How to Find a Generac Serial Number, Model Number and Year
Most Generac home standby generators have a primary data tag that shows the serial number, model number and production date. Where it sits depends on the series: under the lid on Guardian units, inside the enclosure on the commercial, Protector and QT series, and on Next Generation units both on the rear of the enclosure and inside behind the front panel. On portables, the serial and model number are on a sticker or metal plate on the frame or enclosure. Once you have the serial or model number, enter it in Generac's product lookup to find the manuals and specs for your unit.
Key facts
| Question | Short answer | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Where's the tag on a Guardian air-cooled standby? | With the lid unlocked and lifted, on the dividing panel to the left of the control panel | Generac |
| Where's the tag on a Next Generation standby (2025 models to present)? | On a data label on the rear of the enclosure, and on a data label inside the enclosure, behind the front panel | Generac |
| Where's the tag on a portable? | On a sticker or metal plate on the frame or enclosure | Generac |
| How do I tell the year? | Read PROD DATE or MANUFACTURING DATE on the primary data tag, where it's printed. Generac's example: 20180621 represents 06/21/2018 | Generac |
| Where do I look it up? | Generac's product lookup, by serial number, model number or ordering SKU, with no special characters, including dashes | Generac |
| Can I see it in Mobile Link? | Yes, under the Technical Specs menu option | Generac |
Where the data tag is on a home standby generator
Generac publishes the data tag location series by series, and the steps differ more than the kilowatt ratings suggest: some tags are under the lid, some need a side panel off and the enclosure key, and one needs an Allen wrench. Per Generac:
| Series | Where the data tag is |
|---|---|
| Next Generation Series (10–28 kW, 2025 models to present) | The serial number is listed in two places: on a data label on the rear of the enclosure, and on a data label inside of the enclosure, behind the front panel |
| Guardian Series air-cooled (9–26 kW, 2016–present) | With the lid unlocked and lifted, the data tag is on the dividing panel to the left of the control panel. |
| Guardian Series air-cooled (8–20 kW, 2015 models and earlier) | With the lid unlocked and lifted, the data tag is on the dividing panel to the left of the control panel. |
| Commercial liquid-cooled (22–60 kW) | Remove the side panel. The data tag will be located inside the enclosure, to the right of the control panel. The enclosure key is required to access this. |
| Protector Series (15–60 kW) | Remove the side panel. The data tag will be located inside the floor of the unit. |
| QT Series (70–150 kW) | Remove the side panel. The data tag will be located inside the enclosure, to the right of the control panel. The enclosure key is required to access this. |
| 7.5 kW PowerPact | View the data tag by unbolting the top four screws and lifting the front panel. The data tag will be on the left-side black panel. A 6 mm Allen wrench is needed to remove the bolts from the lid. |
The fuel tag isn't the primary data tag. Most standby generators also have a fuel tag, which Generac says is "typically located on the rear exterior of the generator's enclosure, near the fuel inlet pipe." It lists fuel specifications and the serial number but not the model number. For parts and manuals, use the primary data tag. Generac also notes that NXG (Next Generation) model generators may have a small sticker containing only a QR code and serial number; that sticker isn't the primary data tag and isn't the label to check for the manufacturing date.
Mobile Link owners with an active account and a connected generator can view the serial number in the app or on the Mobile Link website under the Technical Specs menu option.
Where it is on a portable generator
Generac says: "The serial and model number are printed on every Generac portable generator." The exact location varies with the generator model and the year it was made, and on most units it is in one of two places for each type of frame:
- Open-frame generators: on the bottom metal crossbar of the generator frame, or on the inside of the front control panel (where the outlets, breakers and switches are) or the rear metal panel.
- Fully enclosed inverter generators: on a label on the enclosure's exterior, or on the inside of the enclosure (the plastic cover must be removed with a screwdriver).
Look for a sticker or metal plate on the frame or enclosure. Generac notes: "The serial number for newer portable generators begins with 300." If the generator was bought recently, or you still have the original box, Generac says the serial number may also be printed there.
How to tell what year your Generac was made
Look on the primary data tag for PROD DATE or MANUFACTURING DATE. Generac: "The eight-digit number that follows represents the date of manufacture. For example, 20180621 represents a manufacturing date of 06/21/2018." Generac's article applies to most serialized Generac products, excluding commercial and industrial generators, and it cautions that manufacturing dates "may not be displayed the same way on all products."
That article points to the date on the tag. It gives no rule for reading the year from the digits of the serial number.
What to do with the numbers
- Manuals and specs: enter the serial number, model number or ordering SKU in Generac's product lookup. Generac says it finds "specifications, product manuals, frequently asked questions, how-to videos, and more for your product," and the search asks you not to use "any special characters, including dashes." For some products the full model number is needed: Generac's example is model 7259 entered as G0072590.
- Registration and activation: Generac's registration site asks for the product serial number. Generac: "Your automatic standby generator requires activation in order to operate automatically." And: "Portable generators, pressure washers, and transfer switches do not require activation."
- Warranty: for a printed certificate of your warranty, Generac says to contact Generac customer support and to have your name, address and generator serial number ready. Its warranty guidelines begin: "Unit must be registered and proof of purchase available."
- Parts for your model: the model number is what our Generac battery and maintenance kit pages are keyed on.
- Error codes: if you're here because of an alarm, Guardian and Next Generation units use different code lists: Guardian / Evolution codes or Next Generation codes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I find the age of a Generac from the serial number?
Generac's article on the manufacturing year doesn't decode serial-number digits. It points to the PROD DATE or MANUFACTURING DATE on the primary data tag, an eight-digit date: 20180621 represents 06/21/2018.
Where is the serial number on a Generac 22 kW Guardian?
On Guardian air-cooled units (9–26 kW, 2016–present), Generac says the data tag is on the dividing panel to the left of the control panel, with the lid unlocked and lifted.
Why doesn't the tag on the back of my generator show a model number?
That's probably the fuel tag near the fuel inlet pipe. Generac says it lists fuel specifications and the serial number but not the model number, so check the primary data tag.
Where do I find the manual for my Generac?
Enter the serial number, model number or ordering SKU, without special characters or dashes, in Generac's product lookup.
How do I check my Generac warranty?
For a printed certificate of your warranty, Generac says to contact its customer support with your name, address and generator serial number ready. Its warranty guidelines begin: "Unit must be registered and proof of purchase available."