SAE Global Standardization

WMI/VIN Information

Since 1981, global automotive manufacturers have utilized a complex numbering system called a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that uniquely describes a vehicle. This number provides a coded description of the vehicle including: manufacturer, year of production, place of production and vehicle characteristics. Because of our unique position within the mobility industry, SAE International is contracted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to assign a selected portion of the VIN, specifically called the World Manufacturers Identifier (WMI).

If you produce complete, on-road vehicles in the United States, NHTSA regulations require you to place the complete VIN on your vehicles. To begin the process, please contact:

Cathy Douds
WMI Coordinator
SAE International
400 Commonwealth Drive
Warrendale, PA 15096-0001
724.772.8511
724.776.3087 - fax
douds@sae.org

Related Standards
There are several standards available on VINs and WMIs:

SAE - J129 - Engine and Transmission Identification Numbers
SAE - J187 - Truck Vehicle Identification Numbers
SAE - J218 - Passenger Car Identification Terminology
SAE - J272 - Vehicle Identification Number Systems
SAE - J853 - Vehicle Identification Numbers
SAE - J1044 - World Manufacturer Identifier
SAE - J1229 - Truck Identification Terminology
SAE - J1877 - Recommended Practice for Bar-Coded Vehicle Identification Number Label
SAE - J2750 - Assigned Identification Number Structure and Usage for North American Vehicles/ Watercraft Other than Certified to Federal Regulations

ISO 3779 - Road Vehicles - Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Content and Structure
ISO 3780 - Road Vehicles - World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) Code

SAE WMI Database
The complete SAE WMI database of more than 33,000 international WMI codes is available through an annual subscription of $500. The database is in ASCII format and is available through the SAE website. For more information please contact Cathy Douds, 724.772.8511, douds@sae.org.

Sample
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