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BYD VIN Decoder | Dolphin, Seal & Atto VIN Decoder

What Does a BYD VIN Tell You?

Every BYD vehicle has a unique 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that serves as its digital fingerprint. Our BYD VIN decoder reads this number and extracts detailed information directly from Chinese vehicle databases that no other decoder can access:

Vehicle Specifications

Engine type, body style, drivetrain, battery capacity (for EVs), trim level, and factory-installed options

Manufacturing Origin

Exact factory location — Shenzhen Pingshan, Xi'an, or Changsha — encoded in position 11 of the VIN

Build Date & Model Year

Position 10 reveals the model year (N=2022, P=2023, R=2024, S=2025, T=2026)

Accident & Damage History

Chinese provincial traffic authority records and insurance claims — unavailable on Carfax or AutoCheck

Ownership Records

Previous owners, registration history, and transfer dates from Chinese registration databases

Recall Status

Cross-referenced against the SAMR recall database to identify any open or closed recalls

Chinese Registration Records

Province of registration, registration date, deregistration status, and export clearance data

Theft & Security Check

Verified against the Chinese Police Database for stolen or flagged vehicle status

How to Use the BYD VIN Decoder — Step-by-Step Guide

Checking your BYD VIN is simple and takes less than 2 minutes. Follow this step-by-step guide to decode your BYD VIN number and access your vehicle's complete history:

1

Locate Your 17-Digit BYD VIN

Find your VIN in one of these locations: visible through the windshield on the dashboard (driver's side), on the driver's door B-pillar sticker, or stamped in the engine bay. The VIN always starts with L (manufactured in China) and is exactly 17 characters long.

Example BYD VIN: LVVDB16B*P*1234567

2

Enter VIN in the Decoder Above

Scroll to the top of this page and enter your 17-character BYD VIN into the decoder widget. Make sure to enter all characters correctly — the VIN is case-sensitive. No spaces or dashes needed.

Tip: Double-check that you haven't confused 0 (zero) with O (letter O), or 1 (one) with I (letter I). VINs never use the letters I, O, or Q to avoid confusion.

3

Review Free Basic Vehicle Information

Instantly see your BYD's specifications including exact model, manufacturing year, factory location, body type, engine/battery type, and trim level. This basic information is completely free and requires no registration.

The free report confirms your BYD's authenticity and helps verify the seller's claims about model year and specifications.

4

Check for BYD Recalls and Safety Notices

Our decoder cross-references your VIN against the SAMR (State Administration for Market Regulation) recall database. You'll see if your specific BYD has any open recalls, safety notices, or technical service bulletins — including recall status and affected VIN ranges.

Important: Even if a recall was issued, it may have already been completed on your vehicle. The full report shows recall completion status.

5

Order Full Chinese Vehicle History Report (Optional)

For buyers or importers, upgrade to a full paid report to access accident history from Chinese traffic authorities, ownership records, theft checks via Chinese Police Database, customs clearance status, and odometer verification from Chinese provincial records.

Full reports typically deliver within 24-48 hours via email as a downloadable PDF. Pricing starts at $9.99 for standard reports, $24.99 for premium reports with complete insurance claim history.

6

Verify VIN Authenticity and Check for Cloning

Our system validates your BYD VIN using the ISO 3779 check digit algorithm (position 9). We also verify the VIN against Chinese registration databases to detect cloned VINs — a common fraud tactic where stolen vehicles are given fake VIN plates from legitimate vehicles.

If the decoder shows "Invalid VIN" or data mismatches, do not proceed with the purchase. The VIN may be tampered, cloned, or incorrectly recorded.

Ready to Check Your BYD VIN?

Get instant access to your BYD's specifications, recall status, and Chinese vehicle history. Decode your VIN now — basic check is completely free.

Decode BYD VIN Now ↑

📖 Need help finding your VIN? Read our complete guide: Where to Find Your VIN Number — covers all BYD models with photos and diagrams.

BYD VIN / Chassis Number Structure — 17-Digit Breakdown

Understanding the structure of a BYD VIN helps you verify authenticity and identify key details about the vehicle before purchase. Here is what each position means:

Note on Terminology: VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and chassis number refer to the same 17-character code. In many countries outside North America, it's commonly called the "chassis number" or "frame number." Whether you're searching for "BYD VIN check" or "BYD chassis number check," you're looking for the same thing — the unique identifier stamped on your vehicle.

