# VIN Decoder 🚗 (`easyapi/vin-decoder`) Actor

Decode Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) into detailed vehicle specifications using NHTSA database. Get comprehensive information about make, model, year, engine specs, safety features, and more. Perfect for automotive businesses and fleet management. 🚗

- **URL**: https://apify.com/easyapi/vin-decoder.md
- **Developed by:** [EasyApi](https://apify.com/easyapi) (community)
- **Categories:** Integrations, Other, Developer tools
- **Stats:** 114 total users, 8 monthly users, 100.0% runs succeeded, 3 bookmarks
- **User rating**: No ratings yet

## Pricing

from $2.99 / 1,000 results

This Actor is paid per event and usage. You are charged both the fixed price for specific events and for Apify platform usage.

Learn more: https://docs.apify.com/platform/actors/running/actors-in-store#pay-per-event

## What's an Apify Actor?

Actors are a software tools running on the Apify platform, for all kinds of web data extraction and automation use cases.
In Batch mode, an Actor accepts a well-defined JSON input, performs an action which can take anything from a few seconds to a few hours,
and optionally produces a well-defined JSON output, datasets with results, or files in key-value store.
In Standby mode, an Actor provides a web server which can be used as a website, API, or an MCP server.
Actors are written with capital "A".

## How to integrate an Actor?

If asked about integration, you help developers integrate Actors into their projects.
You adapt to their stack and deliver integrations that are safe, well-documented, and production-ready.
The best way to integrate Actors is as follows.

In JavaScript/TypeScript projects, use official [JavaScript/TypeScript client](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js.md):

```bash
npm install apify-client
```

In Python projects, use official [Python client library](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python.md):

```bash
pip install apify-client
```

In shell scripts, use [Apify CLI](https://docs.apify.com/cli/docs.md):

````bash
# MacOS / Linux
curl -fsSL https://apify.com/install-cli.sh | bash
# Windows
irm https://apify.com/install-cli.ps1 | iex
```bash

In AI frameworks, you might use the [Apify MCP server](https://docs.apify.com/platform/integrations/mcp.md).

If your project is in a different language, use the [REST API](https://docs.apify.com/api/v2.md).

For usage examples, see the [API](#api) section below.

For more details, see Apify documentation as [Markdown index](https://docs.apify.com/llms.txt) and [Markdown full-text](https://docs.apify.com/llms-full.txt).


# README

## VIN Decoder 🚗

A powerful Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) decoder that retrieves detailed vehicle information using the NHTSA database. This actor helps you decode multiple VINs efficiently and obtain comprehensive vehicle specifications.

### Features ✨

- Decodes multiple VINs in batch processing
- Provides detailed vehicle specifications including:
  - Make, Model, and Year
  - Manufacturing details (Plant location, country)
  - Engine specifications
  - Transmission details
  - Safety features
  - Vehicle dimensions and configuration
- Built-in rate limiting to prevent API overload
- Automatic VIN format validation
- Error handling and logging
- Clean, structured JSON output

### Use Cases 💡

- Automotive dealers managing vehicle inventory
- Insurance companies validating vehicle information
- Fleet management companies
- Vehicle history research
- Automotive parts compatibility checking
- Vehicle registration verification


### Output 📊

The actor outputs detailed vehicle information in JSON format for each VIN. The output includes:
- Original VIN
- Timestamp of the decode request
- Comprehensive vehicle specifications
- Manufacturing details
- Safety features
- Technical specifications

See the Output tab for example results.

### Limitations ⚠️

- Relies on the NHTSA database API
- Maximum recommended batch size: 100 VINs
- Implements rate limiting (1-2 seconds between requests)
- Some VINs might return partial information depending on database coverage

### Tips 💪

- Validate VINs before submission to ensure proper format
- Monitor console logs for processing status
- Check for error messages in the output for invalid VINs

### Input 📝

The actor accepts an array of VINs through the input schema. Each VIN should be a 17-character string following the standard VIN format.

