Golf Cart Serial Number Guide (2026): VIN vs. Serial Number, Locations, and Brand Help

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you.

Whether you are buying a used cart, ordering replacement parts, or registering your golf cart for street use, you need to know your serial number. The problem? Every manufacturer puts it in a different spot and uses a different format.

This guide covers every major brand: Club Car, EZGO, Yamaha, Star EV, ICON, Evolution, and Cushman. Use it when you need to understand where the plate is, what the identifier means, and when you need a full 17-digit VIN instead of a manufacturer serial number.

Why Your Serial Number Matters

Your serial number is more than an ID sticker. It determines whether you order the right parts, pay a fair price, or get stuck with compatibility headaches.

Here are the most common reasons you will need it:

• Parts ordering. A 2012 EZGO TXT uses different components than a 2018 TXT. Wrong year means wrong parts. Every dealer and parts supplier will ask for the serial number before pulling anything off the shelf.
• Buying or selling a used cart. The serial number is the only reliable way to verify a cart's actual year and model. Sellers sometimes misrepresent (or genuinely don't know) the age of their cart. Decode it yourself before you negotiate. For a full used cart buying walkthrough, see our used golf cart buying guide.
• Registration and titling. If you are making your cart street legal, your state DMV will require the serial number for the title application. Our golf cart titles and registration guide covers state-by-state requirements.
• Insurance. Golf cart insurance policies require vehicle identification for coverage. Your insurer needs the serial number or VIN to write the policy.
• Theft recovery. A recorded serial number is how law enforcement tracks stolen carts. File it with your local police department and keep a copy with your purchase receipt.
• Recalls and warranty. Manufacturers track safety recalls and warranty eligibility by serial number. Check yours against the NHTSA recall database periodically.
• Accurate valuation. Knowing the exact year, model, and configuration directly affects what your cart is worth. A 2019 Club Car Onward is worth significantly more than a 2014 Precedent, even if they look similar.

Serial Number vs. VIN: What Is the Difference?

These two terms get used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing.

Serial Number

A serial number is a manufacturer-assigned identifier unique to each unit. There is no universal standard. Club Car uses one format, EZGO uses another, and Yamaha uses something else entirely. Serial numbers are used for parts ordering, warranty claims, production tracking, and year/model identification.

Every golf cart has a serial number from the factory.

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

A VIN is a standardized 17-character alphanumeric code that follows federal NHTSA requirements. It is the same format used on cars, trucks, and motorcycles. VINs are required for titling, registration, insurance, and legal identification on public roads.

Only Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) are required to have VINs. An LSV is a cart with a top speed between 20 and 25 MPH that comes equipped with headlights, turn signals, mirrors, seat belts, and a windshield. If your cart was built as an LSV at the factory (like the Club Car Onward LSV, the EZGO 2Five, or most ICON and Evolution models), it left the factory with a VIN already assigned.

Standard golf carts used only on private property, golf courses, or gated communities do not need a VIN. They operate with just the manufacturer serial number.

What If You Convert a Standard Cart to Street Legal?

If you convert a standard golf cart to LSV status, you will need to obtain a VIN from your state DMV through an inspection process. This typically involves bringing the cart to a DMV inspection station, proving it meets LSV equipment requirements, and paying a VIN assignment fee. The process varies by state, so check your state's golf cart laws for specifics.

How to Decode a 17-Digit VIN

If your cart has a 17-digit VIN (LSV models), you can decode it for free at the NHTSA VIN Decoder. Enter the full VIN and it will return the manufacturer, model year, vehicle type, body style, engine specifications, and plant of manufacture.

The VIN structure breaks down as follows:

Position	Meaning	Example
1-3	World Manufacturer Identifier (country + maker)	5HD = Club Car (USA)
4-8	Vehicle attributes (model, body, engine)	Varies by manufacturer
9	Check digit (mathematical validation)	0-9 or X
10	Model year	R = 2024, S = 2025, T = 2026
11	Assembly plant	Varies
12-17	Sequential production number	000001-999999

Club Car Serial Number Decoder

Club Car makes this relatively straightforward. Their serial numbers follow a consistent format and include the model year directly in the code. For a full overview of Club Car models and pricing, see our Club Car review.

