VIN Decoder
Pro Feature
Last updated
Pro Feature
Last updated
A VIN Decoder is a tool or service that translates the alphanumeric code into readable vehicle information. By decoding a VIN, users can access a variety of data points, including technical specifications, history records, and more. The VIN Decoder Premium Addon in the Motors Plugin integrates with several providers to offer accurate and detailed vehicle information. This addon connects with various API providers to deliver comprehensive vehicle data, ensuring accuracy and convenience for users.
With this addon, you can select the VIN Decoder Provider that best suits your needs and activate their service directly through the Motors VIN Decoder. After enabling a provider and obtaining an API key, you’ll be ready to decode VINs and retrieve data specific to each vehicle. The plugin serves as a bridge between your website and various VIN decoder providers, allowing you to make their services available seamlessly on your site.
The Motors VIN Decoder supports nearly all major automotive brands and manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Hyundai, Volvo, Toyota, Chevrolet, Nissan, Jeep, Honda, Mitsubishi, and many others.
There are several scenarios in what ways the VIN is essential that we will discuss below:
If you want to buy a used car - Dealerships and car-buying websites provide vehicle history reports that you need to know before buying it. This report is taken by a VIN.
If you want to know if a car has any recalls - really crucial if your car’s manufacturer has issued any safety recalls or if a car you’re considering buying has any major recalls
If your car is stolen or failed in an accident - It’s a good idea to have your VIN decoded in case your car (parts of your car) is stolen or faced with an accident.
To start working with the VIN Decoder, enable it by following WP Dashboard > Motors > Pro Addons > VIN Decoder:
To reach the settings of the addon simply click on the gear icon on the addons page:
Alternatively, you can follow WP Dashboard > Motors > VIN Decoder:
VIN Decoder Settings consists of three tabs:
General - displays the status of VIN Decoder Providers and redirects you to the Provider Settings
Providers - this tab consists of the configurations for all VIN Decoder Providers. You can enable one of the providers here.
Import/Export - the tab will be used to import and export the settings of the VIN Decoder Addon. Note that, once you do import, the previous settings for the addon will be deleted.
Only one of the five providers can be active. If another provider is activated, the previous one will be automatically deactivated.
There are 5 providers available in Motors VIN Decoder:
Response from the API Providers may vary based on your subscription plan.
The NHTSA is a U.S.-based government organization dedicated to vehicle safety and regulations. Through their VIN decoding API, users can access essential safety information and specifications about vehicles manufactured in or imported into the United States. The NHTSA’s database is free, reliable, and updated, ensuring users get accurate details about recalls, safety ratings, and compliance information.
To enable the service simply turn on the toggle Activate API Method:
As the NHTSA service is free, you are not asked to buy an API key from them.
Here is the sample response received from NHTSA:
NHTSA VIN Service does not provide historical data on a vehicle.
MarketCheck's automotive data covers 6 years of inventory across the US and Canada. Each day they crawl over 50k dealer websites to deliver the most comprehensive and up-to-date depictions of market activity available anywhere. Individual listing records show year, make, model, and trim, with VIN-level histories, showing the most recent time the car showed up online back to the earliest, with every change that occurred over that time. Car types include new, used, certified, lease, auction, and private sellers. Equipment breakdowns give fuel type, engine size, transmission, color, driveline, and body style with links back to the VDP of the source we obtained the information.
To activate the MarketCheck provider, API Credentials should be obtained and indicated in the designed area:
Use of the MarketCheck APIs has both free and paid plans. Pricing can be checked from here.
Go to https://universe.marketcheck.com/sign-up login or register on the system:
Move to the API tab then Subscriptions. You have to choose a plan according to your needs:
After that, go to the API Keys tab and click on Add Key:
Name your App and click on Submit:
After that, your API Key will be available in the API Keys tab.
Paste the API Key to the designated area and Save the changes:
Here is the sample response received from MarketCheck:
VinAudit delivers in-depth reports on vehicle history, covering aspects such as ownership records, accident history, and salvage information. This provider is particularly useful for users who want to ensure transparency in vehicle history, helping to avoid hidden issues and make informed purchase decisions.
VinAudit VIN Decoder Provider's main goal is to compile a comprehensive vehicle history report from the most authoritative sources. VinAudit continuously aggregates data from government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry partners. Our data partnerships currently include:
And partnerships with other government agencies and industry partners
You can browse four types of Vehicle Data APIs and they are:
Vehicle Specifications API - use an advanced VIN decoder to generate detailed vehicle specifications
Market Value API - access real-time market value and sales data across the United States
Ownership Cost API - access data model for estimating ownership cost in upcoming years
Vehicle History API - access the raw vehicle history data featured on their standard report
To activate the VinAudit provider, API Credentials should be obtained and indicated in the designed area:
Use of the VinAudit APIs has both free and paid plans. Pricing can be checked from here.
Vincario offers VIN decoding services with a focus on European vehicles, providing essential specifications and model information. This provider is ideal for users in the European market, offering relevant and specific data for vehicles commonly registered in the region. Vincario’s database is updated regularly to reflect accurate vehicle specifications and registration details.
To activate the Vindecoder.eu provider, API Credentials should be obtained and indicated in the designed area:
Vindecoder.eu offers both free and paid subscription plans to use their API. You can check them out here.
Login or register on https://vindecoder.eu/login:
Go to your dashboard then move to the APIs tab. Click on the Request API Key:
After that, you may be requested to fill in the Customer Survey to use their Free Plan or continue by choosing the Paid plan.
On the opened page you can find your API Key and Secret Key:
Paste the keys to their designated areas in the addon settings and Save the changes:
Here is the sample response received from Videcoder.eu:
Databases of the Ministry of Transportation in the areas of driving and vehicle licensing, maintenance of vehicles and transport products, civil aviation, shipping and ports, and public transportation Israel Government database provides Free API Service for Products and Models of private and commercial vehicles Specification. This resource is particularly relevant for Israeli users, ensuring the data aligns with local standards and regulations.
To activate the DMTI provider, API Credentials should be obtained and indicated in the designed area:
As this method is government-managed, you do not need to log in to the system or do extra work. Using API keys of DMTI is Free of charge.
Go to https://data.gov.il/dataset/degem-rechev-wltp and click on CSV button for "תוצרים ודגמים של כלי רכב WLTP" :
Click on the API button:
Move to the JavaScript tab and copy the Resource ID:
There is only one Resource ID which is universal for all programming languages. That's why it doesn't matter from which tab you copied the Resource ID. JavaScript is shown as just an example.
Paste the copied Resource ID to the "Resource API Key for list items" field in the addon settings:
Go back to https://data.gov.il/dataset/degem-rechev-wltp and click on the CSV button in the "מאגר כמויות כלי רכב לפי תוצר, דגם ושנת יצור":
Click on the API button:
Move to the JavaScript tab and copy the Resource ID:
There is only one Resource ID which is universal for all programming languages. That's why it doesn't matter from which tab you copied the Resource ID. JavaScript is shown as just an example.
Paste the copied Resource ID to the "Resource API for other fields" in the addon settings and Save the changes:
Motors VIN Decoder can be added to any page in the following ways:
Follow WP Dashboard > Pages and create or edit any page using Elementor:
Search for Motors VinDecoder Input and add it to your page. Save the Changes.
In the widget settings you can change the following:
Content - "Try a sample VIN" enables a special button that puts the sample VIN Number to show how the widget works
Form Input - rename the placeholder of the widget
Button - change the spacing, text, icon, and other related parameters of the APPLY button
