Retrieving an original window sticker for a used car is easy and free using the vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
A window sticker, also called a Monroney label, has specifics like original MSRP, equipment, options, fuel economy, safety ratings, and more. New cars come with them, but used cars and their owners often lose them over time.
Luckily, when I sold Used cars, I found several free VIN lookup options that I used daily to find used car window stickers.
This guide will walk through how to look up and obtain a free window sticker for a used vehicle using just the VIN.
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- What is MSRP for Cars?
- How Much Do Dealerships Make on New Cars
- How Much Are Dealer Fees and How to Avoid Them
Table of Contents
Window Sticker by Vin Lookup Sites (Most Popular)
Here is a quick reference table for some of the most popular window sticker by vin sites making it easy to find your Monroney label, however some offer limited resources:
| Website | Details |
|---|---|
| WithClutch | Offers a free window sticker tool for select makes and models, $5 for all others |
| WindowStickerLookup.com | No fee, no contact info required, but limited to certain years |
| ClearVin | Offers a Monroney label lookup service but requires contact information |
| CarEdge | Offers a window sticker lookup service, but requires contact information |
| MonroneyLabels | Leading paid provider offering reproductions of original factory window stickers |
| Your Cars Manufacturer Website | Offers factory window stickers but might be hard to find and limited to certain models/years |
| Carfax | Carfax does offer window stickers with paid reports for certain makes like Ford/Lincoln |
Free Window Factory Window Sticker Options
Here are some options for getting a free window sticker using the VIN:
1. Request from dealership
Contact the dealership where the car was originally sold and provide the VIN. Many will print out a copy for free.
2. Manufacturer’s website
Create an account on the car company’s website and enter your VIN. Some brands provide free access to window stickers.
3. WithClutch.com
This free VIN lookup tool sometimes has access to original window stickers. Enter the VIN and your email to check availability.
4. Online forums
On enthusiast forums for specific car makes, owners sometimes share or request window stickers. Search the forums for your car’s make and model.
Other Free VIN Lookup Sources
Even without the window sticker, you can lookup basic specs via the VIN on these free sites:
- NHTSA – Federal VIN decoder shows manufacturer, year, make, model, trim, etc.
- VINCheck.info – Provides vehicle history data like accidents, title changes, and repair records.
Relevant Article to Read: Lookup Vin Scam
Paid Options for Window Sticker Lookup
If the free sources don’t pan out, here are some paid services for accessing window stickers:
- MonroneyLabels.com – The leading provider of authentic reproductions of automaker window stickers. Covers most makes, models, and years. Stickers cost $5 to $9.
- WithClutch.com – Offers window stickers starting at $5 when not available for free. Also has hard-to-find discontinued domestic models.
- Car manufacturer – Some automakers like Ford let you buy window stickers directly for collector value. More expensive at $50+, framed and shipped.
Find the Original Window Sticker by Manufacturer
Contents of a Window Sticker
Let’s look at why the window sticker/monroney label matters in the first place. Here’s an overview of what you’ll find within the sticker itself:
A Monroney label, also known as a window sticker, is a federally mandated label that must be affixed to all new cars sold in the United States. It provides detailed information about the vehicle, including:
Vehicle Specifications
- Make, model, trim level, and VIN Number
- Engine and transmission specifications
- Standard equipment and warranty details
Pricing Information
- Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
- Pricing for optional equipment and packages
- Transportation/destination charges
Fuel Economy and Environmental Impact
- City and highway fuel economy ratings from the EPA
- Greenhouse gas and smog emissions ratings
- Estimated annual fuel costs
- For electric/hybrid vehicles: MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent), kW-hrs per 100 miles, and annual electricity cost
Safety Ratings
- Crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Parts Content
- Percentage of domestic and foreign parts used in the vehicle’s construction.
Why You Need the Window Sticker for a Used Car
For used car buyers, having the window sticker lets you:
- Verify the car has the options and equipment you want
- Confirm the condition matches the original specs
- Negotiate a fair price based on the original MSRP and discounts
As a used car seller, providing the window sticker shows buyers you’re transparent and gives them confidence in your asking price.
Where to Find the VIN
To look up a window sticker, you first need the car’s unique 17-character VIN. Here are the common locations where you can find your vin:
- Driver’s side dashboard near the base of the windshield
- Driver’s side door jam, on a sticker with tire pressure info
- Vehicle title
- Registration paperwork
Once you have the VIN, you’re ready to obtain the window sticker.
Other Related Articles: How to Decode a VIN Number
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were window stickers created?
Car window stickers were created in the 1950s to combat arbitrary vehicle price changes by dealerships and provide transparency for car buyers. Senator Mike Monroney sponsored the Automobile Information Disclosure Act in 1958 which mandated these “Monroney stickers” be displayed on all new vehicles for sale.
What was the purpose of introducing window stickers?
The main purpose was to standardize pricing information and equipment listings on all new cars in order to prevent fraud and overcharging. This gave consumers consistent details to make informed purchasing decisions.
What law made window stickers a requirement?
The Automobile Information Disclosure Act passed in 1958 made it mandatory for all dealerships to display window stickers on new cars put up for sale. This groundbreaking law was sponsored by Senator Mike Monroney.
What information must be included on window stickers?
The law regulates that certain categories of vital information must be present, including MSRP, all standard and optional equipment, crash test ratings, fuel economy estimates, engine specifications, manufacturing details, and more.
Have the laws about window stickers been updated since 1958?
Yes, there was an update in 2013 that mandated additional details related to alternative fuels and propulsion systems must be included on the stickers for certain electric, hydrogen, hybrid, and other vehicles.
Summary
So in summary, obtaining an original window sticker for any used vehicle is easy and free using the VIN lookup methods outlined here. With this vital information in hand, you’ll be well-equipped to buy or sell any car with greater confidence.