#### Input Example
  
A full explanation of an input example in JSON.  
```json
{
    vins: [
        "1HGCM82633A123456",
        "WAUUL78E45A123456"
    ]
}
````

#### Output sample

The results will be wrapped into a dataset which you can always find in the **Storage** tab. Here's an excerpt from the data you'd get if you apply the input parameters above:

And here is the same data but in JSON. You can choose in which format to download your data: JSON, JSONL, Excel spreadsheet, HTML table, CSV, or XML.

```json
[
    {
        "vin": "1HGCM82633A123456",
        "scrapedAt": "2025-02-05T06:14:41.063Z",
        "vehicleInfo": {
            "Error Code": "1",
            "Error Text": "1 - Check Digit (9th position) does not calculate properly",
            "Vehicle Descriptor": "1HGCM826*3A",
            "Make": "HONDA",
            "Manufacturer Name": "AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.",
            "Model": "Accord",
            "Model Year": "2003",
            "Plant City": "MARYSVILLE",
            "Trim": "EX-V6",
            "Vehicle Type": "PASSENGER CAR",
            "Plant Country": "UNITED STATES (USA)",
            "Plant State": "OHIO",
            "Body Class": "Coupe",
            "Doors": "2",
            "Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From": "Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)",
            "Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To": "Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)",
            "Bed Type": "Not Applicable",
            "Cab Type": "Not Applicable",
            "Trailer Type Connection": "Not Applicable",
            "Trailer Body Type": "Not Applicable",
            "Transmission Style": "Automatic",
            "Transmission Speeds": "5",
            "Engine Number of Cylinders": "6",
            "Displacement (CC)": "2998.832712",
            "Displacement (CI)": "183",
            "Displacement (L)": "2.998832712",
            "Engine Model": "J30A4",
            "Fuel Type - Primary": "Gasoline",
            "Valve Train Design": "Single Overhead Cam (SOHC)",
            "Engine Configuration": "V-Shaped",
            "Engine Brake (hp) From": "240",
            "Seat Belt Type": "Manual",
            "Other Restraint System Info": "Seat Belt (Rr center position)",
            "Curtain Air Bag Locations": "1st and 2nd Rows",
            "Front Air Bag Locations": "1st Row (Driver and Passenger)",
            "Side Air Bag Locations": "1st Row (Driver and Passenger)",
            "Bus Floor Configuration Type": "Not Applicable",
            "Bus Type": "Not Applicable",
            "Custom Motorcycle Type": "Not Applicable",
            "Motorcycle Suspension Type": "Not Applicable",
            "Motorcycle Chassis Type": "Not Applicable"
        }
    },
    ...
]
```

### Related Actors

- 🚗 [Cars Data API](https://apify.com/easyapi/cars-data-api) - Access detailed specifications for a wide range of car models with comprehensive vehicle data API
- 🔍 [BIN Lookup Scraper](https://apify.com/easyapi/bin-lookup-scraper) - Comprehensive card information lookup tool for payment processing and verification
- 🏦 [Bank Routing Number Lookup](https://apify.com/easyapi/bank-routing-number-lookup) - Validate and retrieve US bank information using routing numbers
- 🌍 [IP Intelligence Aggregator](https://apify.com/easyapi/ip-intelligence-aggregator) - Comprehensive IP address intelligence tool aggregating data from multiple services
- 🔍 [IAAI Vehicle Detail Scraper](https://apify.com/easyapi/iaai-vehicle-detail-scraper) - Extract detailed vehicle information and images from Insurance Auto Auctions
- 📧 [Discover & Verify Professional Emails](https://apify.com/easyapi/discover-verify-professional-emails) - Find and verify professional email addresses with comprehensive validation
- 🔍 [Username Availability Checker](https://apify.com/easyapi/username-availability-checker) - Check username availability across 80+ platforms instantly
- 📱 [Phone Number Validation](https://apify.com/easyapi/phone-number-validation) - Validate and retrieve location information for any phone number
- 🛍️ [Costco Product Search Scraper](https://apify.com/easyapi/costco-product-search-scraper) - Extract detailed product data from Costco.com search results
- 🛍️ [Sam's Club Product Scraper](https://apify.com/easyapi/sam-s-club-product-scraper) - Get comprehensive product information from Sam's Club
- 🛍️ [Lowes Product Scraper](https://apify.com/easyapi/lowes-product-scraper) - Scrape detailed product information from Lowes.com
- 🔍 [Craigslist Search Results Scraper](https://apify.com/easyapi/craigslist-search-results-scraper) - Extract detailed listings from Craigslist search results
- 🏠 [Realtor.com Scraper](https://apify.com/easyapi/realtor-com-scraper) - Comprehensive real estate listings data from Realtor.com
- 🏠 [Land.com Listing Scraper](https://apify.com/easyapi/land-com-listing-scraper) - Extract detailed property and land listings information
- 🔍 [URL Metadata Crawler](https://apify.com/easyapi/url-metadata-crawler) - Extract comprehensive metadata from web pages for enhanced data verification

# Actor input Schema

## `vins` (type: `array`):

Array of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) to decode

## Actor input object example

```json
{
  "vins": [
    "1HGCM82633A123456"
  ]
}
```

# API

You can run this Actor programmatically using our API. Below are code examples in JavaScript, Python, and CLI, as well as the OpenAPI specification and MCP server setup.

