A Holden VIN looks like a random string, but most of it follows the international VIN standard, so the codes can be read. This guide explains what each part of a 17-character Holden VIN means, gives the model-year code chart, shows where to find the VIN and compliance plate, and lists what to send for a parts enquiry. For the enquiry-ready reference, use the Holden VIN number guide.
Quick answer
- A modern Holden VIN is 17 characters and never uses the letters I, O or Q.
- Australian-built Holdens start with the world manufacturer code 6H8; imported models (Astra, Barina, Colorado, Cruze, Captiva, ZB Commodore) use the build country’s code instead.
- The 10th character is the model-year code.
- Pre-1988 Holdens may not have a 17-character VIN — use the body and compliance plate instead.
Two Holden identification eras
Holden identification splits into two eras, and the right method depends on which one your car falls in:
- Pre-1988, chassis-number era. Cars from the FX/FJ era through to the late Commodore VL period were identified by a chassis number and separate body and engine numbers on a body plate, not a modern 17-character VIN. Decoding is model-specific.
- 1988 onwards, 17-character VIN era. The Commodore VN (1988) was the first Holden to carry the modern 17-character VIN. From there, all Australian-market vehicles follow the international VIN standard.
If you have a pre-1988 Holden, go to the compliance and body plate and the engine number rather than looking for a VIN that may not exist.
What the 17 characters mean
| Part | Positions | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| WMI | 1–3 | World manufacturer identifier — who built it and where. 6H8 is GM-Holden, built in Australia. |
| VDS | 4–9 | Vehicle descriptor — model, body, engine and restraint details. |
| VIS | 10–17 | Vehicle indicator — model year (position 10), plant/assembly data, then the sequential serial number. |
Imported Holdens do not use 6H8. A Holden Astra can legitimately show a German Opel manufacturer code, and a Holden Colorado a Thai code, because the VIN reflects the plant that built the vehicle. That is normal and not a sign of a problem. For the Colorado specifically, see the Colorado VIN and compliance plate guide.
Model-year code chart (10th character)
| Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y | 2000 | 9 | 2009 | J | 2018 |
| 1 | 2001 | A | 2010 | K | 2019 |
| 2 | 2002 | B | 2011 | L | 2020 |
| 3 | 2003 | C | 2012 | ||
| 4 | 2004 | D | 2013 | ||
| 5 | 2005 | E | 2014 | ||
| 6 | 2006 | F | 2015 | ||
| 7 | 2007 | G | 2016 | ||
| 8 | 2008 | H | 2017 |
The 10th-character year is the model year, which can run ahead of the build date — a vehicle built late in the year often carries the following model year. Always cross-check against the build date on the compliance plate.
Where to find the VIN and compliance plate
Holden’s own generic guidance is that the VIN can be found in three places: the bottom corner of the windscreen on the passenger side, inside the driver’s door, and near the firewall in the engine bay. In practice the common Holden locations are:
- Through the base of the windscreen on the driver’s or passenger dash.
- Driver’s door jamb or B-pillar.
- Firewall or radiator support in the engine bay. On VT–VZ Commodores the build plate is on the radiator support; on VE/VF it moved to the passenger-side strut tower.
- Registration papers — the easiest place to read it.
The build plate also lists paint, trim, engine and transmission codes. Those are the codes a supplier uses to match a panel colour or interior trim exactly.
What to send for a parts enquiry
- The full VIN.
- The model, series and build year from the compliance plate.
- The body style (sedan, wagon, ute, cab type) and driveline.
- Paint code for panels, trim code for interior parts.
- The engine number for engine-related parts — see the Holden engine numbers lookup.
Send those through the Holden parts enquiry page and we will check availability.