Corvette VIN Decoder for all Years

Corvette VIN Decoder | By: Chris Trautman

The Worlds #1 VIN Decoder for Corvette 12 years straight! Sequence Descriptions for all Years and Special Editions. We specify precisely when VIN Tags switch generations, sequence, and move locations. We even have the new C8 decoded!

Where is the VIN Number on a Corvette? Well, that depends; on early generations, VIN trim tags moved around a bit. We have all these locations identified, use the table of contents to find your Corvette and all information is in that section!  

You probably have arrived here to answer the question: How do you read a Corvette VIN number? We cover all years in detail below.  

Keep scrolling or use the links below to jump directly on this page to your model car and find your Corvette Information.

Table of Contents: Jump to your Corvette year here for our Corvette VIN Decoder:

VIN Number Tag Locations

  • 1953 to early 1960 Driver-side door post
  • 1960 to 1962 Steering column in the engine compartment
  • 1963 to 1967 Instrument panel support brace under the glove box
  • 1968 to Present Drivers side top of the instrument panel or windshield post (A-pillar)

Visit our Corvette Answers Consulting Tab if you need help decoding!

Corvette VIN Decoder C1 | 1953 to 1959

How Do You Read a Corvette VIN?

10 and 11 Digit VIN Explanation and Location

  • 1953 to early 1960 driver-side door post area.
  • 1955 left door hinge below courtesy lamp switch.
  • 1956-59 left door hinge pillar below upper hinge.

Early Corvette's that had 6 Cylinder engines did not have the Letter "V" as the first Sequence Number. The Letter "V" stands for V8.


The VIN of 6 cylinder cars will always start with the Letter "E". This is why the VIN will be 10 digits for 1953-54 cars. For the 1955 model they added the letter V to get 11. After 1955 they went back to a 10 digit sequence.

Example: E54S001001

Sequence Number = Code Description

Car Series "E" for 1953, 54, 56, 57 or "J" = Chevrolet Corvette for 1958-59, V=V8 for 1955

2 & 3 Model Year 53 = 1953 Corvette VIN Decoder

54 = 1954 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder

55 = 1955 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder

56 = 1956 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder

57 = 1957 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder

58 = 1958 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder

59 = 1959 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder

4 Final Assembly Plant "S" = St. Louis

"F"= Flint Only 1953 Models

Production total of 300 were produced Flint, MI.

6 to 11 Production sequence number 01001- 109670


Corvette VIN Decoder C1 (1960) to Corvette VIN Decoder C2 (1964)

How Do You Read a Corvette VIN? | 12 Digit VIN Explanation and Location

  • Early 1960 Left Door hinge pillar below upper hinge. Late 1960 to 1962 Steering column aft of steering gear housing.
  • 1963 to 1964 Spot welded to body hinge brace under the glove box.

Example: 00867S100001

Sequence = Number Code Description

1 Model Year 0 = 1960 Corvette VIN Decoder Code

1 = 1961 C1 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder

2 = 1962 End of C1 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder

3 = 1963 Start of C2 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder

4 = 1964 C2 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder

2 to 5 Series 0867 = Chevrolet Corvette "8"= Engine

6 Final Assembly Plant S = St. Louis

7 to 12 Production Sequence Number

Start VIN "1960" 00867S100001 End VIN "1964" 40837S122229


Corvette 13 Digit VIN Decoder C2 (1965) to Corvette VIN Decoder C3 (1971)

How Do You Read a 13 digit vin decoder? | 13 Digit VIN Explanation and  Location

  • C2 Corvette VIN Tag  Location: 1965 to 1967 similar to the 1963 to 1964 models that were spot welded to the body hinge brace under the glove box.
  • The major difference was that the 65-67 were riveted instead in the same location.
  • C3 Corvette Trim Tag Decoder and Location: 1968-82 Inner side of drivers side windshield post (A-pillar). Visible through window from outside.

