# Auto.dev > Automotive data APIs for developers and AI agents: VIN decoding, specifications, OEM build data, retail listings, photos, recalls, interest rates, payments, taxes and fees, and total cost of ownership. Every endpoint takes a VIN (Plate-to-VIN takes a US license plate) and returns JSON; some also need query parameters, listed with each product below. The REST API lives at https://api.auto.dev. One npm package, `@auto.dev/sdk`, adds an MCP server, a CLI and a JavaScript SDK on top of it. Reference docs are at https://docs.auto.dev. Every page on https://www.auto.dev also has a Markdown version at the same path plus `.md` (the home page is https://www.auto.dev/index.md). ## When to use Auto.dev Use Auto.dev when an agent or app needs vehicle data keyed by a VIN or a US plate: decode a VIN into year, make, model and trim; pull specifications or the factory build; find retail listings and photos; check safety recalls; or estimate interest rates, payments, taxes and fees, and total cost of ownership. ## Connect it as tools (MCP) Hosted server (recommended): https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, named `auto-dev`. Sign-in is OAuth on first use, so agents need no API key, and there is nothing to install. - Claude Code: `claude mcp add --transport http auto-dev https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Then run /mcp in Claude Code and choose Authenticate for auto-dev. - Claude Desktop: In Settings, open Connectors, choose Add Custom Connector, name it auto-dev and paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, then sign in - Cursor: use the local server below; `auto mcp install` sets it up. - VS Code (.vscode/mcp.json): `{"servers":{"auto-dev":{"type":"http","url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. For Copilot agent mode, VS Code 1.99 or later. Sign-in opens on first use. - Windsurf (~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"serverUrl":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Windsurf. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - ChatGPT and dots: At chatgpt.com/plugins, choose + and Add custom MCP server, paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp and choose OAuth, then Create as a plugin. Your dot uses the same plugin Or run the server locally: 1. `npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk`: The CLI, the MCP server and the SDK, in one package. 2. `auto login`: OAuth in the browser. Agents never handle an API key. 3. `auto mcp install`: Sets up Claude Code, Claude Desktop and Cursor. Other clients use the hosted server. The local server command is `auto --mcp` (named `auto-dev`). Either way it exposes every API as a tool (12, one per API), including `auto_decode`, `auto_listings`, `auto_recalls`, `auto_payments`, `auto_photos`, `auto_docs`; `auto_docs` searches the bundled API docs. The hosted server also has `search` and `fetch` tools. - Agent skill: `npx skills add drivly/auto-dev-skill` - Guide: https://www.auto.dev/agents (Markdown: https://www.auto.dev/agents.md) ## Call it over HTTPS - Base URL: https://api.auto.dev - Auth: `Authorization: Bearer ` (recommended), the `?apiKey=` query parameter, or the `X-API-Key` header. Create a key at https://www.auto.dev/dashboard. - Rate limits: 5 requests per second on Free, 10 on Growth, 50 on Scale. On HTTP 429, back off and retry. - Plans: Free includes 1,000 calls a month and stops at the limit (no card, no overage). Growth ($299 a month, or $249 a month billed yearly) and Scale ($599 a month, or $499 a month billed yearly) add endpoints and bill each call at its per-call rate. On yearly billing the plan is charged once a year and calls are still billed monthly. Enterprise is custom, through sales on the pricing page. Details: https://www.auto.dev/pricing.md ## API - [OpenAPI spec (JSON)](https://www.auto.dev/openapi.json): every endpoint, parameter and response, for function calling. - [OpenAPI spec (YAML)](https://www.auto.dev/openapi.yaml): the same spec in YAML. - [API documentation](https://docs.auto.dev): full reference and examples. - [Getting started](https://docs.auto.dev/v2/getting-started): authentication and your first request. ## Products ### Core: Identify the vehicle - [Global VIN Decode](https://www.auto.dev/vin.md): Decode any VIN to access comprehensive vehicle data and specifications. `GET https://api.auto.dev/vin/{vin}`. Included on Free, then $0.0025 per call on Growth. - [Plate-to-VIN](https://www.auto.dev/plate-to-vin.md): Decode US license plates to get VIN, year, make, model, and more. `GET https://api.auto.dev/plate/{state}/{plate}`. $0.055 per call on Scale. - [Specifications](https://www.auto.dev/specifications.md): Detailed technical specifications, features, and options for any vehicle model. `GET https://api.auto.dev/specs/{vin}`. $0.0015 per call on Growth. - [OEM Build Data](https://www.auto.dev/oem-build-data.md): Original equipment manufacturer build data and production information. `GET https://api.auto.dev/build/{vin}`. $0.10 per call on Growth. ### Marketplace: Find it for sale - [Vehicle Listings](https://www.auto.dev/listings.md): Access millions of active vehicle listings with real-time pricing and availability. `GET https://api.auto.dev/listings/{vin}`. Included on Free, then $0.0015 per call on Growth. - [Vehicle Photos](https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-photos.md): High-quality vehicle images and photo galleries for listings and inventory. `GET https://api.auto.dev/photos/{vin}`. Included on Free, then $0.0009 per call on Growth. ### Financial: Price and finance it - [Interest Rates](https://www.auto.dev/interest-rates.md): Real-time automotive financing rates and lending information. `GET https://api.auto.dev/apr/{vin}` (required query parameters: `year`, `make`, `model`, `zip`, `creditScore`). $0.005 per call on Growth. - [Vehicle Payments](https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-payments.md): Calculate monthly payments, financing options, and payment estimates. `GET https://api.auto.dev/payments/{vin}` (required query parameters: `price`, `zip`). $0.005 per call on Growth. - [Taxes & Fees](https://www.auto.dev/taxes-fees.md): Registration fees, taxes, and location-specific vehicle costs. `GET https://api.auto.dev/taxes/{vin}`. $0.005 per call on Scale. - [Total Cost of Ownership](https://www.auto.dev/total-cost-ownership.md): Comprehensive ownership costs including depreciation, maintenance, and operating expenses. `GET https://api.auto.dev/tco/{vin}`. $0.06 per call on Growth. ### Safety: Check it is safe - [Vehicle Recalls](https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-recalls.md): Safety recalls, service bulletins, and manufacturer notifications. `GET https://api.auto.dev/recalls/{vin}`. $0.01 per call on Growth. - [Open Recalls](https://www.auto.dev/open-recalls.md): Active and unresolved vehicle recall information from NHTSA. `GET https://api.auto.dev/openrecalls/{vin}`. $0.06 per call on Scale. ## Optional - [Everything in one file](https://www.auto.dev/llms-full.txt): every page above in full Markdown. - [Pricing](https://www.auto.dev/pricing.md): plans and per-call rates. - [Blog](https://www.auto.dev/blog.md): guides and product updates. - [How to Decode a List of VINs in Google Sheets](https://www.auto.dev/blog/decode-vins-in-google-sheets.md): A copy-paste Apps Script that turns a column of VINs into year, make, model and trim, with a menu for long lists. Plus what it costs and Google's limits. - [NHTSA's VIN Decoder (vPIC): What It Returns and Where It Stops](https://www.auto.dev/blog/nhtsa-vin-decoder-vpic.md): What NHTSA's vPIC API returned for real VINs, the quirks to plan for, and why no VIN decoder can tell you a car's options or color. - [How to Research a Used Car With Claude](https://www.auto.dev/blog/research-a-used-car-with-claude.md): Connect Claude to live dealer listings and VIN data, then ask it to compare cars, check recalls and write your Marketplace listing. No code needed. - [Automotive Data for AI Agents](https://www.auto.dev/blog/automotive-data-for-ai-agents.md): Give any AI agent access to Auto.dev automotive data through the hosted MCP server, the CLI, the SDK or the agent skill: search listings, decode VINs, calculate payments and check recalls in plain English. - [Clickable Links: Exploring Auto.dev APIs In The Browser](https://www.auto.dev/blog/clickable-links.md): How the links inside Auto.dev API responses let you explore new endpoints, click around and see results faster, right in your browser. - [What is a Squish VIN?](https://www.auto.dev/blog/what-is-a-squish-vin.md): What a Squish VIN is, how it's formed from a 17-character VIN, how it differs from the first-10 VIN insurers use, and how to search listings by one. - [What is a Vehicle Identification Number?](https://www.auto.dev/blog/what-is-a-vin.md): Learn what a VIN is, why it matters, how to locate it, and how to decode it using the Auto.dev VIN Decode API. - [Terms of Service](https://www.auto.dev/terms.md) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.auto.dev/privacy.md) --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/ # Auto.dev: automotive data APIs for developers and AI agents > Simple automotive APIs for AI-ready systems and developers. Auto.dev turns a VIN or a US license plate into structured JSON through twelve REST APIs on https://api.auto.dev. Authenticate with `Authorization: Bearer `, `?apiKey=` or `X-API-Key: `. Free includes 1,000 calls a month with no card required; Growth and Scale add endpoints, higher rate limits and per-call data rates. ## APIs ### Core: Identify the vehicle - [Global VIN Decode](https://www.auto.dev/vin.md): Decode any VIN to access comprehensive vehicle data and specifications. `GET https://api.auto.dev/vin/{vin}`. Included on Free, then $0.0025 per call on Growth. - [Plate-to-VIN](https://www.auto.dev/plate-to-vin.md): Decode US license plates to get VIN, year, make, model, and more. `GET https://api.auto.dev/plate/{state}/{plate}`. $0.055 per call on Scale. - [Specifications](https://www.auto.dev/specifications.md): Detailed technical specifications, features, and options for any vehicle model. `GET https://api.auto.dev/specs/{vin}`. $0.0015 per call on Growth. - [OEM Build Data](https://www.auto.dev/oem-build-data.md): Original equipment manufacturer build data and production information. `GET https://api.auto.dev/build/{vin}`. $0.10 per call on Growth. ### Marketplace: Find it for sale - [Vehicle Listings](https://www.auto.dev/listings.md): Access millions of active vehicle listings with real-time pricing and availability. `GET https://api.auto.dev/listings/{vin}`. Included on Free, then $0.0015 per call on Growth. - [Vehicle Photos](https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-photos.md): High-quality vehicle images and photo galleries for listings and inventory. `GET https://api.auto.dev/photos/{vin}`. Included on Free, then $0.0009 per call on Growth. ### Financial: Price and finance it - [Interest Rates](https://www.auto.dev/interest-rates.md): Real-time automotive financing rates and lending information. `GET https://api.auto.dev/apr/{vin}`. $0.005 per call on Growth. - [Vehicle Payments](https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-payments.md): Calculate monthly payments, financing options, and payment estimates. `GET https://api.auto.dev/payments/{vin}`. $0.005 per call on Growth. - [Taxes & Fees](https://www.auto.dev/taxes-fees.md): Registration fees, taxes, and location-specific vehicle costs. `GET https://api.auto.dev/taxes/{vin}`. $0.005 per call on Scale. - [Total Cost of Ownership](https://www.auto.dev/total-cost-ownership.md): Comprehensive ownership costs including depreciation, maintenance, and operating expenses. `GET https://api.auto.dev/tco/{vin}`. $0.06 per call on Growth. ### Safety: Check it is safe - [Vehicle Recalls](https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-recalls.md): Safety recalls, service bulletins, and manufacturer notifications. `GET https://api.auto.dev/recalls/{vin}`. $0.01 per call on Growth. - [Open Recalls](https://www.auto.dev/open-recalls.md): Active and unresolved vehicle recall information from NHTSA. `GET https://api.auto.dev/openrecalls/{vin}`. $0.06 per call on Scale. ## Use it from an AI agent Hosted MCP server (recommended): https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, named `auto-dev`. Sign-in is OAuth on first use, so agents never handle an API key. - Claude Code: `claude mcp add --transport http auto-dev https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Then run /mcp in Claude Code and choose Authenticate for auto-dev. - Claude Desktop: In Settings, open Connectors, choose Add Custom Connector, name it auto-dev and paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, then sign in - Cursor (~/.cursor/mcp.