Position(s)NameBYD Specific Detail
1–3WMI CodeLGX = BYD Auto Co. (Shenzhen and other plants)
4–8Vehicle Descriptor (VDS)Model, body style, engine/battery type, restraint system
9Check DigitMathematical verification digit (0–9 or X)
10Model YearN=2022 | P=2023 | R=2024 | S=2025 | T=2026
11Plant Code1=Shenzhen Pingshan | 2=Xi'an | 3=Changsha
12–17Production Sequence6-digit sequential number — uniquely identifies the vehicle

Understanding BYD WMI Codes: LVV, LSV, LGX, and LGXC

The first 3 characters of every BYD VIN are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) code. BYD uses different WMI codes depending on the production plant and vehicle type. Here's what each code means:

LVV — Primary BYD Code

L = China (country code)
VV = BYD Auto Co., Ltd. (Shenzhen Pingshan plant)

Used for: Most BYD passenger vehicles including Atto 3, Seal, Han, Tang, Dolphin, and Seagull manufactured at the main Shenzhen facility.

LSV — Alternate Plants

L = China
SV = BYD alternate manufacturing locations (Xi'an, Changsha, Hefei)

Used for: BYD vehicles manufactured at secondary plants, including some Qin Plus, Song Plus, and commercial vehicle models.

LGX — Regional Variant

L = China
GX = BYD regional production identifier

Used for: Certain BYD models produced for specific export markets. Less common than LVV or LSV. If you see LGX, use our decoder to identify the exact model and specifications.

LGXC — Commercial Vehicles

L = China
GXC = BYD commercial/industrial division

Used for: BYD electric buses, trucks, forklifts, and commercial fleet vehicles. Passenger car buyers will not encounter this code.

How to Check Your BYD WMI Code

Your BYD's WMI code is the first 3 characters of the VIN. Look at your VIN: LVVDB16B*P*1234567.

  • If your VIN starts with LVV → Shenzhen main plant (most common)
  • If your VIN starts with LSV → Xi'an, Changsha, or Hefei plant
  • If your VIN starts with LGX or LGXC → Enter it in our decoder above for exact details
  • If your VIN starts with anything else → Not a genuine BYD vehicle; do not purchase

📖 Learn more: How to Decode Electric Vehicle VINs — EV-specific VIN positions explained (battery capacity, motor type, drivetrain).

BYD Model VIN Examples — Real VIN Breakdowns

Understanding how BYD encodes model-specific information in the VIN helps you verify the exact model and specifications before purchase. Here are real VIN examples for popular BYD models with position-by-position breakdowns:

A3

BYD Atto 3 VIN Example

Also known as Yuan Plus in China

LVVDB16B*P1234567
LVVBYD Auto Co., Shenzhen plant
DB16BAtto 3 / Yuan Plus, SUV body, EV drivetrain
*Check digit (calculated, varies by VIN)
P2023 model year
1Shenzhen Pingshan factory
234567Production sequence number

Key identifiers: BYD Atto 3 VINs typically have "DB16B" in positions 4-8. Battery capacity (standard range 49.92 kWh or extended range 60.48 kWh) is encoded in the VDS section.

S

BYD Seal VIN Example

Sports sedan EV — RWD and AWD variants

LVVDB18A*R1345678
LVVBYD Auto Co., Shenzhen plant
DB1Seal model designation, sedan body
8Battery/drivetrain variant (RWD 61.4 kWh)
ARestraint system / safety equipment
*Check digit
R2024 model year
1Shenzhen Pingshan factory
345678Production sequence number

Key identifiers: BYD Seal VINs have "DB1" prefix in positions 4-6. RWD variants (61.4 kWh or 82.5 kWh) and AWD Performance variants are distinguished in position 7.

SG

BYD Seagull VIN Example

Mini hatchback EV — entry-level city car

LVVDC23A*S1456789
LVVBYD Auto Co., Shenzhen plant
DC23ASeagull model, mini hatchback, EV, 30.08 kWh battery
*Check digit
S2025 model year
1Shenzhen Pingshan factory
456789Production sequence number

Key identifiers: BYD Seagull VINs have "DC23A" in the VDS section. Available with 30.08 kWh or 38.88 kWh battery options — check your full VIN report for exact configuration.