Example: 194375S100001

Sequence Number = Code Description

1 GM division 1 = Chevrolet

2 Car line or series 9 = Corvette

3 Engine type 4 = V8

4 & 5 Body style 3 & 7 = two door coupe

6 & 7 = two door convertible

6 Model year designation from GM:

  • 5 = 1965 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • 6 = 1966 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • 7 = 1967 End of C2 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • 8 = 1968 Corvette Trim Tag, Start of C3 VIN Decoder Coder
  • 9 = 1969 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • 0 = 1970 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • 1 = 1971 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder

7 Final Assembly Plant "S" = St. Louis

8 to 13 Production Sequence Number 100001 - 121801


Corvette VIN Decoder C3 1972 to 1980

13 Digit VIN Decoder with  Explanation and Location

  • Inner side of drivers side windshield post (A-pillar). Visible through window from outside.

Example: 1Z37J2S500001

Sequence Number = Code Description

1 GM division: 1 = Chevrolet

2 Car Line or Series: Z = Corvette

3 & 4 Body style: 3 & 7 = Two door coupe

8 & 7 = two door coupe(1978 to 1980)

6 & 7 = two door convertible

5 Engine type: 1Z37K2S500001

  • 1972 Corvette VIN Decoder Code K = base L = LT1, W = LS5
  • 1973 Corvette VIN Decoder Code J = L48, T = L82, Z = LS4
  • 1974 Corvette VIN Decoder Code J = L48, T = L82, Z = LS4
  • 1975 Corvette Engine Codes VIN Decoder Code J = L48, T = L82
  • 1976 Corvette VIN Decoder Code J = L48, X = L82
  • 1977 Corvette VIN Decoder Code L = L48, X = L82
  • 1978 Corvette VIN Decoder Code L = L48, 4 = L82
  • 1979 Corvette VIN Decoder Code 8 = L48, 4 = L82
  • 1980 Corvette VIN Decoder Code H = LG4, 8 = L48, 6 = L82

6 Model year designation from: 1Z37J2S500001

  • GM 2 = 1972, 3 = 1973, 4 = 1974, 5 = 1975, 6 = 1976, 7 = 1977, 8 = 1978, 9 = 1979, A = 1980

7 Final Assembly Plant: S = St. Louis

8 to 13 Production Sequence Number: 500001 - 440614


Corvette VIN Decoder 1981 to 2013 (C3-C6)

Corvette VIN
Corvette VIN Decoder

Get your Corvette Build Sheet Reproduction from the Corvette Museum 

How Do You Read a Corvette VIN? | 17 Digit Corvette VIN Decoder Explanation and Location

  • Drivers side top of the instrument panel for late model Corvette's or windshield post (A-pillar) for earlier models.
  • Other locations for theft identification: Engine Block Deck, Transmission, Left Rear Inner Frame Rail, Right Forward Inner Frame Rail.

Example: 1G1YY26W485100001

Sequence Number = Code Description

1 Country of Origin: 1 = USA

2 Manufacturer: G = GM

3 Make of car: 1 = Chevrolet

4 Car Line or Series: Y = Y-body series (Corvette) 1G1YY26W485100001

5 Corvette Specific information Model/Equipment "Y" or "Z" Z = ZR1, A=1LT mt, B=2LT mt, C=3LT mt, D=4LT mt, E=1LT at, F=2LT mt, G=3LT at, H=4LT at, J=Z06 1LZ, K=Z06 3LZ, L=Z06 3LZ, M=ZR1 std, N=ZR1 3ZR, P=GS LT mt, R=GS 2LT mt, S=GS 3LT mt, T=GS 4LT mt, U=GS 1LT at, V=GS2LT at, W=GS 3LT at, X=GS 4LT at, 9=NON USA/CANADA

6 Body style: 07=1982 Collectors Edition, 1= Hard Top (99-04 Z06) 2 = Coupe (97-2011+ Coupe, Z06, ZR1) 3 = Convertible (98-2011+)

7 Restraint system: 2= Front 3 = late model seat belts warning and air bags 4= Front/Side 5= Front (2007+) 6=Front/Side (2006-09) D=Front/Side (2010-2013)

