Decode VINs into Accurate Vehicle Data in <1 Second
Decode any VIN into year, make, model, trim, engine, options, and OEM specs instantly. Fast, reliable, and trusted by automotive marketplaces, insurers, dealerships, and fleet operators worldwide.
Why Choose Our VIN Decoder API
Fast & Reliable
JSON responses in <1 second, 99.99% uptime
Global Coverage
US, Canada, Europe VINs (1981–2026)
Full Vehicle Data
From basic make/model to advanced OEM specs, features, colors, options & packages.
Developer-Friendly
REST API with code examples in Python, JavaScript, PHP, Java, C#, Ruby & Go.
Regular Updates
Frequent data refreshed with new models and corrections
All Vehicle Types
Passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, vans, and more.
Detailed Vehicle Specifications in Seconds with VIN Decoder API
How The VIN Decoder API Works
Send VIN
via API request (simple GET request).
Receive JSON
with structured vehicle data
Integrate instantly
into your app, website, or internal system
We offer different endpoints based on the region.
Region-Specific Endpoints: US, Canada, and Europe—optimized for each market.
We are actively working on adding support for other regions & improving our VIN decoding technology.
Check out the VIN Decoder API in Action for Free!
Test the API using a real VIN and view the JSON response instantly. No signup required.
Why Our API Stands Out Compared to Free VIN APIs
Free VIN APIs work for basic lookups, but they struggle in production environments. Our VIN Decoder API is built for accuracy, consistency, and long-term use. Here’s why we stand out:
Better Trim Accuracy
Free tools often guess trims. Our API matches factory configurations more reliably.
Consistent Data Structure
Responses follow a stable JSON format that works cleanly in production systems.
OEM-Verified Records
Data is sourced from trusted manufacturer and industry datasets.
Faster Response Times
Optimized for quick lookups without unpredictable slowdowns or limits.
Broader Coverage
Supports US, Canada, and Europe vehicles across multiple model years.
Ongoing Support
Actively maintained with updates, documentation, and technical support.
We Offer Global VIN Decoding Coverage!
With our Vehicle Database API, you can decode US and Canada VINs using two different tiers and decode European VINs using a dedicated Europe VIN decoding API.
US VIN Decoder API
The US VIN Decoder API is designed for vehicles manufactured for or sold in the United States and Canada. It supports standard 17-character VINs and covers vehicles from 1980 to the present.
This API is commonly used by dealerships, insurance companies, valuation platforms, and automotive software providers that operate in the US market. You can choose between two decoding levels depending on how much detail you need:
- The Basic VIN Decode API
- The Advanced VIN Decode API
Canada VIN Decoder API
The Canada VIN Decoder API is built for vehicles manufactured for or sold in Canada, following Canadian market and manufacturer standards. It supports standard 17-character VINs and covers vehicles from 1980 to the present.
It is used by Canadian dealerships, insurers, valuation tools, and automotive platforms that need accurate vehicle data specific to the Canadian market. The same two decoding levels are available:
- The Basic VIN Decode API
- The Advanced VIN Decode API
Europe VIN Decoding API
European vehicles follow different standards than US vehicles, and decoding them properly requires a different approach. The Europe VIN Decoding API is designed specifically for European-market vehicles and supports VINs from 1980 to the present.
It is commonly used by businesses handling European registrations, imports, and cross-border vehicle data.
- Make
- Model
- Model year
- Body style
- Vehicle class
- Vehicle type
- Manufacturer
- Country
- Region
- Vehicle specifications
- Standard equipment
- Optional equipment
Using a Europe-specific VIN API helps avoid missing or incorrect data that often occurs when European VINs are decoded using US-only systems.
Types of VIN Decoder API: Based on Data Points
Choose the tier that fits your business needs.
| Category | Basic VIN Decode API Basic | Advanced VIN Decode API Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Core Vehicle Identification | ||
| Core Vehicle ID | Make, Model, Year, Trim, Body Type | Everything in Basic |
| Engine & Drivetrain | ||
| Engine & Drivetrain | Engine, Transmission, Fuel Type, Drive Type | Full powertrain specs |
| Technical Specifications | ||
| Technical Specs | Basic dimensions | Complete specs, weights, suspension, interiors |
| Pricing Data | ||
| Pricing Data | Not Available | MSRP, invoice, total price |
| Fuel & Efficiency | ||
| Fuel & Efficiency | Not Available | City / Highway / Combined, Green scores |
| EV / Hybrid Data | ||
| EV / Hybrid Data | Not Available | Battery, range, powertrain |
| Safety Ratings | ||
| Safety Ratings | Not Available | NHTSA & IIHS |
| Options & Packages | ||
| Options & Packages | Not Available | OEM options, packages, colors |
| Warranty Information | ||
| Warranty Info | Not Available | Manufacturer coverage |
| Geographic Coverage | ||
| Regions | US, Canada | US, Canada, Europe |
| Temporal Coverage | ||
| VIN Coverage | 1980–Present | 1980–Present |
Basic vs. Advanced VIN Decoder API
Not every use case needs the same level of vehicle data. That’s why our VIN decoder API offers two decoding levels for US vehicles.