S7

BYD Sealion 7 VIN Example

Mid-size SUV EV — newest model (2024+)

LVVDB27C*S1567890
LVVBYD Auto Co., Shenzhen plant
DB2Sealion series, mid-size SUV body
7Sealion 7 model designation
CBattery/drivetrain specification
*Check digit
S2025 model year
1Shenzhen Pingshan factory
567890Production sequence number

Key identifiers: BYD Sealion 7 VINs have "DB27" prefix. Available in RWD (82.5 kWh) and AWD (91.3 kWh) configurations — position 8 indicates drivetrain type.

Need More Details on Your BYD Model?

We have dedicated VIN decoder pages for each BYD model with model-specific breakdowns, known issues, recall history, and buying guides:

Supported BYD Models

Our BYD VIN decoder supports all current and recent BYD models. Enter your VIN above to decode any of these:

BYD Atto 3

Also: Yuan Plus

Compact SUV EV

BYD Han EV

Executive Sedan EV

BYD Han DM

Executive Sedan PHEV

BYD Seal

Also: Destroyer 05

Sports Sedan EV

BYD Seal U

Also: Song Plus EV

Mid-size SUV EV

BYD Tang EV

Full-size SUV EV

BYD Tang DM

Full-size SUV PHEV

BYD Song Plus DM-i

Mid-size SUV PHEV

BYD Song Pro

Compact SUV

BYD Yuan Pro

Subcompact SUV EV

BYD Dolphin

Also: EA1

Compact Hatchback EV

BYD Seagull

Mini Hatchback EV

BYD Sealion 6

Mid-size SUV EV

BYD Sealion 7

Mid-size SUV EV

BYD Frigate 07

Mid-size SUV PHEV

BYD Yangwang U8

Luxury Off-road SUV

BYD Yangwang U9

Electric Supercar

BYD Atto 2

Subcompact SUV EV

BYD Qin Plus EV

Compact Sedan EV

BYD Qin Plus DM-i

Compact Sedan PHEV

BYD e2

Compact Hatchback EV

BYD e3

Compact Sedan EV

BYD T3 Van

Commercial Van EV

BYD Denza D9

Also: BYD/Mercedes JV

Luxury MPV

BYD Denza N7

Mid-size SUV EV

Where to Find the VIN on a BYD

Before decoding, you need to locate the VIN on your BYD vehicle. It can be found in these locations:

1

Dashboard (Driver's Side)

Visible through the windshield from outside the vehicle, on the lower left corner of the dashboard

2

Driver's Door Frame (B-Pillar)

Sticker located at door latch height on the B-pillar when you open the driver's door

3

Engine Bay

Stamped on the firewall or chassis rail inside the engine compartment

4

Vehicle Documents

Registration certificate (行驶证), insurance documents, and import certificate

BYD Chassis Number Location by Model

While all BYD vehicles follow the standard VIN locations above, some models have additional placement variations or unique identifiers. Here's where to find the VIN / chassis number on popular BYD models:

BYD Atto 3 Chassis Number Location

Primary location: Dashboard visible through windshield on driver's side (lower left corner). Backup location: B-pillar sticker on driver's door frame — clearly marked "VIN" with barcode. Stamped location: Firewall in engine bay (accessible when hood is open, center position).

Tip: On RHD (right-hand drive) Atto 3 models sold in Australia, UK, and Thailand, the dashboard VIN is on the right side instead. All three VIN locations must match exactly.

BYD Seal Chassis Number Location

Dashboard VIN: Visible through windshield (driver's side), same as Atto 3. Door frame sticker: B-pillar on driver's door — includes VIN, manufacturing date, tire pressure specs, and paint code. Additional location: Stamped on chassis rail under driver's seat (accessible by lifting carpet).

Note: BYD Seal's frunk (front trunk) has a service label that includes the last 8 digits of the VIN. Useful for quick verification without opening doors.

BYD Dolphin Chassis Number Location

Standard locations: Dashboard (through windshield) and B-pillar sticker. Compact design note: Due to Dolphin's smaller size, the dashboard VIN may be harder to read — ensure you view it from directly outside the windshield at an angle. Backup check: Rear hatch area has a quality control sticker with VIN partial (last 6 digits).

Common issue: Dolphin dashboard VIN can fade in direct sunlight. If illegible, verify against the B-pillar sticker which is protected from UV.

BYD Seagull Chassis Number Location

Dashboard VIN: Lower left corner through windshield (may be small print due to mini car size — use phone camera zoom if needed). Door sticker: B-pillar on driver's door with full VIN, weight ratings, and manufacturing date. Chinese market note: Seagull models sold in China may have an additional VIN sticker on the rear glass.

