How to decode your Jeep CJ VIN

What is a vehicle identification number (VIN)?

A VIN, or vehicle identification mumber, is your Jeep’s unique fingerprint. It’s a standardized sequence of letters and numbers assigned at the factory that tells the story of your CJ — where it was built, who built it, and how it was originally configured.

For Jeep CJ enthusiasts, the VIN is especially important. It helps confirm model year, engine type, body style, and whether your CJ is truly a CJ7, CJ8 Scrambler, or an amalgamation in between. On vintage Jeeps, the VIN can also be key to verifying originality, tracking down correct replacement parts, and documenting restorations or restomods.

In short, the VIN is the starting point for understanding your Jeep’s lineage. Whether you’re buying, restoring, or just geeking out over factory details, it’s the number that ties your CJ to its history.

Where is the VIN on your CJ?

On Jeep CJs, the VIN can appear in a few different places, and it’s not uncommon for enthusiasts to check more than one to confirm authenticity — especially on older or restored rigs. Common VIN locations on Jeep CJs include:

• Dashboard VIN plate: A metal VIN tag is mounted on the driver’s side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield. This is the most commonly referenced VIN and is what most states use for registration and title purposes.

• Frame stamp: Many CJs have a VIN (or partial VIN) stamped directly into the frame rail, typically on the passenger side. This stamp is often faint and may be hidden by grime, paint, or rust. My frame stamp was above the rear wheel and was a partial VIN.

• Firewall or body tags: Many CJs have additional identification plates or stickers on the firewall or under the hood. These may include the VIN or a serial number tied to it, along with build or emissions information.

• Title and historical paperwork: While not on the vehicle itself, original titles, registrations, and build documents are important reference points and should match the dash VIN.

For restorations and restorations/restomods, checking that the dash VIN, frame stamp, and paperwork all align is a best practice — and a big part of preserving a CJ’s provenance.

How do I decode my VIN?

Decoding your Jeep CJ VIN depends on the year, as there were effectively three VIN “regimes” in the Jeep CJ’s run from 1971 to 1986. The first two regimes, 1971-1974 and 1975-1980, had a 13-digit VIN. The third regime, 1981-1986, had a 17-digit VIN.

1971 - 1974 Jeep CJs (13-digit VIN)