Club Car Serial Number Location

• 1981 to present: Under the glove box on the passenger side. Look for a barcode sticker below the cup holder or above the pedals.
• Pre-1981 (1975-1980): Lift the driver-side seat and look at the aluminum I-beam frame section just inboard of the battery bank.

Club Car Serial Number Format

Club Car serial numbers are typically 12 characters:

[Model Prefix][YY][WW]-[NNNNNN]

Segment	Meaning	Example
1-2 letters	Model code	PH = Precedent i2 Excel
Next 2 digits	Model year	09 = 2009
Next 2 digits	Production week	01 = first week
Hyphen + 6 digits	Unique unit number	123456

Full example: PH0901-123456 = Precedent i2 Excel, 2009, week 1, unit #123456.

Common Club Car Model Prefix Codes

Prefix	Model	Power
A	DS Golf Car	Electric
AA	DS 48V	Electric
AB	DS 36V	Electric
AQ	DS IQ 48V (Regen)	Electric
AG	DS Golf Car	Gas
PG	Precedent	Gas
PH	Precedent i2 Excel	Electric
PQ	Precedent IQ 48V	Electric

Club Car maintains a complete prefix directory on their website. If your prefix is not listed here, check with your local Club Car dealer or the official prefix chart for Onward and Tempo models.

EZGO Serial Number Decoder

EZGO is the trickiest of the big three brands to decode. They use two separate numbers on the same identification plate, and the system has changed multiple times over the decades. For a complete EZGO overview, see our EZGO review.

EZGO Serial Number Location

Model	Years	Location
Marathon	1976-1993	Under passenger-side glove box
Medalist	1994-1995	Inside passenger-side glove box
TXT	1996 and newer	Inside passenger-side glove box, or behind seat on steel cross member
RXV	2008 and newer	Bottom of steering column, or under front end (visible through driver-side wheel well)

EZGO Two-Number System

EZGO plates show two numbers, and this is where people get confused:

1. Serial Number (6-7 digits): A purely sequential production number. By itself, it does not tell you the model year.
2. Manufacturer's Code (1 letter + 3-4 digits): This is the one that tells you the year.

Example plate: A301 1338763

• A301 = Manufacturer's code (tells you the year)
• 1338763 = Serial number (unique ID only)

EZGO Year Decoding

For EZGO carts made 1979 and later, the last two digits of the manufacturer's code indicate the model year.

Manufacturer Code Ends In	Model Year
...79	1979
...95	1995
...04	2004
...15	2015
...24	2024

For carts from 1976-1978, the format is reversed: the first two digits indicate the year.

The model family is a separate question from the year. Plate location is often the fastest way to narrow it:

• Under the passenger-side glove box: usually Marathon
• Inside the passenger-side glove box: usually Medalist or early TXT
• Behind the seat / below the charger or access panel: usually TXT-based carts
• Rear passenger-side frame area: usually RXV

This is why our free decoder tool asks for the plate location on E-Z-GO lookups. The manufacturer code gets the year, and the location helps separate Marathon, Medalist, TXT, and RXV families.

Yamaha Serial Number Decoder

Yamaha serial numbers always start with the letter J and use a prefix system that encodes both the model and year range. For full Yamaha model details and pricing, check our Yamaha review.

Yamaha Serial Number Location

Yamaha has moved the serial plate more than any other brand, so location depends on your model generation:

Model	Years	Location
G1	1979-1986	Metal plate under the rear bumper, driver-side edge
G2/G9	1985-1995	Front of engine compartment, riveted plate
G14/G16/G19-G23/G27/G28	1995-2006	Inside driver-side storage compartment, left wall
Drive/G29	2007-2010	Passenger side near seat
Drive/G29	2011-2016	Under seat, sideways on upright in engine bay
Drive2	2017 and newer	Upright support beam in engine compartment

Yamaha Serial Number Format

Format: JXX-NNNNNN

• Starts with J (Yamaha identifier)
• Next 2 characters = model and variant code
• Hyphen
• 6 digits = sequential production number

You only need the first 3 characters to identify the model and approximate year range.