8 Engine type: 8 = L98, P = LT1, J = ZR1, 5 = LT4, G=LS1, S=LS6, U=LS2, E=LS7, W=LS3, R=LS, 2014 C7: 7=LT1, 6=LT4

9 Randomly generated check digit: 0 - 9 Security Code Check Digit Calculator

10 Model year designation from GM: 1G1YY26W485100001

  • B = 1981 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • C = 1982 End of C3 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • D = 1983 *No 1983 Corvettes were ever sold*
  • E = 1984 Start of C4 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • F = 1985 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder 
  • G = 1986 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • H = 1987 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • J = 1988 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • K = 1989 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • L = 1990 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • M = 1991 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • N = 1992 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • P = 1993 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • R = 1994 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • S = 1995 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • T = 1996 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • V = 1997 Start of C5 Corvette VIN Decoder
  • W = 1998 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • X = 1999 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • Y = 2000 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • 1 = 2001 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • 2 = 2002 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • 3 = 2003 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • 4 = 2004 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • 5 = 2005 Start of C6 Corvette VIN Decoder
  • 6 = 2006 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • 7 = 2007 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • 8 = 2008 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • 9 = 2009 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • A=2010 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • B= 2011 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • C=2012 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • D=2013 End of C6 Corvette Production

11 Final Assembly Plant Location: 4= St. Louis (1981 Corvette's overlap) 5 = Bowling Green

12 to 17 Production sequence number800001=ZR1700001=Z06 2013 CONVERTIBLE 60TH100001=ALL OTHER MODELS

C6 Corvette VIN Decoder 2009 ZR1

2013 Corvette Build Sheet VIN #1

There are three Corvette VIN decoder sequences for 2009 Corvette ZR1.

  1. The First Numbering Sequence is: 95700001 these are the "pilot cars". They were built in early June 2008 and most have since been sold to Corvette dealers. Chevrolet still has this sequence #1.
  2. Second sequence is: 95800001. These are the production ZR1's. Jay Leno received #1. These cars began production in late August 2008.
  3. The third sequence is: 95900001 and this is the car that sold at Barrett Jackson and was delivered in July 2008. It is the first "Retail" ZR1.

2009 Corvette VIN Decoder GT1

  • VIN sequence 300001 series for 45U Velocity Yellow representing the No. 3 Corvette C6.R
  • VIN sequence 400001 series for 41U Black representing the No. 4 Corvette C6.R

Limited production of 600 total for all three models

Coupe 100 Yellow 100 Black

Convertible 100 Yellow 100 Black

Z06 100 Yellow 100 Black

  • Coupe and convertible versions also include Z51 Performance Package and NPP Performance Exhaust
  • Optional MX0 6-speed paddle shift automatic on coupe and convertible
  • Optional C2L dual roof package on coupe
  • Optional U3U Navigation System on all models

C7 Corvette VIN Decoder, Z06, ZR1 2014+

C7 Corvette VIN DecoderC7 Corvette VIN Decoder

17 Digit Corvette VIN Decoder Explanation and Location

  • Drivers side top of the instrument panel for late model Corvette's or windshield post (A-pillar) for earlier models.
  • Other locations for theft identification: Engine Block Deck, Transmission, Left Rear Inner Frame Rail, Right Forward Inner Frame Rail.

For Example: 1G1YC2D74E5100001

Sequence Number Code Description

1 Country of Origin: 1 = USA

Manufacturer: G = GM

Make of car: 1 = Chevrolet

Car Line or Series: Y = Y-body series (Corvette)

5 Corvette Specific information Model/Equipment 1G1YC2D74E5100001

A=1LT M/T, B=1LT A/T, C=2LT M/T, D=2LT A/T, E=3LT M/T, F=3LT A/T, G=Z51 1LT M/T, H=Z51 1LT A/T, J=Z51 2LT M/T, K=Z51 2LT A/T, L=Z51 3LT M/T, M=Z51 3LT A/T, N=Z06 1LZ M/T, P=Z06 1LZ A/T, R=Z06 2LZ M/T, S=Z06 2LZ A/T, T=Z06 3LZ M/T, U=Z06 3LZ A/T, V=GS 1LT M/T, W=GS 1LT A/T, X=GS 2LT M/T, Y=GS 2LT A/T, Z=3LT M/T,  1= GS 3LT A/T, 9=NON USA/CANADA

