Porsche VIN Decoder
Our research hub for all things Porsche Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN). Your VIN can tell you a lot about your Porsche. Decode your VIN here. We have all Chassis numbers from 1948-1980 and VIN from 1981 model year till today.
Quick Links: 1948-1968 VIN / 1968 VIN / 1969 VIN / 1970-1979 VIN / 1980 VIN / 914/4 VIN / 1981-Present (EUR/ROW) / 1981-Present (USA/CAN)
Porsche VIN Numbers
In the early days, the chassis number only showed the sequence of the cars coming off the production line, but over the years it became longer to carry more information. Porsche used a variety of chassis and VIN numbering systems until 1981, when a major change was made to a 17 digit international code which remained till today. Instead of chassis number, from 1981 model year, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) was used. The VIN is 17 characters long. The letters O, I and Q are not used in a VIN as they can be mistaken for numbers 0 and 1. Many Porsche drivers want to write their Porsche sportscar VIN with WPO in the beginning, but WP0 (zero) is correct.
Where to Find The VIN Plate On A Porsche?
If you are shopping for a Porsche, you want to find the VIN with the published listing information. For almost all Porsches, the identification number is located on the driver's side windshield post. For 1973 to 1998 Porsche 911, the identification number is located on the driver's side windshield post. It can also be found inside the front luggage compartment under rug and to the right of the hood latch. For the 1999 onwards mode, the identification number is located on the left windshield pillar. 912, 930 — Identification number is located on the driver's side windshield post. It can also be found inside the front luggage compartment under rug and to the right of the hood latch. 914 — Identification number is located on the driver's side windshield post. It can also be found inside the front luggage compartment on the right front wheel well and on the right headlamp housing.
Porsche VIN Decoder - Pre 1981
Everything you need to know to understand Porsche VIN numbers prior to 1981
Porsche VIN Numbers Pre 1981
In the early days, the chassis number only showed the sequence of the cars coming off the production line, but over the years it became longer to carry more information. Before 1981, Porsche used several different VIN number configurations as a result.
Porsche VIN 1948-1968 (5 and 6 Digits)
The initial 356 models had a five digit identification tag from 1948 till 1958. In 1959, Porsche moved to a six digit identification tag and that covered the 356 B and 356 C. The six digit VIN was used until 1968 at which point it moved to an 8 digit identification code.
Porsche VIN 1968 (8 Digits)
In 1968, Porsche used an 8 character VIN ID number. The first two digits denoted the model number and then it went into the model year and variant information before the serial number. In the example below we have the ID 12801211 which is a MY1968 912 Coupé (Karmann).
Full Porsche VIN Table (1968)
Below is a full table with all the options shown so you can fully decode your 1968 Porsche.
Porsche VIN 1969 (9 Digits)
In 1969, Porsche used a 9 character VIN ID number. The first two digits denoted the model number and then it went into the model year and sub model and so on. In the example below we have the ID 129010219 which is a MY1969 912 Targa
Full Porsche VIN Table (1969)
Below is a full table with all the options shown so you can fully decode your 1969 Porsche.
Porsche VIN 1970 - 1979 (10 Digits)
Starting in 1970, Porsche used a 10 character VIN ID number. The first three digits denoted the model number and then it went into the model year and further sub model and variant information before going into the serial number. In the example below we have the ID 9249204924 which is a MY1979 924 92 kW.
Full Porsche VIN Table (1970 - 1979)
Below is a full table with all the options shown so you can fully decode your 1970 to 1979 Porsche.
Porsche 914/4 VIN 1970 - 1976 (10 Digits)
Porsche needed an entry-level car to replace the 912 and Volkswagen needed a sports car to replace its Karmann Ghia, so the forces were joined to build a sports car that would be an affordable Porsche and a modern Volkswagen. As such, it got a unique VIN number. In the example below, the VIN we show for a the 914/4 is 4702913312, which is a MY1970 Porsche 914/4.
Full Porsche 914/4 VIN Table
Below is a full table with all the options shown so you can fully decode your 914/4 Porsche.
Porsche VIN 1980 (10 Digits)
For 1980, Porsche has a unique VIN. In the example below, the VIN we show is 91A0134831, which is a MY1980 Porsche 911 SC. This VIN can be a little confusing because you need to look at position 1, 2 and 5 to figure out the model. The 911 model would have a 9 in position 1, a 1 in position 2 and a 1 in position 5, thus reading 911 model.
Full Porsche VIN Table (1980)
Below is a full table with all the options shown so you can fully decode your 1980 Porsche
Porsche VIN Decoder - 1981 till Present
Everything you need to know to understand Porsche 17 digit VIN numbers post-1981
Porsche VIN
Model Year 1981 to Present
The ISO standard VIN was introduced for the Porsche model year 1981. VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number and, since 1981, it is expressed as a 17-character serial number. Each of the positions in a VIN describes a specific aspect of the vehicle. The Porsche VIN has been implemented differently in two regions, one version for Europe and Rest of the World and another for the United States and Canada.
Porsche VIN (Europe/Rest of World) Explained
Below we have a graphic representation of the 17 character Porsche VIN used since the 1981 model year, specifically for the European and Rest of World (ROW) markets. We have color coded the image to make it easier to identify the key VIN positions and what the mean. The hardest thing to understand about this VIN organization is that Positions 7, 8 and 12 make up the model number. No idea why Porsche decided that positions 7, 8 and 12 should carry the model information in the Porsche VIN but who are we to argue.
Our Example VIN in the graphic is: WP0ZZZ95ZJN100108 which is a MY1988 944 Turbo. The model code for the 944 Turbo is "951". You can see that our example has a 9 in position 7, a 5 in position 8 and a 1 in position 12, thus making out the 951. You can click on the image to see it in a larger format.
Full Porsche VIN Table (Europe/Rest of World)
Below is a full table with all the options shown so you can fully decode your European/ROW Porsche
Porsche VIN (USA/Canada) Explained
Below we have a graphic representation of the 17 character Porsche VIN used since the 1981 model year, specifically for the United States and Canadian market Porsche cars. These IDs are slightly different than the European and Rest of World (ROW) market VIN codes which is why we have broken them out separately. We have color coded the image to make it easier to identify the key VIN positions and what the mean. The hardest thing to understand about this VIN organization is that Positions 8 and 12 make up the model number.
Our Example VIN in the graphic is: WP0AA2995XS626544 which is a MY1999 911 996 Carrera Coupé. The model code for the 996 Porsche 911 is "96". You can see that our example has a 9 in position 8, a 6 in position 12, thus making out the 96. You can click on the image to see it in a larger format.
Full Porsche VIN Table (USA/Canada)
Below is a full table with all the options shown so you can fully decode your United States and Canadian Porsche
More Porsche VIN Number Research
Below we dive into further VIN and chassis number data for those looking to go deeper.