BYD Han / Tang Chassis Number Location

Standard locations: Dashboard (through windshield), B-pillar door sticker, and engine bay firewall stamp. Luxury models: Han EV and Tang EV have an additional VIN engraving on the driver's side floor panel (visible when front floor mat is lifted). PHEV models: Han DM and Tang DM also have engine serial number stamped separately on the engine block.

BYD Sealion 7 Chassis Number Location

New model (2024+): Follows standard BYD VIN placement — dashboard through windshield, B-pillar door sticker, and firewall stamp. Digital display: Sealion 7's infotainment system shows the VIN in Settings → Vehicle Info → VIN Display (useful if physical labels are damaged or hard to read).

VIN Verification Checklist

  • All VINs must match: Dashboard, door sticker, and documents should show the exact same 17-character VIN. Any mismatch indicates tampering, cloning, or fraud.
  • Look for 17 characters starting with L: All genuine BYD VINs begin with "L" (manufactured in China) and are exactly 17 characters. No spaces, no dashes.
  • Check for tampering signs: Re-stamped VINs, misaligned numbers, different fonts, or visible grinding/welding near VIN plates. These are red flags for stolen or salvaged vehicles.
  • Verify with our decoder: Enter the VIN at the top of this page. If our system shows "Invalid VIN" or data mismatches, do not proceed with the purchase.

Our China Data Sources — What Makes Us Different

We are the only BYD VIN decoder with direct access to Chinese government vehicle databases. No competitor — not Carfax, AutoCheck, vindecoderz, or any other VIN service — can access these sources:

CATARC

China Automotive Technology & Research Center — records for every type-approved vehicle sold in China

MIIT

Ministry of Industry and Information Technology — national vehicle registration database

Chinese Traffic Authority

Provincial accident records, traffic violation history, and insurance claim data

Chinese Police Database

Stolen and flagged vehicle records — security verification for your BYD

SAMR Recall Database

All official BYD recalls with affected VIN ranges and current status

Insurance Records

Chinese insurance company data — claims history, damage assessments, and payouts

BYD Recalls Summary

Checking for open recalls is critical before purchasing any BYD vehicle. Enter your VIN above to check recall status, or review known BYD recalls below:

DateModelsIssueVINs AffectedStatus
Oct 17, 2025Tang EV, Yuan ProBattery component defect — failure risk~115,000 (Feb 2021–Oct 2025)Open
Dec 22, 2022Atto 3 (2022)Rear centre seat child restraint mountingSpecific VIN rangeClosed
Sep 30, 2024BYD Bus Units (UK)Component defect R/2024/283Specific commercial unitsOpen

This is not an exhaustive list. Enter your BYD VIN above for a complete recall check against the SAMR database.

View full BYD recall history and affected VIN ranges →
BYD recalls, known issues & used buying guide →

How to Find BYD Production Date from VIN

The BYD VIN encodes the model year in position 10, but this is not the same as the exact production date (manufacture date). Here's how to interpret production dates from your BYD VIN:

Model Year (Position 10)

Position 10 of the VIN indicates the model year, not the calendar year it was built:

  • N = 2022 model year
  • P = 2023 model year
  • R = 2024 model year
  • S = 2025 model year
  • T = 2026 model year

Exact Production Date (Build Date)

The VIN does not encode the exact build date. To find the precise production date:

  • Check the B-pillar door sticker (manufacturing date printed)
  • Look at your registration documents (first registration date)
  • Order a full Chinese vehicle history report (factory build records)

Note: Chinese registration date is usually 1-3 months after production date due to shipping and customs clearance.

Why Production Date Matters

Knowing your BYD's exact build date is critical for:

  • Warranty verification: BYD's warranty period starts from first registration date, not production date
  • Recall checks: Recalls specify affected VIN ranges and production date ranges
  • Battery degradation: EV battery warranty is calculated from build date (8 years / 150,000 km for most BYD models)
  • Parts ordering: BYD makes running changes during production — exact date helps identify correct part revision
  • Used car value: A late-year build (e.g., December 2023 with 2023 model year) is worth more than an early-year build (e.g., January 2023)

Using BYD VIN for Parts Lookup and Ordering

Your BYD VIN is essential for ordering correct replacement parts. BYD uses the VIN to identify exact vehicle configuration, including region-specific parts, battery type, motor variant, and running production changes.

1

BYD Official Parts Catalog

BYD dealers use your VIN to access the Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC). Enter your full 17-digit VIN to see part numbers, diagrams, and compatibility. Works for genuine BYD OEM parts only.