(GS= Grand Sport, M/T=Manual Transmission M7, A/T=Automatic Transmission A8) 

6 Body style:  2 = Coupe, 3 = Convertible 

7 Restraint system:  D=Front/Side AJ7 Airbags with manual seat belts

8 Engine type: 7=LT1, 6=LT4   (See LT4 Performance Upgrades Aftermarket)

9 Randomly generated check digit: 0 - 9 or "X" Security Code Check Digit Calculator

10 Model year designation from GM: 1G1YC2D74E5100001

  • E=2014 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • F=2015 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • G=2016 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • H=2017 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • J=2018 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • K=2019 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • L=2020 Start of C8 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder
  • M=2021 Corvette VIN Decoder Coder

11 Final Assembly Plant Location: 5 = Bowling Green

12 to 17 Production sequence number:  Base=100001, Collector Edition Grand Sport=300001, Grand Sport=500001, Z06=600001, C7.R Z06=700001-700650 (150 Exported), ZR1=800001+

Experimental Vehicles Digits 16 & 17 end with "EX"

C8 Corvette VIN Decoder | Mid Engine Corvette 2020+

Information is still sparse but our speculation has provided the following:

Starting 6 Digits Vin Decoder for C8

1G1YC2=C8 Corvette (2=07 Coupe)

1G1YC3=C8 Corvette (3=67 Convertible)

17 Digit Corvette VIN Decoder Explanation and Location

  • Drivers side top of the instrument panel for late model Corvette's or windshield post (A-pillar) for earlier models.
  • Other locations for theft identification: Engine Block Deck, Transmission, Left Rear Inner Frame Rail, Right Forward Inner Frame Rail.

For Example: 1G1YC2D44L5100001

Sequence Number Code Description

1 = Country of Origin: 1 = USA

2 Manufacturer: G = GM

3 Make of car: 1 = Chevrolet

4Car Line or Series: Y = Y-body series (Corvette)

5 = Corvette Specific information Model/Equipment  (Still Decoding as data become available) 9=NON USA/CANADA

6 = Body style:  2 = Coupe, 3 = Convertible 

7 = Restraint system:  D=Front/Side AJ7 Airbags with manual seat belts

8 = Engine type: 4=LT2, 5=LT6, 6=LT7

9 = Randomly generated check digit: 0 - 9 or "X" Security Code Check Digit Calculator

10 = Model year designation from GM:

  • = 2020 Corvette C8 VIN Decoder Coder
  • M = 2021 Corvette C8 VIN Decoder Coder

11 Final Assembly Plant Location: 5 = Bowling Green


12 to 17 Production sequence number1G1YC2D44L5100001

  • 12 = 0 (CTF), 1 = Stingray, 5 = E-Ray, 6 = Z06, 7 = C8R-Z06, (CTF) = Captured Test Fleet 
  • 100000+ Regular Production Stingrays (RPO code for normal Stingrays)
  • 300000+ Premiere Edition Coupe Stingray
  • 400000+ Premiere Edition Convertible Stingray
  • 500000+ E-Ray
  • 600000+ Z06
  • 700000+ C8R-Z06
  • *00000 These last 5 are the actual build sequence number of that series

Experimental Vehicles Digits 16 & 17 end with "EX"

LT2 Engine with M1L 8-speed dual clutch automatic shifting transmission

Corvette VIN Number Build Sheets and Window Stickers are available for 1981+ Corvettes from the Corvette Museum  

You might also like these Corvette topics

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Chris Trautman @ Corvette Assembly Plant 2019

About Us: Corvette Web Central | Owner Bio: Chris Trautman

Established in 2008 by Chris Trautman, Corvette Web Central quickly grew into one of the top leading Corvette enthusiast websites globally. 

"This website is a passion of mine, just as much as being a Corvette owner," says Chris.  He was frustrated trying to find information on the internet about Corvettes which was was not biased or influenced somehow. 

He has owned three Corvettes over the last twenty years and does not plan to stop owning one anytime soon.

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