## JavaScript example

```javascript
import { ApifyClient } from 'apify-client';

// Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token
// Replace the '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>' with your token
const client = new ApifyClient({
    token: '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>',
});

// Prepare Actor input
const input = {};

// Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
const run = await client.actor("easyapi/vin-decoder").call(input);

// Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if any)
console.log('Results from dataset');
console.log(`💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/${run.defaultDatasetId}`);
const { items } = await client.dataset(run.defaultDatasetId).listItems();
items.forEach((item) => {
    console.dir(item);
});

// 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs

```

## Python example

```python
from apify_client import ApifyClient

# Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token
# Replace '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>' with your token.
client = ApifyClient("<YOUR_API_TOKEN>")

# Prepare the Actor input
run_input = {}

# Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
run = client.actor("easyapi/vin-decoder").call(run_input=run_input)

# Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if there are any)
print("💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/" + run["defaultDatasetId"])
for item in client.dataset(run["defaultDatasetId"]).iterate_items():
    print(item)

# 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs/quick-start

```

## CLI example

```bash
echo '{}' |
apify call easyapi/vin-decoder --silent --output-dataset

```

## MCP server setup

```json
{
    "mcpServers": {
        "apify": {
            "command": "npx",
            "args": [
                "mcp-remote",
                "https://mcp.apify.com/?tools=easyapi/vin-decoder",
                "--header",
                "Authorization: Bearer <YOUR_API_TOKEN>"
            ]
        }
    }
}

