License Plate to VIN API

A plate and a state. That's it.

Our core endpoint converts any US license plate into a VIN in a single call — with a quick decode of make, model, year and trim included. Full 50-state coverage, instant results.

POST /api/convert
Request
{
  "state": "CA",
  "plate": "7ABC123"
}
Response
VIN
4JGBB8GB9…
Year
2011
Make
Mercedes-Benz
Model
M-Class
Trim
ML 350
Body
SUV

Full US coverage

Every state, coast to coast. One consistent endpoint for the entire country.

Instant results

Live lookups return in seconds. Repeat lookups of the same plate are cached for 7 days — free.

Industry standard

The same plate-to-VIN capability relied on across the automotive industry, at a better price.

One endpoint

Send a plate.
Get a VIN back.

Authenticate with your API key, POST the plate and state, and receive the VIN plus a quick decode. Need the full specification? Pass the returned VIN straight to our VIN Decoding API.

Two parameters: plate and two-letter state
VIN returned with make, model, year and trim
7-day cache — repeat lookups of a plate are free
Simple JSON in, simple JSON out
Full reference in the docs
200 — /api/convert
{
  "success": true,
  "vin": {
    "vin": "4JGBB8GB9BA648907",
    "name": "2011 Mercedes-Benz M-Class",
    "year": "2011",
    "make": "Mercedes-Benz",
    "model": "M-Class",
    "trim": "ML 350",
    "style": "SUV",
    "engine": "3.5L V6 DOHC 24V",
    "fuel": "Gasoline",
    "driveType": "AWD",
    "transmission": "Automatic",
    "color": { "name": "Silver", "abbreviation": "SIL" }
  }
}

Plate to VIN FAQ

How do I convert a license plate to a VIN?

POST the plate and two-letter state to /api/convert with your API key. The response contains the vehicle's 17-character VIN plus a quick decode: year, make, model, trim, body style, engine, fuel, drivetrain, transmission and color.

Which states does the API cover?

All 50 US states and the District of Columbia, through one consistent endpoint. Each state's plate serial formats are documented in our state-by-state plate lookup guides.

How much does a plate lookup cost?

Pricing is per successful lookup and depends on your plan volume. Repeat lookups of the same plate within 7 days are served from cache for free, and there's no charge when a plate can't be resolved.

Is it legal to convert license plates to VINs?

Yes, for permissible business purposes such as dealership operations, marketplaces, fleets and insurance workflows. PlateToVIN is not a consumer reporting agency and results may not be used for FCRA-regulated purposes.

Start converting plates in minutes.

Create an account, grab your API key, and make your first lookup today.