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Published October 17, 2026

Rivian VIN Model Year: Decode the 10th Character

Find the model year of any Rivian from the 10th VIN character. Complete Rivian year-code chart, WMI prefixes, and plant codes explained.

The 10th character of every Rivian VIN tells you the model year, a single letter or digit that follows a 30-year cycle. It is the quickest way to confirm a vehicle is really the year the seller claims, and combined with the first three characters (the WMI) and the assembly plant code, it pins down exactly when and where the vehicle was built.

Rivian WMI prefixes and what they mean

The first three VIN characters (the WMI, or World Manufacturer Identifier) identify the manufacturer and the country where the vehicle was built. Our free decoder resolves them automatically. Brand-specific WMI tables for Rivian are being verified and will be added here.

The 10th character: model year

The 10th character of the VIN is the model year code, cycling every 30 years:

K = 2019, L = 2020, M = 2021, N = 2022, P = 2023, R = 2024, S = 2025, T = 2026. Letters I, O, Q, U, and Z are never used.

Note that the model year can differ from the calendar year the vehicle was built; a vehicle with 10th character T (2026 model year) may have rolled off the line in 2025.

Position 11: assembly plant

Position 11 identifies the factory that built the vehicle. Our free decoder maps plant codes automatically, so you can confirm the build plant from the VIN.

Positions 12-17: serial number

The last six characters are the unique serial number, counting this exact vehicle off its production line. It is the part of the VIN that makes it unique to your vehicle.

Using positions 4-8 (VDS) to verify trim and motor

Positions 4-8, the Vehicle Descriptor Section, encode the model line, body style, motor configuration, and restraint system. Compare these against the vehicle in front of you: a VDS that says R1T when the badge says R1S deserves a closer look.

Model Year FAQ

Where is the model year in a Rivian VIN?

The 10th character. K = 2019 through T = 2026 in the current cycle.

Can the model year differ from the build year?

Yes. A 2026 model-year vehicle can be built in 2025. The 10th character always gives the model year, not the calendar build date.

What letters are never used in the year code?

I, O, Q, U, and Z are skipped to avoid confusion with digits.

Does the 10th character work for all Rivian vehicles?

Yes, for every Rivian built since 1981. Our free decoder reads it automatically.

Conclusion

The 10th VIN character is the fastest check on any used Rivian: one letter tells you the model year. Decode the full VIN free to confirm the WMI, plant, and serial number too, and never pay for a vehicle whose year does not match its paperwork.

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