```

## OpenAPI specification

```json
{
    "openapi": "3.0.1",
    "info": {
        "title": "VIN Decoder 🚗",
        "description": "Decode Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) into detailed vehicle specifications using NHTSA database. Get comprehensive information about make, model, year, engine specs, safety features, and more. Perfect for automotive businesses and fleet management. 🚗",
        "version": "0.0",
        "x-build-id": "XgGJnjLgoapIdRCJZ"
    },
    "servers": [
        {
            "url": "https://api.apify.com/v2"
        }
    ],
    "paths": {
        "/acts/easyapi~vin-decoder/run-sync-get-dataset-items": {
            "post": {
                "operationId": "run-sync-get-dataset-items-easyapi-vin-decoder",
                "x-openai-isConsequential": false,
                "summary": "Executes an Actor, waits for its completion, and returns Actor's dataset items in response.",
                "tags": [
                    "Run Actor"
                ],
                "requestBody": {
                    "required": true,
                    "content": {
                        "application/json": {
                            "schema": {
                                "$ref": "#/components/schemas/inputSchema"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                "parameters": [
                    {
                        "name": "token",
                        "in": "query",
                        "required": true,
                        "schema": {
                            "type": "string"
                        },
                        "description": "Enter your Apify token here"
                    }
                ],
                "responses": {
                    "200": {
                        "description": "OK"
                    }
                }
            }
        },
        "/acts/easyapi~vin-decoder/runs": {
            "post": {
                "operationId": "runs-sync-easyapi-vin-decoder",
                "x-openai-isConsequential": false,
                "summary": "Executes an Actor and returns information about the initiated run in response.",
                "tags": [
                    "Run Actor"
                ],
                "requestBody": {
                    "required": true,
                    "content": {
                        "application/json": {
                            "schema": {
                                "$ref": "#/components/schemas/inputSchema"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                "parameters": [
                    {
                        "name": "token",
                        "in": "query",
                        "required": true,
                        "schema": {
                            "type": "string"
                        },
                        "description": "Enter your Apify token here"
                    }
                ],
                "responses": {
                    "200": {
                        "description": "OK",
                        "content": {
                            "application/json": {
                                "schema": {
                                    "$ref": "#/components/schemas/runsResponseSchema"
                                }
                            }
                        }
                    }
                }
            }
        },
        "/acts/easyapi~vin-decoder/run-sync": {
            "post": {
                "operationId": "run-sync-easyapi-vin-decoder",
                "x-openai-isConsequential": false,
                "summary": "Executes an Actor, waits for completion, and returns the OUTPUT from Key-value store in response.",
                "tags": [
                    "Run Actor"
                ],
                "requestBody": {
                    "required": true,
                    "content": {
                        "application/json": {
                            "schema": {
                                "$ref": "#/components/schemas/inputSchema"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                "parameters": [
                    {
                        "name": "token",
                        "in": "query",
                        "required": true,
                        "schema": {
                            "type": "string"
                        },
                        "description": "Enter your Apify token here"
                    }
                ],
                "responses": {
                    "200": {
                        "description": "OK"
                    }
                }
            }
        }
    },
    "components": {
        "schemas": {
            "inputSchema": {
                "type": "object",
                "required": [
                    "vins"
                ],
                "properties": {
                    "vins": {
                        "title": "VIN List",
                        "minItems": 1,
                        "uniqueItems": true,
                        "type": "array",
                        "description": "Array of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) to decode",
                        "default": [
                            "1HGCM82633A123456"
                        ],
                        "items": {
                            "type": "string"
                        }
                    }
                }
            },
            "runsResponseSchema": {
                "type": "object",
                "properties": {
                    "data": {
                        "type": "object",
                        "properties": {
                            "id": {
                                "type": "string"
                            },
                            "actId": {
                                "type": "string"
                            },
                            "userId": {
                                "type": "string"
                            },
                            "startedAt": {
                                "type": "string",
                                "format": "date-time",
                                "example": "2025-01-08T00:00:00.000Z"
                            },
                            "finishedAt": {
                                "type": "string",
                                "format": "date-time",
                                "example": "2025-01-08T00:00:00.000Z"
                            },
                            "status": {
                                "type": "string",
                                "example": "READY"
                            },
                            "meta": {
                                "type": "object",
                                "properties": {
                                    "origin": {
                                        "type": "string",
                                        "example": "API"
                                    },
                                    "userAgent": {
                                        "type": "string"
                                    }
                                }
                            },
                            "stats": {
                                "type": "object",
                                "properties": {
                                    "inputBodyLen": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 2000
                                    },
                                    "rebootCount": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "restartCount": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "resurrectCount": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "computeUnits": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    }
                                }
                            },
                            "options": {
                                "type": "object",
                                "properties": {
                                    "build": {
                                        "type": "string",
                                        "example": "latest"
                                    },
                                    "timeoutSecs": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 300
                                    },
                                    "memoryMbytes": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 1024
                                    },
                                    "diskMbytes": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 2048
                                    }
                                }
                            },
                            "buildId": {
                                "type": "string"
                            },
                            "defaultKeyValueStoreId": {
                                "type": "string"
                            },
                            "defaultDatasetId": {
                                "type": "string"
                            },
                            "defaultRequestQueueId": {
                                "type": "string"
                            },
                            "buildNumber": {
                                "type": "string",
                                "example": "1.0.0"
                            },
                            "containerUrl": {
                                "type": "string"
                            },
                            "usage": {
                                "type": "object",
                                "properties": {
                                    "ACTOR_COMPUTE_UNITS": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "DATASET_READS": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "DATASET_WRITES": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "KEY_VALUE_STORE_READS": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "KEY_VALUE_STORE_WRITES": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 1
                                    },
                                    "KEY_VALUE_STORE_LISTS": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "REQUEST_QUEUE_READS": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "REQUEST_QUEUE_WRITES": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "DATA_TRANSFER_INTERNAL_GBYTES": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "DATA_TRANSFER_EXTERNAL_GBYTES": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "PROXY_RESIDENTIAL_TRANSFER_GBYTES": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "PROXY_SERPS": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    }
                                }
                            },
                            "usageTotalUsd": {
                                "type": "number",
                                "example": 0.00005
                            },
                            "usageUsd": {
                                "type": "object",
                                "properties": {
                                    "ACTOR_COMPUTE_UNITS": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "DATASET_READS": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "DATASET_WRITES": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "KEY_VALUE_STORE_READS": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "KEY_VALUE_STORE_WRITES": {
                                        "type": "number",
                                        "example": 0.00005
                                    },
                                    "KEY_VALUE_STORE_LISTS": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "REQUEST_QUEUE_READS": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "REQUEST_QUEUE_WRITES": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "DATA_TRANSFER_INTERNAL_GBYTES": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "DATA_TRANSFER_EXTERNAL_GBYTES": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "PROXY_RESIDENTIAL_TRANSFER_GBYTES": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    },
                                    "PROXY_SERPS": {
                                        "type": "integer",
                                        "example": 0
                                    }
                                }
                            }
                        }
                    }
                }
            }
        }
    }
}
```