VIN Decoder
Tesla VIN Decoder
Tesla VINs identify the assembly plant in the first three characters, and that matters more than usual: the same Model 3 or Model Y can be built in Fremont, Austin, Shanghai or Berlin, and the battery chemistry and supplier can differ between them.
Decode a Tesla VIN
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Tesla WMI prefixes
The first three characters of a VIN are the World Manufacturer Identifier. For Tesla they identify both the manufacturer and, usually, the country and plant of assembly.
| WMI | What it identifies |
|---|---|
| 5YJ | Tesla, Fremont, California |
| 7SA | Tesla, Austin, Texas |
| LRW | Tesla, Shanghai, China |
| XP7 | Tesla, Berlin-Brandenburg, Germany |
These are Tesla’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 Tesla VINs
The plant can indicate battery chemistry
Shanghai-built Model 3 and Model Y standard-range cars have commonly used lithium iron phosphate cells, while other plants and trims have used nickel-based chemistries. Chemistry affects charging habits and cold-weather range, so the plant code is genuinely useful information rather than trivia — but confirm the specific car rather than assuming from the prefix alone.
Software features are not in the VIN
Full Self-Driving capability, Acceleration Boost and premium connectivity are account and software entitlements, not build specifications. No VIN decode can confirm them. Check the vehicle's own software screen and confirm with Tesla whether a feature transfers on sale.
Battery health is not in the VIN either
Degradation is the single biggest value factor on a used electric car and it is invisible to a VIN decode. Ask for a photograph of a full-charge range estimate, and ideally a service-level battery health report.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Tesla VIN starting with 5YJ mean?
5YJ is Tesla's Fremont, California plant. 7SA is Austin, Texas; LRW is Shanghai; XP7 is Berlin. All four build cars sold in various markets, and the prefix simply records where that individual car was assembled.
Can a VIN check tell me a Tesla's battery health?
No. Battery degradation is not encoded in the VIN and cannot be inferred from it. This is the most important single check on a used Tesla and it has to be done on the car — look at the rated range at 100% charge and compare it against the original figure for that model and year.
Does Full Self-Driving transfer to a new owner?
FSD is a software entitlement tied to the vehicle or account depending on how and when it was purchased, and Tesla's policy on transfers has changed over time. It is not something a VIN decode can verify. Confirm directly with Tesla before paying a premium for it.