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).

WMI Verification Letters

In November 2009, SAE instituted a fee for all verification letters requested. The fee is $75 per letter. These letters are used to verify a company's WMI code as well as their manufacturer's information. To request a verification letter, please contact Kristine Siddall.

Related Standards

There are several standards available on VINs and WMIs:

SAE WMI Database

The complete SAE WMI database of more than 48,000 US and international WMI codes is available through an annual subscription of $750.00 USD. The database is in ASCII format and is available through the SAE website. For more information, please contact Kristine Siddall, 724.772.8511, ksiddall@sae.org.

Sample Subscription form

Sample Database

For U.S. Based Manufacturers:

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:

Kristine Siddall

WMI Coordinator
SAE International
400 Commonwealth Drive
Warrendale, PA 15096-0001
Phone:  724.772.8511
Email:  ksiddall@sae.org or wmi@sae.org

U.S. WMI Application

For Non-U.S. Based Manufacturers:

As of January 1, 2023, SAE will be charging a one-time only fee of $700.00 USD for companies needing a World Manufacturers Identifier (WMI) code from areas outside of the United States where there is no governing body established to assign a WMI Code.

*The code provided will be for on-road vehicles only. 

Non-U.S. WMI Application

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