Basic VIN Decoder API (US & Canada)
Quickly identify a vehicle by VIN with core specs and identification data.
- Coverage: 17-character VINs (1980–present)
- Vehicle Types: All major vehicle types, including cars, trucks, vans, and motorcycles.
Here is an example of VIN: JTEDW21A860014011
{
"status": "success",
"data": {
"intro": {
"vin": "JTEDW21A860014011"
},
"basic": {
"make": "Toyota",
"model": "Highlander",
"year": "2006",
"trim": "STD",
"body_type": "Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)",
"vehicle_type": "Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)",
"doors": "5",
"vehicle_size": "",
"seating_capacity": "7"
},
"engine": {
"cylinders": "6",
"engine_size": "3.3",
"engine_description": "3MZ-FE + 1JM, 2FM V-Shaped",
"engine_capacity": "3300.0",
"engine_configuration": "V-Shaped",
"electrification_level": "Strong HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle)"
},
"manufacturer": {
"manufacturer": "Toyota Motor Corporation",
"region": "Fukuoka",
"country": "Japan",
"plant_city": "Miyawaka"
},
"transmission": {
"transmission_style": ""
},
"restraint": {
"others": ""
},
"dimensions": {
"gvwr": "Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)"
},
"drivetrain": {
"drive_type": "4x2"
},
"fuel": {
"fuel_type": "Gasoline",
"secondary_fuel_type": "Electric"
}
}
}
Advanced VIN decoder API
Full vehicle configuration and pricing data for deeper automotive insights.
- Coverage: 17-character VINs (1980–present)
- Vehicle Types: Cars and semi-trucks
Here is an example of a VIN: 1B3AL46XX6N227698
How VIN Decoder APIs Can Help Your Business
A VIN Decoder API allows businesses to instantly extract verified vehicle details from a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Instead of manually researching car information, companies can automate vehicle identification, improve accuracy, and power data-driven automotive services at scale.
VIN Decoder APIs are widely used in:
- Auto dealerships
- Insurance companies
- Vehicle marketplaces
- Fleet and rental services
- Government and compliance platforms
- Aftermarket parts sellers
- Mobility and transportation startups
Below are the key ways VIN Decoder APIs create business value across industries.
Improve Customer Experience with Instant Vehicle Data
VIN Decoder APIs instantly return:
- Make, model, year, and trim
- Engine, transmission, and drivetrain
- Factory specs and vehicle features
Business benefits:
- Faster user onboarding
- Reduced form friction
- Higher conversion rates
- Increased platform trust
Best for: Automotive marketplaces, insurance apps, dealer portals, and inspection platforms.
Automate Vehicle Identification & Reduce Manual Work
VIN decoding removes the need for long manual data entry forms by auto-filling vehicle information.
- Fewer data errors
- Faster processing workflows
- Lower support and labor costs
- Improved internal efficiency
Ideal for: Fleet operators, rental services, car marketplaces, and registration platforms.
Enable Smarter Pricing, Valuation & Risk Decisions
Decoded VIN data supports better financial and risk modeling by helping businesses:
- Estimate resale and market value
- Assess insurance risk
Improve auto loan underwriting - Optimize trade-in pricing
Common use cases: Auto finance, insurers, car dealerships, valuation tools.
Prevent Fraud & Verify Vehicle Identity
VIN Decoder APIs help detect fraud and misrepresentation by validating:
- Vehicle identity authenticity
- Make/model mismatches
- Fake or misleading listings
- Potential stolen or cloned vehicles (when paired with theft databases)
Business impact:
- Reduced fraud risk
- Safer transactions
- Stronger platform credibility
Useful for: Classifieds platforms, auctions, and compliance systems.
Power Smarter Marketing & Personalization
VIN-based vehicle insights enable businesses to:
- Recommend compatible parts and accessories
- Personalize insurance or warranty offers
- Deliver targeted upsells
- Segment users by vehicle type
Example: Promote EV coverage to electric vehicle owners.
Reduce Development Time & Accelerate Product Launch
Integrating a VIN Decoder API eliminates the need to build complex decoding systems.
