Understanding DOT and TIN markings

The Department of Transportation (DOT) symbols and the Tire Identification Number (TIN) are two necessary pieces of information about your tire. This page will tell you what you need to know.

Where to find your DOT and TIN

Finding your DOT symbol and TIN numbers is easy. The DOT and TIN markings are on the sidewall of your tire and should be facing out on your vehicle.

A quick lesson in safety

The “DOT” symbol certifies the tire manufacturer’s compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) tire safety performance standards. Next to these letters is the tire identification number (TIN) - also known as the tire “serial” number. All tires produced after September 2009 must have the full TIN on the intended outboard side of the tire and at least a partial TIN on the intended inboard side. The partial TIN does not include the date code. You’ll find your DOT and TIN on the tire sidewall, looking something like DOT-MA-L9-ABCD-0319 as shown in the above picture.

Reveal your tire’s identity

The TIN groups together important information about your tire's manufacturing.

Group One: 2-3 characters representing the factory code for where the tire was made.

Group Two: a 2-character code that tells you the tire size.

Group Three: up to 4 characters that show the tire type and manufacturer's code.

Group Four: 4 numbers referring to the week and year the tire was made. For example above 0319 refers to the third week of year 2019.