VIN Decoder API (Free)

Use our VIN Decoder API to decode VINs to year, make, model, and trim. Updated 2021. Get unlimited VIN decode API access. Try us for free now!

CarScan VIN Decoder API web service works on all vehicles sold in the US since 1996. It provides information on the year, make, model, and engine on the provided VIN. Additional information such as Manufacturer, Trim, and Transmission is also available.

The feature is free up to 25 uses per month.

VIN Decoding API features:

  • Year
  • Make
  • Model
  • Engine
  • Manufacturer
  • Trim
  • Transmission

For specific details, please see our API Documentation for VIN Decode.

Testing the API

This document will guide a user to testing the endpoint without having to touch any code other than the endpoint data.

1 – Register an account for free or login to grab your API keys.

  • Registration is easy with just an email and password and then you’re ready to start using the APIs.
  • We do not ask for credit card information on registration.
  • Using the APIs is FREE to a limit.
  • Register to get access

Once you reach your dashboard, click Next as shown below to view your keys.

2 – Download and open your RESTful client

Install Advanced REST client for Google Chrome.

Open the client by going to the app. Then click Launch app.

3 – Add VIN Decode API endpoint and data

Once you’re at the main screen of the client insert the endpoint and parameter data into the Request URL field at the top.

Example endpoint and parameter data 1 (copy and paste the line below into the client):
http://api.carscan.com/v3.0/decode?vin=1GNALDEK9FZ108495

4 – Adding your header

At this point we’re prepping to add your authorization and partner keys to the header, first lets setup the header.

Under Parameters, click Insert headers set.

The default header will display, then click USE THIS SET

The result should look like below:

5 – Adding your keys to the header

Here we’re going to add your keys to the header. First lets open up some fields in your header by clicking ADD HEADER twice.

It should look like this.

Now add your keys to the empty header fields.

6 – Sending your request

Submit your request by clicking SEND. The response may take a few seconds.

Your response should look something like the below.
If so, congrats and thank you for using CarScan’s API!

Response

Each response is broken down into two portions, one is the message which contains basic diagnostic results of the request and the other is the data.

Your Year, Make, Model, and Engine information will be contained in the ‘data’ field.

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