2

Aftermarket Parts Suppliers

International suppliers (RockAuto, AutoZone, AliExpress) require your VIN to filter compatible parts. VIN identifies motor type (e.g., 150 kW vs 230 kW for Seal), brake size, and suspension variant.

3

Battery & EV Components

EV-specific parts (battery modules, HV cables, motor bearings, charging ports) are VIN-specific. The VIN tells suppliers exact voltage (400V vs 800V), battery chemistry (LFP vs NMC), and motor generation.

Common BYD Parts Ordered by VIN

Maintenance Parts:

  • Cabin air filters (HEPA for newer models)
  • Brake pads (regenerative brake-compatible)
  • Wiper blades (size varies by model)
  • 12V auxiliary battery (AGM or lithium)

EV-Specific Parts:

  • High-voltage cables (VIN specifies voltage: 400V vs 800V)
  • Charging port (Type 2 vs CCS vs GB/T — region-specific)
  • Motor bearings (motor model encoded in VIN positions 4-8)
  • Coolant for battery thermal system (glycol type varies)

Pro tip: Always provide your full VIN when ordering parts online or calling BYD service centers. Generic "BYD Atto 3 brake pads" searches may return incorrect parts — VIN lookup guarantees exact fitment.

Frequently Asked Questions — BYD VIN Decoder

Is BYD VIN decoding free?

Yes. Basic vehicle information including specifications, manufacturing origin, and model details is completely free. Full history reports that include accident records, ownership history, and recalls from Chinese databases are available as paid reports.

What does LGX mean in a BYD VIN?

LGX is BYD's primary World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) code. "L" indicates the vehicle was manufactured in China, and "GX" identifies BYD Auto Co., Ltd. BYD passenger vehicles carry the LGX prefix across models like Seal, Song, Han, and Tang.

Can I check if a BYD was in an accident in China?

Yes. Our reports include Chinese provincial traffic authority data and insurance claims — information unavailable through NMVTIS, DVLA, or any European vehicle checker. We are the only platform with direct access to these Chinese sources.

Where is the VIN / chassis number on a BYD Atto 3?

The VIN (also called chassis number) is in three locations on the BYD Atto 3: (1) dashboard visible through the windshield on the driver's side; (2) B-pillar sticker on the driver's door frame; (3) engine bay firewall. On right-hand drive models (Australia, UK), the dashboard VIN is on the right side. All three locations must display the same 17-character code. You can also find it on registration documents and insurance papers.

Does it work for BYD electric vehicles?

Yes. We support all BYD electric and plug-in hybrid models including Atto 3, Han EV, Seal, Tang EV, Dolphin, Seagull, and Sealion. Our decoder reads battery capacity, drivetrain type, and EV-specific data from the VIN.

How do I check for BYD recalls?

Enter your BYD VIN in our decoder. We cross-reference your VIN against the SAMR (State Administration for Market Regulation) recall database, which lists all official BYD recalls including VIN ranges and recall status.

What BYD models are supported?

All BYD passenger vehicles: Atto 3 (Yuan Plus), Han EV, Han DM, Seal, Seal U, Tang EV, Tang DM, Song Plus EV, Song Plus DM, Song Pro, Yuan Pro, Dolphin, Seagull, Sealion 6, Sealion 7, Frigate 07, Yangwang U8, Yangwang U9, Atto 2, Qin Plus, e2, e3, T3 van, and BYD bus models.

Can I decode a BYD VIN from another country?

Yes. If the vehicle was manufactured in China (VIN starts with L), we can access its full manufacturing history regardless of the country where it is currently registered. This works for BYD vehicles sold in Europe, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Latin America.

How do I find my BYD production date?

The VIN position 10 tells you the model year (N=2022, P=2023, R=2024, S=2025, T=2026), but not the exact build date. For the precise production date, check the B-pillar door sticker on the driver's door frame, your registration documents, or request a full Chinese vehicle history report which includes manufacturing records from BYD's factory systems.

Can I use my BYD VIN to order parts?

Yes. Your full 17-digit BYD VIN is essential for ordering the correct parts. The VIN identifies your exact model variant, production year, battery configuration, and regional specifications. BYD official parts catalogs, authorized dealers, and aftermarket suppliers all require the VIN to ensure proper fitment — especially for EV-specific components like high-voltage cables, charging ports, motor parts, and battery modules.