Lookup Vehicle Build Sheet by VIN
You can get the vehicle’s build sheet by entering the VIN on the form. Get the complete information on the vehicle’s standard and optional equipment, specifications, and manufacturing details.
What is a Build Sheet?
A build sheet is a document that shows the vehicle’s original specifications, factory-installed features, equipment, and options. This document is required before the vehicle can be distributed to a dealership, as it confirms all of the vehicle’s components.
The build sheet is primarily created for the assembly lines rather than the vehicle owner. When you purchase a new car, a copy of the build sheet is typically provided along with the federally mandated window sticker.
Whether you want to purchase a used car, restore a classic car, or are just curious about your car’s history, you can obtain the vehicle build sheet by VIN as a detailed reference document to guide you through the process.
Can I Get a Build Sheet from a VIN Number?
Of course. You can get the build sheet by VIN for every vehicle, including classic vehicles with fewer digits than modern VINs. You can decode the classic VIN by using a specialised tool like ours for less than $40/report.
Why does the Car’s Build Sheet Matters?
A car’s build sheet is the key to understanding the car’s specifications and to verifying the vehicle’s identity. Here are the reasons why getting a build sheet by VIN is crucial.
- Vehicle Verification: A build sheet by VIN helps you to confirm the vehicle’s specifications and features; this is useful when you want to purchase a car from a private seller.
- Restoration Projects: A build sheet is an important document that you need to have before starting a restoration project, especially for a classic car. The build sheet is where you can find all the initial information about the vehicle.
- Insurance & Valuation:Insurance and Valuation: The insurance valuation is usually based on the factory data to give the proper packaging coverage and pricing.Â
- Accurate Parts Finding: On the build sheet, you’ll be able to dive deep into the car’s specifications, including the parts’ sizes, too. This is why a build sheet is crucial for a restoration project.
What Information Will You Be Getting From a Build Sheet?
A car build sheet is a must-have resource for used car owners, buyers, sellers, and enthusiasts. The build sheet helps you reveal all the necessary information about the vehicle.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is the baseline for dealerships to keep vehicle pricing consistent across markets.
Shipping Cost
The shipping cost shows how much it costs to deliver the vehicle from the manufacturer to the dealership.
Standard Equipment, Features & Warranties
This section outlines everything that comes standard from the factory. It helps buyers understand what’s included in the vehicle without any additional upgrades or packages.
Options & Packages
Optional features and factory-installed packages add comfort, performance, or style to a vehicle.
Exterior Features
This part lists the vehicle’s paint type (like metallic or clear coat), window tint, and lighting technology such as LED brake lights.
Interior Features
Find the details about seat materials (leather or fabric), the air conditioning or climate control system, and dashboard layout.
Mechanical Features
The build sheet includes information on the engine type, transmission system (automatic or manual), fuel tank capacity, and drivetrain configuration, whether it’s FWD, RWD, or AWD.
Interior & Exterior Colours
Check the car’s factory colour combinations, both inside and out, to verify the vehicle’s originality.
Safety and Security
Safety features include details on airbags, seat belt types, and advanced driver-assist sensors like low tire pressure alerts and parking sensors.
Warranty Information
The build sheet also provides a summary of warranty coverage, including basic, powertrain, corrosion, roadside assistance, and maintenance warranties.
EPA Fuel Economy & Environment Ratings
Check the car’s fuel economy ratings (MPG) for city and highway driving, the fuel type, estimated annual fuel costs, and environmental impact ratings.
NHTSA Safety Rating
Rated from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 being the safest, this section helps buyers assess the overall safety performance of the vehicle.
How to Get the Build Sheet from VIN?
To get the build sheet by VIN, you just need to have the VIN and follow these three easy steps.
Step 1: Find the VIN
To begin, you will need to find the VIN on the vehicle’s doorjamb or on the vehicle’s documentation, like registration papers.
Step 2: Fill in the Form
Click on the form above, then write down the VIN. Click on the button to submit the form.
Step 3: Get the Report
Wait for a few seconds for the system to generate the report. Then, don’t forget to download the build sheet.
Different Ways to Find Build Sheet by VIN
There are several reliable methods to locate a vehicle’s build sheet using its VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Each option offers different levels of detail and accuracy, depending on what you’re looking for.
Online Forum
Car enthusiasts often visit automotive forums like Reddit or brand-specific communities to ask whether anyone has a copy of a window sticker or build sheet for a similar vehicle. While this approach can be helpful for comparison, it may not always provide verified or complete information.
Manufacturer’s Website
Many car brands include a VIN lookup tool on their official websites. By entering your VIN, you can sometimes access the original build sheet or factory specifications directly from the manufacturer’s database. This is often the most accurate and trustworthy source for factory details.
Online VIN Decoder
Online VIN decoders, such as the NHTSA VIN decoder, can provide basic information about a vehicle, such as the year, make, model, transmission, etc. But if you want more details, such as upgrades, options, interiors, and exterior selections, a build sheet by VIN tools like ours is the way to go.
Can You Get a VIN Build Sheet for Free?
Yes, you can get a build sheet for free using your vehicle’s VIN. To access the basic build sheet, you can go through the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) free VIN decoder. This service provides a free, quick way to retrieve information about your vehicle, such as make, model, and year of manufacture.Â
However, this free service may offer only some of the full details of a comprehensive build sheet, like options or packages.
Below is a comparison of the free build sheet from NHTSA and the DVH build sheet:
| NHTSA Free VIN Decoder | VIN Build Sheet | |
|---|---|---|
| Make, Model, and Year | ||
| Engine Type & Transmission | Limited | |
| Vehicle Options & Packages | ||
| MSRP | ||
| Pricing Breakdown | ||
| Safety Rating | ||
| Fuel Economy | ||
| Upgrades and Packages |
Get Build Sheet for Specific Brands
FAQ about Build Sheet by VIN
How do I find out what packages my car has?
This information is available in the vehicle’s build sheet or the original window sticker, which lists any packages or optional features installed at the factory. Our tool above lets you look up the original build sheet using VIN.
Can you look up the build date by VIN?
Yes, some manufacturers allow you to get the build date by VIN via the build sheet. However, they may only support recent models. If you have an older car (>10 years old), use the VIN tool’s build sheet. But if you only need the build year, our VIN year chart covers that.
Can a VIN show car features?
Yes, the VIN can reveal the vehicle’s trim, engine type, interior features, and other factory-installed options. You can access this information through the build sheet.
What number in the VIN indicates where it was built?
The 11th character of the VIN can often identify the country of origin and manufacturing location. To learn more about VIN country codes, visit our guide on VIN country codes.