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Cursor. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - VS Code (.vscode/mcp.json): `{"servers":{"auto-dev":{"type":"http","url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. For Copilot agent mode, VS Code 1.99 or later. Sign-in opens on first use. - Windsurf (~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"serverUrl":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Windsurf. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - Grok Bot: send `Add a custom MCP server called auto-dev at https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Confirm, then choose Authorize and sign in. Type @auto-dev in a chat to use it. - Muse: send `Connect Auto.dev`. Or open Settings, then Connectors, and choose Connect next to Auto.dev. Sign in when asked. - ChatGPT and dots: At chatgpt.com/plugins, choose + and Add custom MCP server, paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp and choose OAuth, then Create as a plugin. Your dot uses the same plugin Or install the `auto` CLI, the local MCP server (`auto --mcp`) and the JavaScript SDK in one package: ```sh npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk auto login auto mcp install ``` - Agent skill: `npx skills add drivly/auto-dev-skill` ## Plans - **Free**: $0. Get 1,000 API calls per month for evaluation and small projects. 1,000 API calls /mo, Capped, requests stop at the limit, No card required. - **Growth**: $299 a month, or $249 a month billed yearly. For growing automotive applications. Usage-based data fees apply. Unlimited API request volume, Usage-based data fees apply, 10 requests /sec. - **Scale**: $599 a month, or $499 a month billed yearly. For large-scale automotive platforms. Usage-based data fees apply. Unlimited API request volume, Usage-based data fees apply, 50 requests /sec. - **Enterprise**: For organizations with custom volume, licensing, or support needs. ## Questions ### Why choose Auto.dev? Auto.dev is used by automotive businesses of all sizes, from startups to enterprise companies. Our mission is to make automotive data accessible to every developer regardless of their budget or project size. ### How does pricing work? Start on the Free plan with 1,000 API calls included and no credit card required. Requests stop when you reach the limit, so you are never billed for something you did not choose. Growth and Scale are subscription plans billed monthly plus usage-based data rates. You can upgrade, downgrade or cancel anytime. ### Can I try Growth or Scale before paying full price? Yes: start Growth or Scale with a 7-day trial for a one-time $1. A payment method is required and is charged the $1 at checkout; your plan's subscription fee begins automatically at the end of the trial unless you cancel first. Any usage during the trial is billed at your plan's data rates. You can cancel anytime, including during the trial, to avoid the subscription charge. See our Terms for full details. ### Can I cancel anytime? Yes! Auto.dev is a subscription-based service and you can cancel anytime. ### How many API requests can Auto.dev handle? With continuous optimization, the infrastructure behind the Auto.dev APIs is built for scale, with blazing fast response times. You can use the Free plan to test the API and get a feel for the data. ### How often is API data updated? Auto.dev is integrated with multiple channels delivering real-time data, which is why the database used by the Auto.dev API is updated regularly, with dozens of updates per month. ### What happens if I use all 1,000 included API calls? On the Free plan your requests stop until the monthly reset. There is no card on file and no overage charge. Upgrade to Growth or Scale to keep going: they add endpoints, higher rate limits, and usage-based data rates beyond the calls included in your plan. ## References - Docs: https://docs.auto.dev - OpenAPI: https://www.auto.dev/openapi.json (JSON), https://www.auto.dev/openapi.yaml (YAML) - llms.txt: https://www.auto.dev/llms.txt - Pricing: https://www.auto.dev/pricing - Sign up: https://www.auto.dev/signin?redirectUrl=%2Fonboarding --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/vin # Global VIN Decoder API > Decode any VIN to find the year, make, model, and more. Global VIN Decode turns any 17-character VIN into the vehicle's year, make, model, trim, style and origin, and checks that the VIN passes its check-digit validation. Send GET /vin/{vin} with your API key. It is included on the Free plan, then costs $0.0025 per call on Growth and $0.0015 on Scale. ## Endpoint `GET https://api.auto.dev/vin/{vin}` - `vin` (path): 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). Format: `[A-HJ-NPR-Z0-9]{17}`. Authenticate with `Authorization: Bearer `, `?apiKey=` or `X-API-Key: `. ```sh curl "https://api.auto.dev/vin/3GCUDHEL3NG668790" \ -H "Authorization: Bearer $AUTODEV_API_KEY" ``` ## What it returns - VIN validity and checksum - World manufacturer identifier (WMI) - Origin - Make, model, trim and style - Model year - Manufacturer Response: ```json { "vin": "3GCUDHEL3NG668790", "vinValid": true, "wmi": "3GC", "origin": "Mexico", "squishVin": "3GCUDHELNG", "checkDigit": "3", "checksum": true, "type": "Active", "make": "Chevrolet", "model": "Silverado 1500", "trim": "ZR2", "style": "4x4 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB", "vehicle": { "vin": "3GCUDHEL3NG668790", "year": 2022, "make": "Chevrolet", "model": "Silverado 1500", "manufacturer": "General Motors de Mexico" } } ``` ## Pricing - Free: included (1,000 calls a month, capped), 5 requests per second - Growth: $0.0025 per call, 10 requests per second - Scale: $0.0015 per call, 50 requests per second ## Use it from an AI agent Hosted MCP server (recommended): https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, named `auto-dev`. Sign-in is OAuth on first use, so agents never handle an API key. - Claude Code: `claude mcp add --transport http auto-dev https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Then run /mcp in Claude Code and choose Authenticate for auto-dev. - Claude Desktop: In Settings, open Connectors, choose Add Custom Connector, name it auto-dev and paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, then sign in - Cursor (~/.cursor/mcp.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Cursor. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - VS Code (.vscode/mcp.json): `{"servers":{"auto-dev":{"type":"http","url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. For Copilot agent mode, VS Code 1.99 or later. Sign-in opens on first use. - Windsurf (~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"serverUrl":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Windsurf. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - Grok Bot: send `Add a custom MCP server called auto-dev at https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Confirm, then choose Authorize and sign in. Type @auto-dev in a chat to use it. - Muse: send `Connect Auto.dev`. Or open Settings, then Connectors, and choose Connect next to Auto.dev. Sign in when asked. - ChatGPT and dots: At chatgpt.com/plugins, choose + and Add custom MCP server, paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp and choose OAuth, then Create as a plugin. Your dot uses the same plugin Or install the `auto` CLI, the local MCP server (`auto --mcp`) and the JavaScript SDK in one package: ```sh npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk auto login auto mcp install ``` - Agent skill: `npx skills add drivly/auto-dev-skill` This API is the `auto_decode` MCP tool. From the terminal: `auto decode 3GCUDHEL3NG668790` ## Questions ### What does the Global VIN Decode API return? VIN validity and checksum, world manufacturer identifier (WMI), origin, make, model, trim and style, model year, manufacturer. Every response is JSON from `https://api.auto.dev/vin/{vin}`. ### How much does the Global VIN Decode API cost? Global VIN Decode is included on the Free plan, which has 1,000 API calls a month and no card required. On paid plans it costs $0.0025 per call on Growth and $0.0015 per call on Scale, on top of the plan's subscription. ### How do I call the Global VIN Decode API? Send `GET /vin/{vin}` to `api.auto.dev` with your API key as a Bearer token in the `Authorization` header, or as an `apiKey` query parameter. The path takes `vin`, the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). ### What are the rate limits for Global VIN Decode? Rate limits follow your plan: 5 requests per second on Free, 10 on Growth and 50 on Scale. ### Can AI agents use the Global VIN Decode API? Yes. Connect the hosted MCP server, `https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`, and agents such as Claude Code and Cursor call it as the `auto_decode` tool, signing in with OAuth instead of an API key. Or run it locally: `npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk`, then `auto login` and `auto mcp install`. ## Related APIs - [Plate-to-VIN](https://www.auto.dev/plate-to-vin.md): Decode US license plates to get VIN, year, make, model, and more. - [Specifications](https://www.auto.dev/specifications.md): Detailed technical specifications, features, and options for any vehicle model. - [OEM Build Data](https://www.auto.dev/oem-build-data.md): Original equipment manufacturer build data and production information. ## References - Docs: https://docs.auto.dev/v2/products/vin-decode - OpenAPI: https://www.auto.dev/openapi.json (JSON), https://www.auto.dev/openapi.yaml (YAML) - llms.txt: https://www.auto.dev/llms.txt - Pricing: https://www.auto.dev/pricing - Sign up: https://www.auto.dev/signin?redirectUrl=%2Fonboarding --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/plate-to-vin # Plate-to-VIN API > Quickly decode any license plate in the US using the plate to VIN API. Plate-to-VIN converts a US license plate and its two-letter state code into the vehicle's VIN, year, make, model, trim, drivetrain, engine and transmission. Send GET /plate/{state}/{plate} with your API key. It is available on the Scale plan at $0.055 per call, with up to 50 requests per second. ## Endpoint `GET https://api.auto.dev/plate/{state}/{plate}` - `state` (path): Two-letter US state code of the plate's registration. Format: `[A-Za-z]{2}`. - `plate` (path): License plate number. Authenticate with `Authorization: Bearer `, `?apiKey=` or `X-API-Key: `. ```sh curl "https://api.auto.dev/plate/$STATE/$PLATE" \ -H "Authorization: Bearer $AUTODEV_API_KEY" ``` ## What it returns - VIN - Year, make and model - Trim - Drivetrain - Engine - Transmission Response: ```json { "vin": "1N4BL4BV3LC205823", "year": 2020, "make": "Nissan", "model": "Altima", "trim": "2.5 S Sedan 4D", "drivetrain": "FWD", "engine": "4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter", "transmission": "Automatic, Xtronic CVT", "isDefault": true } ``` ## Pricing - Free: not available on this plan, 5 requests per second - Growth: not available on this plan, 10 requests per second - Scale: $0.055 per call, 50 requests per second ## Use it from an AI agent Hosted MCP server (recommended): https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, named `auto-dev`. Sign-in is OAuth on first use, so agents never handle an API key. - Claude Code: `claude mcp add --transport http auto-dev https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Then run /mcp in Claude Code and choose Authenticate for auto-dev. - Claude Desktop: In Settings, open Connectors, choose Add Custom Connector, name it auto-dev and paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, then sign in - Cursor (~/.cursor/mcp.