Key Yamaha Prefix Codes

Prefix	Model	Type	Years
J10	G1	Gas	1979-1981
J17	G1	Gas	1982-1983
J38	G2	Gas	1985-1986
JG5	G9	Gas	1991-1995
JN6	G16	Gas	1997-2002
JN8	G16	Electric	1997-2002
JU0	G22 (G-Max)	Gas	2003-2006
JU2	G22 (G-Max)	Electric	2003-2006
JW1	Drive/G29	Gas	2007-2016
JW9	Drive/G29	Electric	2007-2016
J0A / J0B / J0C / J0D / J0E / J0J	Drive2	Gas / Electric / PTV	2017-2018 depending variant
J5A	Drive2	Both	2023 and newer

Unlike Club Car, Yamaha does not embed a simple two-digit year code. The prefix itself identifies the model generation, and within that generation you may need the sequential number or purchase documentation to pin down the exact production year.

On newer Drive2 carts, the exact prefix can change based on whether the cart is a fleet car, personal-transport vehicle (PTV), gas QuieTech model, DC electric, or AC electric. That is why our free decoder tool uses the full prefix and starting production thresholds instead of treating every Drive2 as the same code family.

Star EV Serial Number Decoder

Star EV is still harder to decode than Club Car or Yamaha, but the official manuals are more useful than they used to be. STAR now publishes owners manuals for current families like Sirius, Capella, J Model, AK Series, AP Series, U Series, C Series, Roadster, Magellan, Diablo, and Accel.

Star EV Serial Number Location

On many current STAR models, the official manual says the serial number and manufacture date code are on the plate in the glove box. The same manuals also say there are chassis numbers on the frame.

LSV models (which make up most of Star EV's lineup) carry a 17-digit VIN in addition to the serial number. You can decode the VIN at the NHTSA VIN Decoder.

Identifying Your Star EV Year

There still is not a public STAR year-decoder chart like the ones Club Car and Yamaha publish. The safest path is still the VIN or Certificate of Origin.

That said, official STAR parts manuals do give one narrow legacy rule for older Classic/Sport platforms:

• serials beginning with 16 fall into the 2016-and-earlier legacy parts group
• serials beginning with 17 fall into the 2017 legacy parts group, with an official parts breakpoint at 17636020028
• newer legacy-platform documents also reference vehicles whose serials begin with letters, but STAR does not publish a public year map for those serials

If you have no documentation:

• Check the VIN (position 10 encodes the model year)
• Check the glove-box plate for the manufacture date code
• Contact a Star EV dealer with the serial number
• Visit the Star EV technical support page for owner's manuals

For a full overview of Star EV's current lineup, see our Star EV review.

ICON Serial Number Decoder

ICON Electric Vehicles has grown rapidly since launching in Tampa, Florida. Public documentation on their internal serial-number format is still limited, but ICON does publish official model badges in the owner manual and uses 17-digit VINs on most street-legal carts.

ICON Serial Number Location

• Beneath the dashboard
• Along the passenger-side frame
• Inside the glove box
• Near the steering column
• Frame under the front seat

Identifying Your ICON Year

Most ICON carts are sold as LSVs and carry a 17-digit VIN. Decode it at the NHTSA VIN Decoder for the model year and specifications.

If the cart only shows a model badge, check for one of the official names published in ICON's owner manual:

• i20
• i20L
• i40
• i40L
• i40F
• i40FL
• i60
• i60L

Those badges confirm the model family, but not the build year. For carts without a VIN, check the Certificate of Origin or contact ICON customer support. Our ICON review covers all current models and common issues to be aware of.

