VIN Decoder
Chevrolet VIN Decoder
Chevrolet VINs sit inside General Motors' wider numbering, so the prefix identifies GM as the manufacturer and the descriptor section identifies the division and model. Korean-built models such as the Trax and Spark carry a KL prefix instead of a 1G.
Decode a Chevrolet VIN
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Chevrolet WMI prefixes
The first three characters of a VIN are the World Manufacturer Identifier. For Chevrolet they identify both the manufacturer and, usually, the country and plant of assembly.
| WMI | What it identifies |
|---|---|
| 1G1 | General Motors, USA — Chevrolet passenger cars |
| 1GC | General Motors, USA — Chevrolet trucks |
| 1GN | General Motors, USA — Chevrolet SUVs |
| 2G1 | General Motors, Canada — Chevrolet passenger cars |
| 3GN | General Motors, Mexico — Chevrolet SUVs |
| KL1 | GM Korea — Chevrolet Spark, Trax and related |
These are Chevrolet’s common assignments, not a complete register. Manufacturers hold many WMI codes and are allocated more over time. The decode itself comes from NHTSA, not from this table.
What to know about Chevrolet VINs
The RPO sticker adds what the VIN cannot
GM vehicles carry a Regular Production Option label — usually in the glovebox or under the trunk mat — listing three-character codes for every factory option. The VIN gives you the platform and powertrain; the RPO sticker gives you the equipment. On a used GM, photograph both.
Silverado engine options are a common mismatch
The 2.7L turbo, 5.3L and 6.2L V8s all appear across similar trims. The engine field on a VIN report is the fastest way to check a listing that claims a 6.2.
Korean-built Chevrolets decode normally
A KL1 prefix is a factory-correct origin for models GM builds in Korea. It is not an import irregularity.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Chevrolet VIN starting with 1G1 mean?
1 is the United States, and G1 identifies General Motors' Chevrolet passenger car division. A 1GC or 1GN prefix is the same manufacturer but a truck or SUV respectively.
Where do I find the RPO option codes on a Chevrolet?
Look for a label in the glovebox, under the trunk mat, or inside the centre console lid depending on model and year. It lists three-character codes covering everything from axle ratio to seat trim, which is detail the VIN alone does not encode.
Can I check Chevrolet recalls with a VIN?
VINLytix shows NHTSA-published campaigns for the year, make and model. For confirmation that a specific truck or car has had the work done, a Chevrolet dealer can check the VIN against GM's own records at no charge.