Golf Cart Serial Number Lookup & VIN Decoder (2026)

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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. You will learn exactly where to find the serial number, how to decode the year and model, and when you need a full 17-digit VIN instead.

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.
• 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.

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
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.

Star EV Serial Number Decoder

Star EV (now owned by Bintelli) is a newer manufacturer without the same legacy documentation as the big three. Most Star EV carts on the road today are from 2010 or later.

Star EV Serial Number Location

Look on the chassis frame, typically near the driver's side under the seat area. Some models have a plate on the frame rail visible from below.

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

Since Star EV carts are relatively recent, the year is usually clear from purchase paperwork or the Certificate of Origin. If you have no documentation:

• Check the VIN (position 10 encodes the model year)
• 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. Like Star EV, public documentation on their serial number format is limited, but there are several places to check.

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.

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

• The first four characters indicate the manufacturing year
• The remaining five digits are the unique vehicle serial number

Example: EV24-12345 = Evolution, 2024, unit #12345.

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.

Common Cushman Model Numbers

Model Number	Model Name	Era
881009	Series 736 Scotsman (8 HP Kohler)	1964-1968
898105	Scotsman (5 HP Briggs)	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	Chassis frame, under driver-side seat	Varies (check VIN on LSVs)
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 (model number)

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.