Evolution Serial Number Decoder

Evolution Electric Vehicles labels their carts clearly, making identification easier than most newer brands.

Evolution Serial Number Location

Look on the chassis frame behind the front wheel on the driver side. The serial number typically starts with "EV" or "20".

Evolution Serial Number Format

Official Evolution owner support says the chassis serial starts with "EV" or "20", and that the beginning of the serial identifies the manufacturing year.

Two common examples:

• 202289123 = 2022 build year + 5-digit serial suffix
• EV24-12345 = EV-style chassis serial pointing to a 2024 cart

In practice, newer Evolution carts often use a 20XX##### numeric chassis serial, while some support and dealer materials still reference the EVYY-##### style. If your cart has a 17-digit VIN, use that first because it is still the official road-vehicle identifier for LSV models.

All Evolution LSV models also carry a standard 17-digit VIN. For a complete look at Evolution's model lineup, see our Evolution review.

Cushman Serial Number Decoder

Cushman has been manufacturing utility and golf vehicles since the 1950s, and their serial number system reflects that long history. Decoding older Cushman carts can be challenging.

Cushman Serial Number Location

• Primary location: Under the driver-side seat, on the shift lever console
• Alternative locations: Metal plate on the dashboard near the emergency brake, beneath the driver-side seat, or on the metal side rail below the floorboard on the driver side

Cushman Serial Number Format

Cushman model numbers are 6 digits starting with "8" (e.g., 898100, 881009). The identification tag follows this pattern:

[Model Number]-[YYNN]

The first two digits after the hyphen indicate the year. For example, a tag ending in -7324 was made in 1973.

Modern Cushman Serial and Manufacture Date Codes

Many newer Textron/Cushman vehicles use a different label style from the vintage Golfster-era tags. Instead of a 6-digit model number plus suffix, the label often shows:

• a 7-digit serial number
• a separate manufacture date code
• a frame PIN or model identifier elsewhere on the same label area

Example: 3409258 G2015

• 3409258 = serial number
• G2015 = manufacture date code

On these modern date codes, the letter identifies the production month in sequence (G = January, H = February, J = March, and so on with no I), the next two digits are the day, and the final two digits are the year. So G2015 points to January 20, 2015.

That date code is useful for narrowing the build year, but you still need the frame PIN or model badge to confirm whether the cart is a Hauler, Shuttle, or another modern Cushman family.

Common Cushman Model Numbers

Model Number	Model Name	Era
881009	Series 736 Scotsman (8 HP Kohler)	1964-1968
881015	Golfster 36V Sears	1966
881410	Golfster 10 HP Trophy	1967
881601	Golfster 10 HP GC-400	1968
881850	Golfster 36V GC-400	1969
898100	Golfster 36V GC-400	1970 and later
898101	Golfster 10 HP GC-400	1970 and later
898105	Golfster 5 HP Scotsman	1969 and later

For vintage Cushman carts, physical characteristics (body style, engine type, and dashboard design) may be more reliable than the serial number for narrowing down the production year. Our Cushman review covers the full brand history and current models.

What to Do If Your Serial Plate Is Missing

A missing or damaged serial plate is more common than you might expect, especially on older carts that have changed hands multiple times.

Steps to resolve it:

1. Contact an authorized dealer for your brand. They can order a legitimate replacement plate through the manufacturer using your purchase records.
2. Gather documentation. Keep purchase receipts, photos of the cart, prior registration papers, and any correspondence with the previous owner.
3. File a report if needed. A missing serial plate can raise red flags with law enforcement as a potential theft indicator. Having documentation of legitimate ownership avoids problems down the road.
4. Use physical characteristics to narrow the year. If you know the brand, the body style, dashboard layout, and engine type can help an experienced dealer or mechanic identify the approximate model year. Changes in body design between generations are well-documented for Club Car, EZGO, and Yamaha.

