rear driver’s side door-jamb.
  • The options list stickers in the rear cargo area.

How do I get a Porsche build sheet by VIN?

You can easily find out any Porsche build sheet by VIN with our instant VIN decoder. View vehicle details within seconds. Simply fill out the form above to access your Porsche build sheet or window sticker.

How do you read a Porsche VIN number?

A Porsche VIN is usually a 17-character code that identifies your vehicle. Here’s how to read the VIN number: 1st character is the country, 2nd is the manufacturer, 3rd is the vehicle type, 4th-8th are vehicle features, 9th is the security code, 10th is the model year, 11th is the assembly plant, 12th combines with the 8th position to get the Model ID, and 13th-17th are the serial number.