July 1: So it begins. Don't worry, this is not in the correct legal jurisdiction!
Check Digit
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer and 2004 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Fig 1: Identifying Check Digit (Tag Locator)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
The ninth VIN position is a government assigned, computer-generated check digit.