VIN Lookup API

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use the VIN Lookup API for commercial purposes?

  Yes, but you must have a premium subscription. Commercial use of the VIN Lookup API is not permitted on the free tier. See our pricing page to choose a plan that fits your needs.

• How do I get an API key and start using the VIN Lookup API?

  Sign up for a free account to instantly get your API key, then pass it in the X-Api-Key header on every request. The documentation above includes ready-to-run examples in cURL, Python, JavaScript, Node.js, and more.

• What happens if I exceed my quota for the month?

  Your API requests will simply be denied once you hit your monthly quota — you will never be charged more than the plan you signed up for. To increase your quota, you can upgrade your plan any time on our pricing page.

• What happens if a request to the VIN Lookup API fails?

  The API responds with a standard HTTP status code and a JSON error message describing the problem. See our error codes reference for the full list of codes and how to resolve each one, or contact support if you need help.

• What information does the VIN Lookup API return for a VIN?

  A single GET request to /v1/vinlookup with the vin parameter decodes the VIN into fields such as country, region, year, and the structural identifiers wmi, vds, and vis, while manufacturer, model, and body class are returned as premium fields. If you also need full specifications like engine, fuel economy, or trim details, pair it with the Cars API.

• What format does the vin parameter need to be in?

  The required vin parameter takes a 17-character Vehicle Identification Number, such as JH4KA7561PC008269, or a Japanese domestic chassis number, such as ZVW30-1234567; other values return an error. You can browse other vehicle data endpoints in the API catalog.

• Does the VIN Lookup API decode VINs from outside the US?

  Yes. It decodes VINs from vehicles built and sold in North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Oceania, covering over 600 makes, including European, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Indian manufacturers and their plants worldwide. It also decodes the chassis numbers on Japanese-market vehicles and used imports, such as ZVW30-1234567.

• What do the wmi, vds, and vis fields in the response mean?

  These fields break the VIN into its three standardized sections: wmi is the World Manufacturer Identifier, vds is the Vehicle Descriptor Section, and vis is the Vehicle Identifier Section, which together also yield the decoded country and year. For electric-specific vehicle data not covered here, see the Electric Vehicle API.

• Which response fields require a premium plan?

  The make, model, and class (body class) fields are marked premium and require a paid subscription, while country, region, year, wmi, vds, and vis are available on the free tier; see pricing for details. Note that this endpoint decodes cars and trucks rather than motorcycles, which are covered by the Motorcycles API.