Key advantages:
- Faster time-to-market
- Lower engineering costs
- Reliable, maintained vehicle data
- Scalable infrastructure
Pair VIN Decoder APIs with These APIs to Access More Value
The VIN Decoder API is often used alongside other vehicle data services. If you need more than basic decoding, these APIs can help you build a more complete automotive data workflow.
Retrieve historical records linked to a VIN, including stolen records, damages, accidents, and more.
View past sale prices, sale dates, seller type, images, and historical listings for any VIN with this API.
Resolve license plates to vehicle records when a VIN is not available, using region-specific lookup logic.
Get estimated vehicle values based on specifications, vehicle condition, and past records.
Retrieve the original factory window sticker, including MSRP, options, packages, and equipment.
Reduce service errors and increase customer trust with OEM maintenance schedules and service intervals by VIN.
Automate data capture from images and turn photos of VINs or license plates into structured data for decoding.
Extract and recognize VIN numbers from images instantly, reducing manual entry errors and speeding workflows.
Read and return license plate numbers and state information from images to feed into license plate or VIN lookups.
Need an API just tailored for your business and workflow? Reach out to us, and we will build an API tailored to your business needs.
Related APIs You Might Be Interested In:
Trusted by Thousands of Automotive Businesses
Businesses across the automotive space use our APIs every day. Here’s what some of them have to say:
What Our Clients Saying About Us?
Get Started with the VIN Decoder API
If you need reliable VIN decoding for your platform or internal tools, our VIN decoder API gives you flexible options for both US, Canadian, and European vehicles. You can start with a free trial or get downloadable datasets in supported formats for bulk and offline use.
FAQ About VIN Decoder API
Is there a free VIN decoder API?
Yes, free VIN decoder APIs exist, but they come with limitations – often you will find coverage issues, incorrect decoding and limited specifications. Vehi We offer a free trial with limited credits so you can test the VIN decoder API before committing to a paid plan.
What is the best VIN decoder API for developers?
The best VIN decoder API for developers depends on your needs, but developers typically look for accuracy, documentation, response consistency, and support. Those are the areas our VIN API focuses on.
How accurate are VIN decoder APIs?
VIN decoder APIs are accurate when they use trusted vehicle and manufacturer data. Some free or basic tools may miss trims, engines, or options, especially on newer vehicles. However, our VIN database API is built on verified manufacturer and vehicle datasets to ensure consistent results.
What data does a VIN decoder API return?
A VIN decoder API returns core vehicle identification details like make, model, year, and trim, along with technical data such as engine type, drivetrain, body style, and manufacturer information. You can also find pricing, equipment, and warranty data.
How do I integrate a VIN decoder API?
Integrating a VIN decoder API usually means generating an API key, sending the VIN to an endpoint, and handling the JSON response in your application. Our documentation covers this step-by-step.
What’s the difference between free and paid VIN APIs?
The difference between free and paid VIN APIs is typically depth and reliability. Free APIs come with limitations and are mostly for testing purposes, while paid vehicle database APIs are designed for production use and ongoing updates.
Can a VIN decoder API get vehicle history?
No, VIN decoding focuses on specifications. Vehicle history typically requires a separate VIN check API or history API.
Do I need an API key for VIN decoding?
Yes. An API key is required to access the API and track usage.
Are there any open-source VIN decoder APIs?
Yes, there are open-source VIN decoder projects, but most rely on public or incomplete datasets. They can be useful for testing, but they are rarely suitable for commercial or high-volume use.
How much does a VIN decoder API cost?
The cost of a VIN decoder API depends on how many requests you make, how detailed the data needs to be, and which regions you’re decoding. Pricing usually starts after a trial.
What are the rate limits for a typical VIN decoder API?
Rate limits for a VIN decoder API vary by plan and are set to keep performance stable.
How do I choose a VIN decoder API for my business?
Choosing a VIN decoder API depends on what you’re building. Some businesses need fast identification; others need full configuration data. Coverage, consistency, and long-term support are usually more important than extra features.
Can a VIN decoder API identify recall information?
No, recall data is usually provided through a dedicated vehicle recalls API rather than basic VIN decoding.
What is the response format of a VIN decoder API (JSON or XML)?
Most responses are returned in JSON. You can reach out to us to verify if responses can be in XML format.
How do VIN decoder APIs handle international VINs?
International VINs are handled using region-specific decoding rules. European VINs, for example, follow different manufacturer standards than US vehicles and are decoded separately.
What is the average response time for a VIN API call?
The average response time for a VIN API call is usually very fast, often within a second, depending on traffic and plan limits.
How often is the data in a VIN decoder API updated?
The data in our VIN decoder API is updated regularly (often biweekly or monthly) as new model years are released and corrections are made to existing records. Update frequency matters, especially for newer vehicles.