Quick Reference: Where to Find Serial Numbers by Brand

Brand	Primary Location	Format Starts With
Club Car	Under passenger-side glove box	1-2 letters (model prefix)
EZGO	Inside passenger-side glove box	Letter + digits (manufacturer code)
Yamaha	Varies by generation (see table above)	J (always)
Star EV	Glove box plate or chassis frame	Serial + manufacture date code on many current models
ICON	Under dashboard or passenger-side frame	Varies (check VIN on LSVs)
Evolution	Behind front wheel, driver side	EV or 20
Cushman	Under driver-side seat	8 (vintage model) or 7-digit serial + date code

How to Use Your Serial Number

Once you have decoded your serial number, here is what you can do with it:

Order the Right Parts

The most practical use. When you call a dealer or order online, the serial number ensures you get parts that actually fit. This is especially important for batteries, chargers, tires, and windshields, where compatibility varies significantly by model year.

Verify Age When Buying Used

Decode the year yourself before negotiating. A seller who claims the cart is a "2018" when the serial number says 2014 is either misinformed or dishonest. Either way, you should adjust your offer. Check current used golf cart pricing to make sure you pay a fair price.

Register and Insure Your Cart

If you are making your cart street legal, the DMV needs the serial number for the title application. Insurance companies also require it for golf cart insurance policies. Record it now so you have it when you need it.

Check for Recalls

Enter your serial number or VIN at the NHTSA recall lookup to check for open safety recalls. This is especially important for used carts where the previous owner may not have completed recall repairs.

Track Maintenance History

Dealers log service records by serial number. If you are buying a used cart from a dealership, ask them to pull the maintenance history. Regular maintenance records are a strong indicator that the cart was well cared for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the serial number on an EZGO TXT?

On the EZGO TXT (1996 and newer), look inside the passenger-side glove box. You may also find it behind the seat, on a steel cross member accessible by lifting or tilting the seat forward. The plate shows both the serial number and the manufacturer's code. Remember: you need the manufacturer's code (not just the serial number) to determine the year.

Where is the serial number on a Club Car Precedent?

On the Club Car Precedent, the serial number is under the passenger-side glove box area, on a barcode sticker. It starts with "PH" (for Precedent i2 Excel) or "PQ" (for Precedent IQ 48V). The two digits after the prefix letters are your model year.

Can I look up a golf cart serial number for free?

For LSVs with a 17-digit VIN, use the free NHTSA VIN Decoder. For standard serial numbers, there is no universal free lookup tool because each manufacturer uses a different format. Use the brand-specific guides above to decode yours manually.

How do I find the serial number on an older golf cart?

On carts from the 1970s and 1980s, serial plates were commonly stamped on the frame rather than printed on stickers. Check under seats, on frame rails, near the engine compartment, and on structural crossmembers. Rust and paint may obscure older plates. A wire brush and flashlight will help. If the plate is completely gone, a dealer familiar with your brand may be able to identify the generation from the cart's physical features.

Does the serial number tell me if my cart is gas or electric?

On Club Car, yes. Electric models use prefixes like A, AA, AB, AQ, PH, and PQ. Gas models use AG and PG. On Yamaha, the prefix codes are different for gas and electric versions of the same model (e.g., JW1/JW8 for gas Drive/G29 vs. JW9 for electric). On EZGO, the manufacturer's code and serial number format differ between gas and electric models, though the distinction is less immediately obvious from the code alone.

What brands do not have well-documented serial number systems?

Newer brands like ICON, Star EV, Advanced EV, and many Chinese-manufactured brands (Kandi, AODES, Massimo) have limited public serial number documentation. For these carts, the 17-digit VIN (available on most LSV models) is the most reliable identification method. Use the NHTSA decoder or contact the manufacturer directly.

Should I record my serial number somewhere safe?

Absolutely. Take a clear photo of the serial plate and store it in your phone or cloud storage. Write the number down and keep it with your purchase receipt and insurance documents. If your cart is ever stolen, a recorded serial number is the single most important piece of information for recovery. Consider also installing a GPS tracker for added security.