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Cursor. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - VS Code (.vscode/mcp.json): `{"servers":{"auto-dev":{"type":"http","url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. For Copilot agent mode, VS Code 1.99 or later. Sign-in opens on first use. - Windsurf (~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"serverUrl":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Windsurf. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - Grok Bot: send `Add a custom MCP server called auto-dev at https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Confirm, then choose Authorize and sign in. Type @auto-dev in a chat to use it. - Muse: send `Connect Auto.dev`. Or open Settings, then Connectors, and choose Connect next to Auto.dev. Sign in when asked. - ChatGPT and dots: At chatgpt.com/plugins, choose + and Add custom MCP server, paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp and choose OAuth, then Create as a plugin. Your dot uses the same plugin Or install the `auto` CLI, the local MCP server (`auto --mcp`) and the JavaScript SDK in one package: ```sh npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk auto login auto mcp install ``` - Agent skill: `npx skills add drivly/auto-dev-skill` This API is the `auto_plate` MCP tool. From the terminal: `auto plate $STATE $PLATE` ## Questions ### What does the Plate-to-VIN API return? VIN, year, make and model, trim, drivetrain, engine, transmission. Every response is JSON from `https://api.auto.dev/plate/{state}/{plate}`. ### How much does the Plate-to-VIN API cost? Plate-to-VIN is available from the Scale plan. It costs $0.055 per call on Scale, on top of the plan's subscription. ### How do I call the Plate-to-VIN API? Send `GET /plate/{state}/{plate}` to `api.auto.dev` with your API key as a Bearer token in the `Authorization` header, or as an `apiKey` query parameter. The path takes `state`, the two-letter US state code of the plate's registration, and `plate`, the license plate number. ### What are the rate limits for Plate-to-VIN? Rate limits follow your plan: 5 requests per second on Free, 10 on Growth and 50 on Scale. Plate-to-VIN needs Scale or above. ### Can AI agents use the Plate-to-VIN API? Yes. Connect the hosted MCP server, `https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`, and agents such as Claude Code and Cursor call it as the `auto_plate` tool, signing in with OAuth instead of an API key. Or run it locally: `npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk`, then `auto login` and `auto mcp install`. ## Related APIs - [Global VIN Decode](https://www.auto.dev/vin.md): Decode any VIN to access comprehensive vehicle data and specifications. - [Specifications](https://www.auto.dev/specifications.md): Detailed technical specifications, features, and options for any vehicle model. - [OEM Build Data](https://www.auto.dev/oem-build-data.md): Original equipment manufacturer build data and production information. ## References - Docs: https://docs.auto.dev/v2/products/plate-to-vin - OpenAPI: https://www.auto.dev/openapi.json (JSON), https://www.auto.dev/openapi.yaml (YAML) - llms.txt: https://www.auto.dev/llms.txt - Pricing: https://www.auto.dev/pricing - Sign up: https://www.auto.dev/signin?redirectUrl=%2Fonboarding --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/specifications # Vehicle Specifications API > Get detailed vehicle specifications by VIN, including year, make, model, engine, and more. Specifications returns the factory technical data for a vehicle by VIN: base MSRP and invoice, seating, available colors, engine, fuel economy, measurements such as wheelbase and curb weight, and standard features. Send GET /specs/{vin} with your API key. It is available from the Growth plan at $0.0015 per call, or $0.001 on Scale. ## Endpoint `GET https://api.auto.dev/specs/{vin}` - `vin` (path): 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). Format: `[A-HJ-NPR-Z0-9]{17}`. Authenticate with `Authorization: Bearer `, `?apiKey=` or `X-API-Key: `. ```sh curl "https://api.auto.dev/specs/WP0AF2A99KS165242" \ -H "Authorization: Bearer $AUTODEV_API_KEY" ``` ## What it returns - Style name - Base MSRP and invoice - Seating - Exterior and interior colors - Engine and fuel economy - Measurements Response: ```json { "vehicle": { "vin": "WP0AF2A99KS165242", "year": 2019, "make": "Porsche", "model": "911", "manufacturer": "Dr Ing HCF Porsch Ag" }, "specs": { "name": "GT3 RS 2dr Coupe (4.0L 6cyl 7AM)", "price": { "baseMsrp": 187500, "baseInvoice": 168750 }, "totalSeating": 2, "color": { "exterior": [ { "name": "Lizard Green", "rgb": "87,178,44" }, { "name": "Miami Blue", "rgb": "3,161,192" }, { "name": "Racing Yellow", "rgb": "229,200,38" }, { "name": "Guards Red", "rgb": "175,26,28" } ], "interior": [ { "name": "Black, leather/sueded microfiber", "rgb": "0,0,0" }, { "name": "Black/Lizard Green, leather/sueded microfiber", "rgb": "0,0,0" } ] }, "features": { "engine": { "torque": "346 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm", "baseEngineSize": "4.0 L", "horsepower": "520 hp @ 8250 rpm", "valves": "24", "baseEngineType": "gas", "directInjection": true, "valveTiming": "Variable", "cylinders": "flat 6", "camType": "Double overhead cam (DOHC)" }, "fuel": { "epaCombinedMpg": "16 MPG", "epaCity/highwayMpg": "15/19 MPG", "rangeInMiles (city/hwy)": "253.5/321.1 mi.", "fuelTankCapacity": "16.9 gal.", "fuelType": "premium unleaded (required)" }, "measurements": { "maximumCargoCapacity": "4.4 cu.ft.", "countryOfFinalAssembly": "Germany", "wheelbase": "96.6 in.", "curbWeight": "3153 lbs.", "grossWeight": "3953 lbs.", "cargoCapacity,AllSeatsInPlace": "4.4 cu.ft.", "maximumPayload": "800 lbs.", "overallWidthWithMirrors": "77.9 in.", "length": "179.4 in.", "manufacturer060MphAccelerationTime": "3.0 seconds", "turningCircle": "36.4 ft.", "height": "51.1 in.", "overallWidthWithoutMirrors": "74.0 in." }, "driveTrain": { "driveType": "rear wheel drive", "rearLockingDifferential": true, "rearLimitedSlipDifferential": true, "transmission": "7-speed automated manual" }, "warranty": { "basic": "4 yr./ 50000 mi.", "drivetrain": "4 yr./ 50000 mi.", "freeMaintenance": "1 yr./ 10000 mi.", "rust": "12 yr./ unlimited mi.", "roadsideAssistance": "4 yr./ 50000 mi." }, "safety": { "4WheelAbs": true, "daytimeRunningLights": true, "engineImmobilizer": true, "postCollisionSafetySystem": true, "frontHeadAirbags": true, "dualFrontSideMountedAirbags": true, "passengerAirbagOccupantSensingDeactivation": true, "stabilityControl": true, "tirePressureMonitoring": true, "tractionControl": true }, "frontseats": { "heightAdjustablePassengerSeat": true, "heightAdjustableDriverSeat": true, "sportFrontSeats": true, "2WayPowerPassengerSeat": true, "leather/suededMicrofiber": true, "2WayPowerDriverSeat": true } }, "orderedFeatures": [ { "category": "Fuel", "categoryGroup": "Mechanical", "features": { "fuelType": "Premium unleaded (required)", "epaCity/highwayMpg": "15/19 MPG", "epaCombinedMpg": "16 MPG", "rangeInMiles (city/hwy)": "253.5/321.1 mi.", "fuelTankCapacity": "16.9 gal." } }, { "category": "Engine", "categoryGroup": "Mechanical", "features": { "baseEngineSize": "4.0 L", "cylinders": "Flat 6", "baseEngineType": "Gas", "horsepower": "520 hp @ 8250 rpm", "torque": "346 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm", "valves": "24", "camType": "Double overhead cam (DOHC)", "valveTiming": "Variable", "directInjection": true } } ], "typeCategories": { "performancesports": { "id": 10, "name": "Performance/Sports" }, "coupe": { "id": 2, "name": "Coupe" }, "luxury": { "id": 8, "name": "Luxury" } }, "styleAttributes": { "electric": false, "pluginElectric": false, "truck": false } } } ``` ## Pricing - Free: not available on this plan, 5 requests per second - Growth: $0.0015 per call, 10 requests per second - Scale: $0.001 per call, 50 requests per second ## Use it from an AI agent Hosted MCP server (recommended): https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, named `auto-dev`. Sign-in is OAuth on first use, so agents never handle an API key. - Claude Code: `claude mcp add --transport http auto-dev https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Then run /mcp in Claude Code and choose Authenticate for auto-dev. - Claude Desktop: In Settings, open Connectors, choose Add Custom Connector, name it auto-dev and paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, then sign in - Cursor (~/.cursor/mcp.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Cursor. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - VS Code (.vscode/mcp.json): `{"servers":{"auto-dev":{"type":"http","url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. For Copilot agent mode, VS Code 1.99 or later. Sign-in opens on first use. - Windsurf (~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"serverUrl":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Windsurf. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - Grok Bot: send `Add a custom MCP server called auto-dev at https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Confirm, then choose Authorize and sign in. Type @auto-dev in a chat to use it. - Muse: send `Connect Auto.dev`. Or open Settings, then Connectors, and choose Connect next to Auto.dev. Sign in when asked. - ChatGPT and dots: At chatgpt.com/plugins, choose + and Add custom MCP server, paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp and choose OAuth, then Create as a plugin. Your dot uses the same plugin Or install the `auto` CLI, the local MCP server (`auto --mcp`) and the JavaScript SDK in one package: ```sh npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk auto login auto mcp install ``` - Agent skill: `npx skills add drivly/auto-dev-skill` This API is the `auto_specs` MCP tool. From the terminal: `auto specs WP0AF2A99KS165242` ## Questions ### What does the Specifications API return? Style name, base MSRP and invoice, seating, exterior and interior colors, engine and fuel economy, measurements. Every response is JSON from `https://api.auto.dev/specs/{vin}`. ### How much does the Specifications API cost? Specifications is available from the Growth plan. It costs $0.0015 per call on Growth and $0.001 per call on Scale, on top of the plan's subscription. ### How do I call the Specifications API? Send `GET /specs/{vin}` to `api.auto.dev` with your API key as a Bearer token in the `Authorization` header, or as an `apiKey` query parameter. The path takes `vin`, the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). ### What are the rate limits for Specifications? Rate limits follow your plan: 5 requests per second on Free, 10 on Growth and 50 on Scale. Specifications needs Growth or above. ### Can AI agents use the Specifications API? Yes. Connect the hosted MCP server, `https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`, and agents such as Claude Code and Cursor call it as the `auto_specs` tool, signing in with OAuth instead of an API key. Or run it locally: `npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk`, then `auto login` and `auto mcp install`. ## Related APIs - [Global VIN Decode](https://www.auto.dev/vin.md): Decode any VIN to access comprehensive vehicle data and specifications. - [Plate-to-VIN](https://www.auto.dev/plate-to-vin.md): Decode US license plates to get VIN, year, make, model, and more. - [OEM Build Data](https://www.auto.dev/oem-build-data.md): Original equipment manufacturer build data and production information. ## References - Docs: https://docs.auto.dev/v2/products/specifications - OpenAPI: https://www.auto.dev/openapi.json (JSON), https://www.auto.dev/openapi.yaml (YAML) - llms.txt: https://www.auto.dev/llms.txt - Pricing: https://www.auto.dev/pricing - Sign up: https://www.auto.dev/signin?redirectUrl=%2Fonboarding --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/oem-build-data # OEM Build Data API > Retrieve complete vehicle details based on the VIN, including make, model, trim, color, options, and specifications. OEM Build Data returns how a specific vehicle left the factory: trim, series, style, drivetrain, engine, transmission, interior and exterior colors, factory option codes and the options' MSRP. Send GET /build/{vin} with your API key. It is available from the Growth plan at $0.10 per call, or $0.08 on Scale. ## Endpoint `GET https://api.auto.dev/build/{vin}` - `vin` (path): 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). Format: `[A-HJ-NPR-Z0-9]{17}`. Authenticate with `Authorization: Bearer `, `?apiKey=` or `X-API-Key: `. ```sh curl "https://api.auto.dev/build/WP0AF2A99KS165242" \ -H "Authorization: Bearer $AUTODEV_API_KEY" ``` ## What it returns - Trim, series and style - Drivetrain, engine and transmission - Interior and exterior color - Factory option codes - Options MSRP - Match confidence Response: ```json { "build": { "vin": "WP0AF2A99KS165242", "year": 2019, "make": "Porsche", "model": "911", "trim": "GT3 RS Coupe", "series": "GT3 RS", "style": "2D Coupe", "drivetrain": "RWD", "engine": "4L H-6 gasoline direct injection, DOHC, VarioCam Plus variable valve control, premium unleaded, engine with 520HP", "transmission": "PDK 7-speed auto-shift manual", "confidence": 0.995, "interiorColor": { "Black": "#000000" }, "exteriorColor": { "GT Silver Metallic": "#A2A2A2" }, "options": { "474": "Front Axle Lift System", "QR5": "Chrono Package with Preparation For Lap Trigger", "U2": "GT Silver Metallic", "XDH": "Wheels Painted in Satin Platinum" }, "optionsMsrp": 8950 } } ``` ## Pricing - Free: not available on this plan, 5 requests per second - Growth: $0.10 per call, 10 requests per second - Scale: $0.08 per call, 50 requests per second ## Use it from an AI agent Hosted MCP server (recommended): https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, named `auto-dev`. Sign-in is OAuth on first use, so agents never handle an API key. - Claude Code: `claude mcp add --transport http auto-dev https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Then run /mcp in Claude Code and choose Authenticate for auto-dev. - Claude Desktop: In Settings, open Connectors, choose Add Custom Connector, name it auto-dev and paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, then sign in - Cursor (~/.cursor/mcp.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Cursor. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - VS Code (.vscode/mcp.json): `{"servers":{"auto-dev":{"type":"http","url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. For Copilot agent mode, VS Code 1.99 or later. Sign-in opens on first use. - Windsurf (~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"serverUrl":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Windsurf. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - Grok Bot: send `Add a custom MCP server called auto-dev at https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Confirm, then choose Authorize and sign in. Type @auto-dev in a chat to use it. - Muse: send `Connect Auto.dev`. Or open Settings, then Connectors, and choose Connect next to Auto.dev. Sign in when asked. - ChatGPT and dots: At chatgpt.com/plugins, choose + and Add custom MCP server, paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp and choose OAuth, then Create as a plugin. Your dot uses the same plugin Or install the `auto` CLI, the local MCP server (`auto --mcp`) and the JavaScript SDK in one package: ```sh npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk auto login auto mcp install ``` - Agent skill: `npx skills add drivly/auto-dev-skill` This API is the `auto_build` MCP tool. From the terminal: `auto build WP0AF2A99KS165242` ## Questions ### What does the OEM Build Data API return? Trim, series and style, drivetrain, engine and transmission, interior and exterior color, factory option codes, options MSRP, match confidence. Every response is JSON from `https://api.auto.dev/build/{vin}`. ### How much does the OEM Build Data API cost? OEM Build Data is available from the Growth plan. It costs $0.10 per call on Growth and $0.08 per call on Scale, on top of the plan's subscription. ### How do I call the OEM Build Data API? Send `GET /build/{vin}` to `api.auto.dev` with your API key as a Bearer token in the `Authorization` header, or as an `apiKey` query parameter. The path takes `vin`, the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). ### What are the rate limits for OEM Build Data? Rate limits follow your plan: 5 requests per second on Free, 10 on Growth and 50 on Scale. OEM Build Data needs Growth or above. ### Can AI agents use the OEM Build Data API? Yes. Connect the hosted MCP server, `https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`, and agents such as Claude Code and Cursor call it as the `auto_build` tool, signing in with OAuth instead of an API key. Or run it locally: `npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk`, then `auto login` and `auto mcp install`. ## Related APIs - [Global VIN Decode](https://www.auto.dev/vin.md): Decode any VIN to access comprehensive vehicle data and specifications. - [Plate-to-VIN](https://www.auto.dev/plate-to-vin.md): Decode US license plates to get VIN, year, make, model, and more. - [Specifications](https://www.auto.dev/specifications.md): Detailed technical specifications, features, and options for any vehicle model. ## References - Docs: https://docs.auto.dev/v2/products/oem-build-data - OpenAPI: https://www.auto.dev/openapi.json (JSON), https://www.auto.dev/openapi.yaml (YAML) - llms.txt: https://www.auto.dev/llms.txt - Pricing: https://www.auto.dev/pricing - Sign up: https://www.auto.dev/signin?redirectUrl=%2Fonboarding --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/listings # Vehicle Listings API > Get comprehensive vehicle listings from U.S. physical & online dealers in seconds. Vehicle Listings returns active U.S. dealer listings from physical and online dealers, with the vehicle, price, new or used status, dealer, location, Carfax link and photos. Send GET /listings/{vin} for one car, or search with query parameters. It is included on the Free plan, then costs $0.0015 per call on Growth and $0.001 on Scale. ## Endpoint `GET https://api.auto.dev/listings/{vin}` - `vin` (path): 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). Format: `[A-HJ-NPR-Z0-9]{17}`. Authenticate with `Authorization: Bearer `, `?apiKey=` or `X-API-Key: `. ```sh curl "https://api.auto.dev/listings/10ARJYBS7RC154562" \ -H "Authorization: Bearer $AUTODEV_API_KEY" ``` ## What it returns - Vehicle details - Retail price - New, used or certified - Dealer and location - Listing page and Carfax link - Primary photo Response: ```json { "data": { "@id": "https://api.auto.dev/listings/10ARJYBS7RC154562", "vin": "10ARJYBS7RC154562", "location": [-77.0334, 40.2476], "online": true, "vehicle": { "vin": "10ARJYBS7RC154562", "squishVin": "10ARJYBSRC", "year": 2024, "make": "Jeep", "model": "Grand Cherokee", "trim": "4xe", "drivetrain": "4WD", "engine": "Plug-In Hybrid", "fuel": "Plug-In Hybrid", "transmission": "Automatic", "confidence": 0.005, "doors": 4, "seats": 5 }, "wholesaleListing": null, "retailListing": { "vdp": "http://details.vast.com/details/cars/ob-48ae10cec45c5264c0c05239af7ac2c3eda678223f9171ac63be6a3107cd3db63b027b96ef83ac88fd6ccb42933d4f3c6bf26f82a637df6dbf6160746a741de2e12135dcbeff82654b855069fa243842784cfba33bf3b93b6d5a9156baa8b0f948d0b715b4936664c48f9fdb248501ca1a015077c28df814c6ae254e205e6b8afb7f16011f22412ebedeee38685f0721f74c31246e538ff42db94d2ceb09e6950fb15e40f90d9a2a0fa486f173a58cc4/?pl=19", "price": 0, "used": false, "cpo": false, "carfaxUrl": "https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?vin=10ARJYBS7RC154562&partner=FRD_2", "dealer": "Faulkner Dodge Ram Mechanicsburg New", "city": "Mechanicsburg", "state": "PA", "zip": "17050", "primaryImage": "https://retail.photos.vin/10ARJYBS7RC154562-1.jpg", "photoCount": 1 }, "history": null } } ``` ## Pricing - Free: included (1,000 calls a month, capped), 5 requests per second - Growth: $0.0015 per call, 10 requests per second - Scale: $0.001 per call, 50 requests per second ## Use it from an AI agent Hosted MCP server (recommended): https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, named `auto-dev`. Sign-in is OAuth on first use, so agents never handle an API key. - Claude Code: `claude mcp add --transport http auto-dev https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Then run /mcp in Claude Code and choose Authenticate for auto-dev. - Claude Desktop: In Settings, open Connectors, choose Add Custom Connector, name it auto-dev and paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, then sign in - Cursor (~/.cursor/mcp.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Cursor. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - VS Code (.vscode/mcp.json): `{"servers":{"auto-dev":{"type":"http","url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. For Copilot agent mode, VS Code 1.99 or later. Sign-in opens on first use. - Windsurf (~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"serverUrl":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Windsurf. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - Grok Bot: send `Add a custom MCP server called auto-dev at https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Confirm, then choose Authorize and sign in. Type @auto-dev in a chat to use it. - Muse: send `Connect Auto.dev`. Or open Settings, then Connectors, and choose Connect next to Auto.dev. Sign in when asked. - ChatGPT and dots: At chatgpt.com/plugins, choose + and Add custom MCP server, paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp and choose OAuth, then Create as a plugin. Your dot uses the same plugin Or install the `auto` CLI, the local MCP server (`auto --mcp`) and the JavaScript SDK in one package: ```sh npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk auto login auto mcp install ``` - Agent skill: `npx skills add drivly/auto-dev-skill` This API is the `auto_listings` MCP tool. From the terminal: `auto listings --make Jeep --model "Grand Cherokee"` ## Questions ### What does the Vehicle Listings API return? Vehicle details, retail price, new, used or certified, dealer and location, listing page and Carfax link, primary photo. Every response is JSON from `https://api.auto.dev/listings/{vin}`. ### How much does the Vehicle Listings API cost? Vehicle Listings is included on the Free plan, which has 1,000 API calls a month and no card required. On paid plans it costs $0.0015 per call on Growth and $0.001 per call on Scale, on top of the plan's subscription. ### How do I call the Vehicle Listings API? Send `GET /listings/{vin}` to `api.auto.dev` with your API key as a Bearer token in the `Authorization` header, or as an `apiKey` query parameter. The path takes `vin`, the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). ### What are the rate limits for Vehicle Listings? Rate limits follow your plan: 5 requests per second on Free, 10 on Growth and 50 on Scale. ### Can AI agents use the Vehicle Listings API? Yes. Connect the hosted MCP server, `https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`, and agents such as Claude Code and Cursor call it as the `auto_listings` tool, signing in with OAuth instead of an API key. Or run it locally: `npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk`, then `auto login` and `auto mcp install`. ## Related APIs - [Vehicle Photos](https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-photos.md): High-quality vehicle images and photo galleries for listings and inventory. ## References - Docs: https://docs.auto.dev/v2/products/vehicle-listings - OpenAPI: https://www.auto.dev/openapi.json (JSON), https://www.auto.dev/openapi.yaml (YAML) - llms.txt: https://www.auto.dev/llms.txt - Pricing: https://www.auto.dev/pricing - Sign up: https://www.auto.dev/signin?redirectUrl=%2Fonboarding --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-photos # Vehicle Photos API > Retrieve a collection of high-quality retail images for a specific vehicle based on its VIN. Vehicle Photos returns the retail listing photos for a vehicle by VIN, as an ordered list of image URLs covering the exterior, the interior and more. Send GET /photos/{vin} with your API key. It is included on the Free plan, then costs $0.0009 per call on Growth and $0.0007 on Scale. ## Endpoint `GET https://api.auto.dev/photos/{vin}` - `vin` (path): 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). Format: `[A-HJ-NPR-Z0-9]{17}`. Authenticate with `Authorization: Bearer `, `?apiKey=` or `X-API-Key: `. ```sh curl "https://api.auto.dev/photos/1FTEW1C52PFA86825" \ -H "Authorization: Bearer $AUTODEV_API_KEY" ``` ## What it returns - Retail photo URLs - Exterior angles - Interior shots - Listing order Response: ```json { "data": { "retail": [ "https://api.auto.dev/photos/retail/1FTEW1C52PFA86825-1.jpg", "https://api.auto.dev/photos/retail/1FTEW1C52PFA86825-2.jpg", "https://api.auto.dev/photos/retail/1FTEW1C52PFA86825-3.jpg", "https://api.auto.dev/photos/retail/1FTEW1C52PFA86825-4.jpg", "https://api.auto.dev/photos/retail/1FTEW1C52PFA86825-5.jpg", "https://api.auto.dev/photos/retail/1FTEW1C52PFA86825-6.jpg", "https://api.auto.dev/photos/retail/1FTEW1C52PFA86825-7.jpg", "https://api.auto.dev/photos/retail/1FTEW1C52PFA86825-8.jpg", "https://api.auto.dev/photos/retail/1FTEW1C52PFA86825-9.jpg", "https://api.auto.dev/photos/retail/1FTEW1C52PFA86825-10.jpg", "https://api.auto.dev/photos/retail/1FTEW1C52PFA86825-11.jpg", "https://api.auto.dev/photos/retail/1FTEW1C52PFA86825-12.jpg", "https://api.auto.dev/photos/retail/1FTEW1C52PFA86825-13.jpg", "https://api.auto.dev/photos/retail/1FTEW1C52PFA86825-14.jpg", ... ] } } ``` ## Pricing - Free: included (1,000 calls a month, capped), 5 requests per second - Growth: $0.0009 per call, 10 requests per second - Scale: $0.0007 per call, 50 requests per second ## Use it from an AI agent Hosted MCP server (recommended): https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, named `auto-dev`. Sign-in is OAuth on first use, so agents never handle an API key. - Claude Code: `claude mcp add --transport http auto-dev https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Then run /mcp in Claude Code and choose Authenticate for auto-dev. - Claude Desktop: In Settings, open Connectors, choose Add Custom Connector, name it auto-dev and paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, then sign in - Cursor (~/.cursor/mcp.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Cursor. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - VS Code (.vscode/mcp.json): `{"servers":{"auto-dev":{"type":"http","url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. For Copilot agent mode, VS Code 1.99 or later. Sign-in opens on first use. - Windsurf (~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"serverUrl":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Windsurf. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - Grok Bot: send `Add a custom MCP server called auto-dev at https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Confirm, then choose Authorize and sign in. Type @auto-dev in a chat to use it. - Muse: send `Connect Auto.dev`. Or open Settings, then Connectors, and choose Connect next to Auto.dev. Sign in when asked. - ChatGPT and dots: At chatgpt.com/plugins, choose + and Add custom MCP server, paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp and choose OAuth, then Create as a plugin. Your dot uses the same plugin Or install the `auto` CLI, the local MCP server (`auto --mcp`) and the JavaScript SDK in one package: ```sh npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk auto login auto mcp install ``` - Agent skill: `npx skills add drivly/auto-dev-skill` This API is the `auto_photos` MCP tool. From the terminal: `auto photos 1FTEW1C52PFA86825` ## Questions ### What does the Vehicle Photos API return? Retail photo URLs, exterior angles, interior shots, listing order. Every response is JSON from `https://api.auto.dev/photos/{vin}`. ### How much does the Vehicle Photos API cost? Vehicle Photos is included on the Free plan, which has 1,000 API calls a month and no card required. On paid plans it costs $0.0009 per call on Growth and $0.0007 per call on Scale, on top of the plan's subscription. ### How do I call the Vehicle Photos API? Send `GET /photos/{vin}` to `api.auto.dev` with your API key as a Bearer token in the `Authorization` header, or as an `apiKey` query parameter. The path takes `vin`, the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). ### What are the rate limits for Vehicle Photos? Rate limits follow your plan: 5 requests per second on Free, 10 on Growth and 50 on Scale. ### Can AI agents use the Vehicle Photos API? Yes. Connect the hosted MCP server, `https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`, and agents such as Claude Code and Cursor call it as the `auto_photos` tool, signing in with OAuth instead of an API key. Or run it locally: `npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk`, then `auto login` and `auto mcp install`. ## Related APIs - [Vehicle Listings](https://www.auto.dev/listings.md): Access millions of active vehicle listings with real-time pricing and availability. ## References - Docs: https://docs.auto.dev/v2/products/vehicle-photos - OpenAPI: https://www.auto.dev/openapi.json (JSON), https://www.auto.dev/openapi.yaml (YAML) - llms.txt: https://www.auto.dev/llms.txt - Pricing: https://www.auto.dev/pricing - Sign up: https://www.auto.dev/signin?redirectUrl=%2Fonboarding --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/interest-rates # Auto Loan Interest Rates API > Current interest rates for auto loans, leases, and other financing options. Interest Rates returns current auto loan APRs for a vehicle by VIN, for terms from 36 to 84 months. Send GET /apr/{vin} with the year, make, model, the buyer's ZIP code and credit score, and your API key. It is available from the Growth plan at $0.005 per call, or $0.004 on Scale. ## Endpoint `GET https://api.auto.dev/apr/{vin}` - `vin` (path): 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). Format: `[A-HJ-NPR-Z0-9]{17}`. - `year` (query, required): Model year of the vehicle. - `make` (query, required): Vehicle make. - `model` (query, required): Vehicle model. - `zip` (query, required): Buyer's ZIP code. - `creditScore` (query, required): Buyer's credit score. - `vehicleAge` (query, optional): Vehicle age in years. - `vehicleMileage` (query, optional): Vehicle mileage. Authenticate with `Authorization: Bearer `, `?apiKey=` or `X-API-Key: `. ```sh curl "https://api.auto.dev/apr/1C4HJXEN5MW592818?year=2021&make=Jeep&model=Wrangler&zip=37129&creditScore=720&vehicleAge=3&vehicleMileage=36000" \ -H "Authorization: Bearer $AUTODEV_API_KEY" ``` ## What it returns - APR by term, 36 to 84 months - Credit score used - ZIP code - Vehicle age and mileage Response: ```json { "vehicle": { "vin": "1C4HJXEN5MW592818", "year": 2021, "make": "Jeep", "model": "Wrangler" }, "zip": "37129", "creditScore": "720", "vehicleAge": 3, "vehicleMileage": "36000", "apr": { "36": 7.644, "48": 7.644, "60": 7.524, "72": 7.663, "84": 8.263 } } ``` ## Pricing - Free: not available on this plan, 5 requests per second - Growth: $0.005 per call, 10 requests per second - Scale: $0.004 per call, 50 requests per second ## Use it from an AI agent Hosted MCP server (recommended): https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, named `auto-dev`. Sign-in is OAuth on first use, so agents never handle an API key. - Claude Code: `claude mcp add --transport http auto-dev https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Then run /mcp in Claude Code and choose Authenticate for auto-dev. - Claude Desktop: In Settings, open Connectors, choose Add Custom Connector, name it auto-dev and paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, then sign in - Cursor (~/.cursor/mcp.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Cursor. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - VS Code (.vscode/mcp.json): `{"servers":{"auto-dev":{"type":"http","url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. For Copilot agent mode, VS Code 1.99 or later. Sign-in opens on first use. - Windsurf (~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"serverUrl":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Windsurf. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - Grok Bot: send `Add a custom MCP server called auto-dev at https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Confirm, then choose Authorize and sign in. Type @auto-dev in a chat to use it. - Muse: send `Connect Auto.dev`. Or open Settings, then Connectors, and choose Connect next to Auto.dev. Sign in when asked. - ChatGPT and dots: At chatgpt.com/plugins, choose + and Add custom MCP server, paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp and choose OAuth, then Create as a plugin. Your dot uses the same plugin Or install the `auto` CLI, the local MCP server (`auto --mcp`) and the JavaScript SDK in one package: ```sh npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk auto login auto mcp install ``` - Agent skill: `npx skills add drivly/auto-dev-skill` This API is the `auto_apr` MCP tool. From the terminal: `auto apr 1C4HJXEN5MW592818 --year 2021 --make Jeep --model Wrangler --zip 37129 --credit-score 720 --vehicle-age 3 --vehicle-mileage 36000` ## Questions ### What does the Interest Rates API return? APR by term, 36 to 84 months, credit score used, ZIP code, vehicle age and mileage. Every response is JSON from `https://api.auto.dev/apr/{vin}`. ### How much does the Interest Rates API cost? Interest Rates is available from the Growth plan. It costs $0.005 per call on Growth and $0.004 per call on Scale, on top of the plan's subscription. ### How do I call the Interest Rates API? Send `GET /apr/{vin}` to `api.auto.dev` with your API key as a Bearer token in the `Authorization` header, or as an `apiKey` query parameter. The path takes `vin`, the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). Required query parameters: `year`, `make`, `model`, `zip`, `creditScore`. ### What are the rate limits for Interest Rates? Rate limits follow your plan: 5 requests per second on Free, 10 on Growth and 50 on Scale. Interest Rates needs Growth or above. ### Can AI agents use the Interest Rates API? Yes. Connect the hosted MCP server, `https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`, and agents such as Claude Code and Cursor call it as the `auto_apr` tool, signing in with OAuth instead of an API key. Or run it locally: `npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk`, then `auto login` and `auto mcp install`. ## Related APIs - [Vehicle Payments](https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-payments.md): Calculate monthly payments, financing options, and payment estimates. - [Taxes & Fees](https://www.auto.dev/taxes-fees.md): Registration fees, taxes, and location-specific vehicle costs. - [Total Cost of Ownership](https://www.auto.dev/total-cost-ownership.md): Comprehensive ownership costs including depreciation, maintenance, and operating expenses. ## References - Docs: https://docs.auto.dev/v2/products/interest-rates - OpenAPI: https://www.auto.dev/openapi.json (JSON), https://www.auto.dev/openapi.yaml (YAML) - llms.txt: https://www.auto.dev/llms.txt - Pricing: https://www.auto.dev/pricing - Sign up: https://www.auto.dev/signin?redirectUrl=%2Fonboarding --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-payments # Vehicle Payments API > Get detailed information about vehicle financing options based on a given VIN. Vehicle Payments estimates financing for a vehicle by VIN: the loan amount, the monthly payment with and without taxes, the APR by term, and the sales tax and fees. Send GET /payments/{vin} with the sale price and ZIP code, and your API key. It costs $0.005 per call on Growth, or $0.004 on Scale. ## Endpoint `GET https://api.auto.dev/payments/{vin}` - `vin` (path): 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). Format: `[A-HJ-NPR-Z0-9]{17}`. - `price` (query, required): Sale price in US dollars. - `zip` (query, required): Buyer's ZIP code, for taxes and fees. - `docFee` (query, optional): Dealer documentation fee. - `tradeIn` (query, optional): Trade-in value. - `downPayment` (query, optional): Down payment. - `loanTerm` (query, optional): Loan term in months (default 60). Authenticate with `Authorization: Bearer `, `?apiKey=` or `X-API-Key: `. ```sh curl "https://api.auto.dev/payments/1C4RJFAG0FC625797?price=25000&zip=55414&docFee=200&tradeIn=0&downPayment=5000&loanTerm=60" \ -H "Authorization: Bearer $AUTODEV_API_KEY" ``` ## What it returns - Loan amount - Monthly payment, with and without taxes - APR by term - Sales tax - Title, registration and DMV fees Response: ```json { "vehicle": { "vin": "1C4RJFAG0FC625797", "year": "2015", "make": "Jeep", "model": "Grand Cherokee" }, "criteria": { "price": "25000", "zip": "55414", "docFee": 200, "tradeIn": "0" }, "paymentsData": { "loanAmount": 21952.49, "loanMonthlyPayment": 363.83, "loanMonthlyPaymentWithTaxes": 399.35, "totalTaxesAndFees": 1952.49, "taxes": { "combinedSalesTax": 1625, "stateSalesTax": 1625, "gasGuzzlerTax": 0 }, "fees": { "titleFee": 8.25, "registrationFee": 70.99, "dmvFee": 48.25, "combinedFees": 327.49, "docFee": 200, "dmvFees": { "Filing Fee": 7, "License Plate Fee": 15.5, "Public Safety Vehicle Fee": 3.5, "Technology Fee": 2.25, "Wheelage Tax": 20 } }, "calculationCriteria": { "numberOfMonths": 60, "financeRate": 3.5, "downPayment": 5000, "tradeIn": 0, "tradeInOwedAmount": 0, "salesPrice": 25000, "conditionalIncentiveAmount": 0, "primaryIncentiveAmount": 0, "docFee": 200, "zipCode": "55414", "styleId": 200701040, "marketValue": 25000, "withConcreteTaxesAndFees": true, "applyLimits": true, "msrp": 25000, "lowerLimit": false } }, "apr": { "36": 9.25, "48": 9.25, "60": 9.25, "72": 9.25, "84": 9.25 }, "totalTaxesAndFees": 1952.49, "taxes": { "combinedSalesTax": 1625, "stateSalesTax": 1625, "gasGuzzlerTax": 0 }, "fees": { "titleFee": 8.25, "registrationFee": 70.99, "dmvFee": 48.25, "combinedFees": 327.49, "docFee": 200, "dmvFees": { "Filing Fee": 7, "License Plate Fee": 15.5, "Public Safety Vehicle Fee": 3.5, "Technology Fee": 2.25, "Wheelage Tax": 20 } } } ``` ## Pricing - Free: not available on this plan, 5 requests per second - Growth: $0.005 per call, 10 requests per second - Scale: $0.004 per call, 50 requests per second ## Use it from an AI agent Hosted MCP server (recommended): https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, named `auto-dev`. Sign-in is OAuth on first use, so agents never handle an API key. - Claude Code: `claude mcp add --transport http auto-dev https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Then run /mcp in Claude Code and choose Authenticate for auto-dev. - Claude Desktop: In Settings, open Connectors, choose Add Custom Connector, name it auto-dev and paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, then sign in - Cursor (~/.cursor/mcp.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Cursor. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - VS Code (.vscode/mcp.json): `{"servers":{"auto-dev":{"type":"http","url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. For Copilot agent mode, VS Code 1.99 or later. Sign-in opens on first use. - Windsurf (~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"serverUrl":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Windsurf. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - Grok Bot: send `Add a custom MCP server called auto-dev at https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Confirm, then choose Authorize and sign in. Type @auto-dev in a chat to use it. - Muse: send `Connect Auto.dev`. Or open Settings, then Connectors, and choose Connect next to Auto.dev. Sign in when asked. - ChatGPT and dots: At chatgpt.com/plugins, choose + and Add custom MCP server, paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp and choose OAuth, then Create as a plugin. Your dot uses the same plugin Or install the `auto` CLI, the local MCP server (`auto --mcp`) and the JavaScript SDK in one package: ```sh npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk auto login auto mcp install ``` - Agent skill: `npx skills add drivly/auto-dev-skill` This API is the `auto_payments` MCP tool. From the terminal: `auto payments 1C4RJFAG0FC625797 --price 25000 --zip 55414 --doc-fee 200 --trade-in 0 --down-payment 5000 --loan-term 60` ## Questions ### What does the Vehicle Payments API return? Loan amount, monthly payment, with and without taxes, APR by term, sales tax, title, registration and DMV fees. Every response is JSON from `https://api.auto.dev/payments/{vin}`. ### How much does the Vehicle Payments API cost? Vehicle Payments is available from the Growth plan. It costs $0.005 per call on Growth and $0.004 per call on Scale, on top of the plan's subscription. ### How do I call the Vehicle Payments API? Send `GET /payments/{vin}` to `api.auto.dev` with your API key as a Bearer token in the `Authorization` header, or as an `apiKey` query parameter. The path takes `vin`, the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). Required query parameters: `price`, `zip`. ### What are the rate limits for Vehicle Payments? Rate limits follow your plan: 5 requests per second on Free, 10 on Growth and 50 on Scale. Vehicle Payments needs Growth or above. ### Can AI agents use the Vehicle Payments API? Yes. Connect the hosted MCP server, `https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`, and agents such as Claude Code and Cursor call it as the `auto_payments` tool, signing in with OAuth instead of an API key. Or run it locally: `npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk`, then `auto login` and `auto mcp install`. ## Related APIs - [Interest Rates](https://www.auto.dev/interest-rates.md): Real-time automotive financing rates and lending information. - [Taxes & Fees](https://www.auto.dev/taxes-fees.md): Registration fees, taxes, and location-specific vehicle costs. - [Total Cost of Ownership](https://www.auto.dev/total-cost-ownership.md): Comprehensive ownership costs including depreciation, maintenance, and operating expenses. ## References - Docs: https://docs.auto.dev/v2/products/vehicle-payments - OpenAPI: https://www.auto.dev/openapi.json (JSON), https://www.auto.dev/openapi.yaml (YAML) - llms.txt: https://www.auto.dev/llms.txt - Pricing: https://www.auto.dev/pricing - Sign up: https://www.auto.dev/signin?redirectUrl=%2Fonboarding --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-recalls # Vehicle Recalls API > Get detailed recall information, safety notices, and compliance data for any vehicle. Vehicle Recalls returns the safety recalls that apply to a vehicle by VIN, with the NHTSA campaign number, the affected component, a summary, the consequence and the remedy, plus park-it and over-the-air flags. Send GET /recalls/{vin} with your API key. It is available from Growth at $0.01 per call, or $0.007 on Scale. ## Endpoint `GET https://api.auto.dev/recalls/{vin}` - `vin` (path): 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). Format: `[A-HJ-NPR-Z0-9]{17}`. Authenticate with `Authorization: Bearer `, `?apiKey=` or `X-API-Key: `. ```sh curl "https://api.auto.dev/recalls/WP0AF2A99KS165242" \ -H "Authorization: Bearer $AUTODEV_API_KEY" ``` ## What it returns - NHTSA campaign number - Affected component - Summary and consequence - Remedy - Park-it and over-the-air flags - Model year, make and model Response: ```json { "data": [ { "manufacturer": "Porsche Cars North America, Inc.", "nhtsaCampaignNumber": "21V201000", "parkIt": false, "parkOutSide": false, "overTheAirUpdate": false, "reportReceivedDate": "24/03/2021", "component": "SUSPENSION:REAR", "summary": "Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster, 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupe, Carrera 4S Coupe, and Carrera S Cabriolet vehicles. The screw connection on the rear axle upper control arm may be loose.", "consequence": "A loose connection may fail, causing driving instability and increasing the risk of a crash.", "remedy": "Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will rework and tighten the screw connection on the rear axle upper control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMA6.", "notes": "Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.", "modelYear": "2019", "make": "PORSCHE", "model": "911" } ] } ``` ## Pricing - Free: not available on this plan, 5 requests per second - Growth: $0.01 per call, 10 requests per second - Scale: $0.007 per call, 50 requests per second ## Use it from an AI agent Hosted MCP server (recommended): https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, named `auto-dev`. Sign-in is OAuth on first use, so agents never handle an API key. - Claude Code: `claude mcp add --transport http auto-dev https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Then run /mcp in Claude Code and choose Authenticate for auto-dev. - Claude Desktop: In Settings, open Connectors, choose Add Custom Connector, name it auto-dev and paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, then sign in - Cursor (~/.cursor/mcp.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Cursor. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - VS Code (.vscode/mcp.json): `{"servers":{"auto-dev":{"type":"http","url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. For Copilot agent mode, VS Code 1.99 or later. Sign-in opens on first use. - Windsurf (~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"serverUrl":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Windsurf. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - Grok Bot: send `Add a custom MCP server called auto-dev at https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Confirm, then choose Authorize and sign in. Type @auto-dev in a chat to use it. - Muse: send `Connect Auto.dev`. Or open Settings, then Connectors, and choose Connect next to Auto.dev. Sign in when asked. - ChatGPT and dots: At chatgpt.com/plugins, choose + and Add custom MCP server, paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp and choose OAuth, then Create as a plugin. Your dot uses the same plugin Or install the `auto` CLI, the local MCP server (`auto --mcp`) and the JavaScript SDK in one package: ```sh npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk auto login auto mcp install ``` - Agent skill: `npx skills add drivly/auto-dev-skill` This API is the `auto_recalls` MCP tool. From the terminal: `auto recalls WP0AF2A99KS165242` ## Questions ### What does the Vehicle Recalls API return? NHTSA campaign number, affected component, summary and consequence, remedy, park-it and over-the-air flags, model year, make and model. Every response is JSON from `https://api.auto.dev/recalls/{vin}`. ### How much does the Vehicle Recalls API cost? Vehicle Recalls is available from the Growth plan. It costs $0.01 per call on Growth and $0.007 per call on Scale, on top of the plan's subscription. ### How do I call the Vehicle Recalls API? Send `GET /recalls/{vin}` to `api.auto.dev` with your API key as a Bearer token in the `Authorization` header, or as an `apiKey` query parameter. The path takes `vin`, the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). ### What are the rate limits for Vehicle Recalls? Rate limits follow your plan: 5 requests per second on Free, 10 on Growth and 50 on Scale. Vehicle Recalls needs Growth or above. ### Can AI agents use the Vehicle Recalls API? Yes. Connect the hosted MCP server, `https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`, and agents such as Claude Code and Cursor call it as the `auto_recalls` tool, signing in with OAuth instead of an API key. Or run it locally: `npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk`, then `auto login` and `auto mcp install`. ## Related APIs - [Open Recalls](https://www.auto.dev/open-recalls.md): Active and unresolved vehicle recall information from NHTSA. ## References - Docs: https://docs.auto.dev/v2/products/vehicle-recalls - OpenAPI: https://www.auto.dev/openapi.json (JSON), https://www.auto.dev/openapi.yaml (YAML) - llms.txt: https://www.auto.dev/llms.txt - Pricing: https://www.auto.dev/pricing - Sign up: https://www.auto.dev/signin?redirectUrl=%2Fonboarding --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/open-recalls # Open Recalls API > Get currently active and unresolved vehicle recall information from the NHTSA database. Open Recalls returns only the recalls on a VIN that are still open and unresolved, from NHTSA data, with the recall status, component, consequence, remedy and expected remediation date. Send GET /openrecalls/{vin} with your API key. It is available on the Scale plan at $0.06 per call, with up to 50 requests per second. ## Endpoint `GET https://api.auto.dev/openrecalls/{vin}` - `vin` (path): 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). Format: `[A-HJ-NPR-Z0-9]{17}`. Authenticate with `Authorization: Bearer `, `?apiKey=` or `X-API-Key: `. ```sh curl "https://api.auto.dev/openrecalls/WP0AF2A99KS165242" \ -H "Authorization: Bearer $AUTODEV_API_KEY" ``` ## What it returns - Recall status - NHTSA campaign number - Affected component - Consequence and remedy - Expected remediation date Response: ```json { "data": [ { "manufacturer": "Porsche Cars North America, Inc.", "nhtsaCampaignNumber": "21V201000", "parkIt": false, "parkOutSide": false, "overTheAirUpdate": false, "reportReceivedDate": "24/03/2021", "component": "SUSPENSION:REAR", "summary": "Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster, 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupe, Carrera 4S Coupe, and Carrera S Cabriolet vehicles. The screw connection on the rear axle upper control arm may be loose.", "consequence": "A loose connection may fail, causing driving instability and increasing the risk of a crash.", "remedy": "Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will rework and tighten the screw connection on the rear axle upper control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMA6.", "notes": "Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.", "recallStatus": "Open", "expectedRemediationDate": null, "modelYear": "2019", "make": "PORSCHE", "model": "911" } ] } ``` ## Pricing - Free: not available on this plan, 5 requests per second - Growth: not available on this plan, 10 requests per second - Scale: $0.06 per call, 50 requests per second ## Use it from an AI agent Hosted MCP server (recommended): https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, named `auto-dev`. Sign-in is OAuth on first use, so agents never handle an API key. - Claude Code: `claude mcp add --transport http auto-dev https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Then run /mcp in Claude Code and choose Authenticate for auto-dev. - Claude Desktop: In Settings, open Connectors, choose Add Custom Connector, name it auto-dev and paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, then sign in - Cursor (~/.cursor/mcp.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Cursor. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - VS Code (.vscode/mcp.json): `{"servers":{"auto-dev":{"type":"http","url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. For Copilot agent mode, VS Code 1.99 or later. Sign-in opens on first use. - Windsurf (~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"serverUrl":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Windsurf. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - Grok Bot: send `Add a custom MCP server called auto-dev at https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Confirm, then choose Authorize and sign in. Type @auto-dev in a chat to use it. - Muse: send `Connect Auto.dev`. Or open Settings, then Connectors, and choose Connect next to Auto.dev. Sign in when asked. - ChatGPT and dots: At chatgpt.com/plugins, choose + and Add custom MCP server, paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp and choose OAuth, then Create as a plugin. Your dot uses the same plugin Or install the `auto` CLI, the local MCP server (`auto --mcp`) and the JavaScript SDK in one package: ```sh npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk auto login auto mcp install ``` - Agent skill: `npx skills add drivly/auto-dev-skill` This API is the `auto_open_recalls` MCP tool. From the terminal: `auto open-recalls WP0AF2A99KS165242` ## Questions ### What does the Open Recalls API return? Recall status, NHTSA campaign number, affected component, consequence and remedy, expected remediation date. Every response is JSON from `https://api.auto.dev/openrecalls/{vin}`. ### How much does the Open Recalls API cost? Open Recalls is available from the Scale plan. It costs $0.06 per call on Scale, on top of the plan's subscription. ### How do I call the Open Recalls API? Send `GET /openrecalls/{vin}` to `api.auto.dev` with your API key as a Bearer token in the `Authorization` header, or as an `apiKey` query parameter. The path takes `vin`, the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). ### What are the rate limits for Open Recalls? Rate limits follow your plan: 5 requests per second on Free, 10 on Growth and 50 on Scale. Open Recalls needs Scale or above. ### Can AI agents use the Open Recalls API? Yes. Connect the hosted MCP server, `https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`, and agents such as Claude Code and Cursor call it as the `auto_open_recalls` tool, signing in with OAuth instead of an API key. Or run it locally: `npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk`, then `auto login` and `auto mcp install`. ## Related APIs - [Vehicle Recalls](https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-recalls.md): Safety recalls, service bulletins, and manufacturer notifications. ## References - Docs: https://docs.auto.dev/v2/products/open-recalls - OpenAPI: https://www.auto.dev/openapi.json (JSON), https://www.auto.dev/openapi.yaml (YAML) - llms.txt: https://www.auto.dev/llms.txt - Pricing: https://www.auto.dev/pricing - Sign up: https://www.auto.dev/signin?redirectUrl=%2Fonboarding --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/taxes-fees # Vehicle Taxes & Fees API > Retrieves all applicable taxes and fees for a vehicle sale based on its VIN and location. Taxes & Fees returns the taxes and fees on a vehicle sale by VIN and ZIP code: state, county, city and district sales tax, title, registration, DMV and documentation fees, and the total. Send GET /taxes/{vin} with your API key. It is available on the Scale plan at $0.005 per call. ## Endpoint `GET https://api.auto.dev/taxes/{vin}` - `vin` (path): 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). Format: `[A-HJ-NPR-Z0-9]{17}`. - `price` (query, optional): Sale price in US dollars. - `zip` (query, optional): ZIP code for location-specific taxes and fees. - `docFee` (query, optional): Dealer documentation fee. - `tradeIn` (query, optional): Trade-in value. - `rate` (query, optional): Finance rate. - `downPayment` (query, optional): Down payment. - `months` (query, optional): Loan term in months. Authenticate with `Authorization: Bearer `, `?apiKey=` or `X-API-Key: `. ```sh curl "https://api.auto.dev/taxes/WP0AF2A99KS165242?price=25000&zip=33132&docFee=200&tradeIn=15000" \ -H "Authorization: Bearer $AUTODEV_API_KEY" ``` ## What it returns - Total taxes and fees - State, county, city and district sales tax - Title and registration fees - DMV fees - Documentation fee Response: ```json { "vehicle": { "vin": "WP0AF2A99KS165242", "year": "2019", "make": "Porsche", "model": "911" }, "criteria": { "price": 25000, "zip": "33132", "docFee": 200, "tradeIn": "15000" }, "totalTaxesAndFees": 1260.75, "taxes": { "citySalesTax": 0, "combinedSalesTax": 700, "countySalesTax": 100, "districtSalesTax": 0, "stateSalesTax": 600, "gasGuzzlerTax": 0 }, "fees": { "titleFee": 85.25, "registrationFee": 247.5, "dmvFee": 28, "combinedFees": 560.75, "docFee": 200, "dmvFees": { "License Plate Fee": 28 } } } ``` ## Pricing - Free: not available on this plan, 5 requests per second - Growth: not available on this plan, 10 requests per second - Scale: $0.005 per call, 50 requests per second ## Use it from an AI agent Hosted MCP server (recommended): https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, named `auto-dev`. Sign-in is OAuth on first use, so agents never handle an API key. - Claude Code: `claude mcp add --transport http auto-dev https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Then run /mcp in Claude Code and choose Authenticate for auto-dev. - Claude Desktop: In Settings, open Connectors, choose Add Custom Connector, name it auto-dev and paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, then sign in - Cursor (~/.cursor/mcp.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Cursor. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - VS Code (.vscode/mcp.json): `{"servers":{"auto-dev":{"type":"http","url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. For Copilot agent mode, VS Code 1.99 or later. Sign-in opens on first use. - Windsurf (~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"serverUrl":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Windsurf. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - Grok Bot: send `Add a custom MCP server called auto-dev at https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Confirm, then choose Authorize and sign in. Type @auto-dev in a chat to use it. - Muse: send `Connect Auto.dev`. Or open Settings, then Connectors, and choose Connect next to Auto.dev. Sign in when asked. - ChatGPT and dots: At chatgpt.com/plugins, choose + and Add custom MCP server, paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp and choose OAuth, then Create as a plugin. Your dot uses the same plugin Or install the `auto` CLI, the local MCP server (`auto --mcp`) and the JavaScript SDK in one package: ```sh npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk auto login auto mcp install ``` - Agent skill: `npx skills add drivly/auto-dev-skill` This API is the `auto_taxes` MCP tool. From the terminal: `auto taxes WP0AF2A99KS165242 --price 25000 --zip 33132 --doc-fee 200 --trade-in 15000` ## Questions ### What does the Taxes & Fees API return? Total taxes and fees, state, county, city and district sales tax, title and registration fees, DMV fees, documentation fee. Every response is JSON from `https://api.auto.dev/taxes/{vin}`. ### How much does the Taxes & Fees API cost? Taxes & Fees is available from the Scale plan. It costs $0.005 per call on Scale, on top of the plan's subscription. ### How do I call the Taxes & Fees API? Send `GET /taxes/{vin}` to `api.auto.dev` with your API key as a Bearer token in the `Authorization` header, or as an `apiKey` query parameter. The path takes `vin`, the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). ### What are the rate limits for Taxes & Fees? Rate limits follow your plan: 5 requests per second on Free, 10 on Growth and 50 on Scale. Taxes & Fees needs Scale or above. ### Can AI agents use the Taxes & Fees API? Yes. Connect the hosted MCP server, `https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`, and agents such as Claude Code and Cursor call it as the `auto_taxes` tool, signing in with OAuth instead of an API key. Or run it locally: `npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk`, then `auto login` and `auto mcp install`. ## Related APIs - [Interest Rates](https://www.auto.dev/interest-rates.md): Real-time automotive financing rates and lending information. - [Vehicle Payments](https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-payments.md): Calculate monthly payments, financing options, and payment estimates. - [Total Cost of Ownership](https://www.auto.dev/total-cost-ownership.md): Comprehensive ownership costs including depreciation, maintenance, and operating expenses. ## References - Docs: https://docs.auto.dev/v2/products/taxes-fees - OpenAPI: https://www.auto.dev/openapi.json (JSON), https://www.auto.dev/openapi.yaml (YAML) - llms.txt: https://www.auto.dev/llms.txt - Pricing: https://www.auto.dev/pricing - Sign up: https://www.auto.dev/signin?redirectUrl=%2Fonboarding --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/total-cost-ownership # Total Cost of Ownership API > Estimated costs of owning a vehicle, including taxes, fees, and other expenses, based on a given VIN. Total Cost of Ownership estimates what a vehicle will cost to own, by VIN and ZIP code, in total and year by year: depreciation, insurance, maintenance, repairs, fuel, finance interest, taxes and fees, and the average cost per mile. Send GET /tco/{vin} with your API key. It costs $0.06 per call on Growth, or $0.04 on Scale. ## Endpoint `GET https://api.auto.dev/tco/{vin}` - `vin` (path): 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). Format: `[A-HJ-NPR-Z0-9]{17}`. - `zip` (query, optional): ZIP code (auto-detected from the caller's location when omitted). - `fromZip` (query, optional): Origin ZIP code. Authenticate with `Authorization: Bearer `, `?apiKey=` or `X-API-Key: `. ```sh curl "https://api.auto.dev/tco/1GYKPDRSXSZ102995?zip=76548" \ -H "Authorization: Bearer $AUTODEV_API_KEY" ``` ## What it returns - Five-year total - Cost per year - Depreciation - Insurance, maintenance and repairs - Fuel and finance interest - Cost per mile Response: ```json { "vehicle": { "vin": "1GYKPDRSXSZ102995", "year": 2025, "make": "Cadillac", "model": "XT6", "manufacturer": "General Motors LLC" }, "zip": "76548", "tco": { "total": { "federalTaxCredit": 0, "insurance": 8505, "maintenance": 6695, "repairs": 1881, "taxesAndFees": 4067, "financeInterest": 11134, "depreciation": 34660, "fuel": 10950, "tcoPrice": 77892, "averageCostPerMile": 1.04 }, "years": { "1": { "insurance": 1586, "maintenance": 546, "repairs": 0, "taxesAndFees": 3823, "financeInterest": 3814, "depreciation": 14166, "fuel": 2063, "tcoPrice": 25998, "averageCostPerMile": 1.04 }, "2": { "insurance": 1642, "maintenance": 918, "repairs": 0, "taxesAndFees": 61, "financeInterest": 3078, "depreciation": 5800, "fuel": 2124, "tcoPrice": 13623, "averageCostPerMile": 1.04 }, "3": { "insurance": 1699, "maintenance": 735, "repairs": 0, "taxesAndFees": 61, "financeInterest": 2286, "depreciation": 4739, "fuel": 2188, "tcoPrice": 11708, "averageCostPerMile": 1.04 }, "4": { "insurance": 1758, "maintenance": 2515, "repairs": 745, "taxesAndFees": 61, "financeInterest": 1436, "depreciation": 5313, "fuel": 2254, "tcoPrice": 14082, "averageCostPerMile": 1.04 }, "5": { "insurance": 1820, "maintenance": 1981, "repairs": 1136, "taxesAndFees": 61, "financeInterest": 520, "depreciation": 4642, "fuel": 2321, "tcoPrice": 12481, "averageCostPerMile": 1.04 } } } } ``` ## Pricing - Free: not available on this plan, 5 requests per second - Growth: $0.06 per call, 10 requests per second - Scale: $0.04 per call, 50 requests per second ## Use it from an AI agent Hosted MCP server (recommended): https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, named `auto-dev`. Sign-in is OAuth on first use, so agents never handle an API key. - Claude Code: `claude mcp add --transport http auto-dev https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Then run /mcp in Claude Code and choose Authenticate for auto-dev. - Claude Desktop: In Settings, open Connectors, choose Add Custom Connector, name it auto-dev and paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, then sign in - Cursor (~/.cursor/mcp.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Cursor. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - VS Code (.vscode/mcp.json): `{"servers":{"auto-dev":{"type":"http","url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. For Copilot agent mode, VS Code 1.99 or later. Sign-in opens on first use. - Windsurf (~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"serverUrl":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Windsurf. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - Grok Bot: send `Add a custom MCP server called auto-dev at https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Confirm, then choose Authorize and sign in. Type @auto-dev in a chat to use it. - Muse: send `Connect Auto.dev`. Or open Settings, then Connectors, and choose Connect next to Auto.dev. Sign in when asked. - ChatGPT and dots: At chatgpt.com/plugins, choose + and Add custom MCP server, paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp and choose OAuth, then Create as a plugin. Your dot uses the same plugin Or install the `auto` CLI, the local MCP server (`auto --mcp`) and the JavaScript SDK in one package: ```sh npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk auto login auto mcp install ``` - Agent skill: `npx skills add drivly/auto-dev-skill` This API is the `auto_tco` MCP tool. From the terminal: `auto tco 1GYKPDRSXSZ102995 --zip 76548` ## Questions ### What does the Total Cost of Ownership API return? Five-year total, cost per year, depreciation, insurance, maintenance and repairs, fuel and finance interest, cost per mile. Every response is JSON from `https://api.auto.dev/tco/{vin}`. ### How much does the Total Cost of Ownership API cost? Total Cost of Ownership is available from the Growth plan. It costs $0.06 per call on Growth and $0.04 per call on Scale, on top of the plan's subscription. ### How do I call the Total Cost of Ownership API? Send `GET /tco/{vin}` to `api.auto.dev` with your API key as a Bearer token in the `Authorization` header, or as an `apiKey` query parameter. The path takes `vin`, the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (letters and digits, excluding I, O, and Q). ### What are the rate limits for Total Cost of Ownership? Rate limits follow your plan: 5 requests per second on Free, 10 on Growth and 50 on Scale. Total Cost of Ownership needs Growth or above. ### Can AI agents use the Total Cost of Ownership API? Yes. Connect the hosted MCP server, `https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`, and agents such as Claude Code and Cursor call it as the `auto_tco` tool, signing in with OAuth instead of an API key. Or run it locally: `npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk`, then `auto login` and `auto mcp install`. ## Related APIs - [Interest Rates](https://www.auto.dev/interest-rates.md): Real-time automotive financing rates and lending information. - [Vehicle Payments](https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-payments.md): Calculate monthly payments, financing options, and payment estimates. - [Taxes & Fees](https://www.auto.dev/taxes-fees.md): Registration fees, taxes, and location-specific vehicle costs. ## References - Docs: https://docs.auto.dev/v2/products/total-cost-ownership - OpenAPI: https://www.auto.dev/openapi.json (JSON), https://www.auto.dev/openapi.yaml (YAML) - llms.txt: https://www.auto.dev/llms.txt - Pricing: https://www.auto.dev/pricing - Sign up: https://www.auto.dev/signin?redirectUrl=%2Fonboarding --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/pricing # Auto.dev pricing > Free costs $0 for up to 1,000 API calls a month, with no card. Growth ($299 a month, or $2,988 a year) and Scale ($599 a month, or $5,988 a year) cost the plan plus each API call at that plan's per-call rate. Calls are billed monthly on both monthly and yearly billing. Enterprise is custom. ## How a bill is calculated A Growth or Scale bill is the plan price plus, for each API you call, the number of calls times that API's per-call rate on your plan. - Monthly billing: the plan (Growth $299, Scale $599) and that month's calls are billed every month. - Yearly billing: the plan is quoted per month (Growth $249, Scale $499) and billed once a year: $2,988 for Growth, $5,988 for Scale. Calls are still billed every month. - Per-call rates are the same on monthly and yearly billing. - Free: $0, with no card required. It is capped at 1,000 calls a month in total across Global VIN Decode, Vehicle Listings and Vehicle Photos. Requests stop at the limit until the monthly reset, and there is no overage charge. - Enterprise: custom data fees, licensing and rate limits, agreed with sales rather than bought at checkout. - A 207 partial answer from Global VIN Decode, Specifications or OEM Build Data is not billed and counts toward no quota. - Calling an API your plan does not include returns HTTP 402, naming the plan it needs. Going over your plan's rate limit returns HTTP 429. Details: https://docs.auto.dev/v2/reference/errors ## Plans ### Free Get 1,000 API calls per month for evaluation and small projects. - Price: $0. No card required. - Calls: 1,000 a month in total, capped. Requests stop at the limit. - Rate limit: 5 requests per second. - APIs: Global VIN Decode, Vehicle Listings and Vehicle Photos. ### Growth For growing automotive applications. Usage-based data fees apply. - Price: $299 a month on monthly billing. On yearly billing, $249 a month, charged once a year as $2,988. - Calls: Unlimited monthly volume, each billed at its API's Growth rate every month. - Rate limit: 10 requests per second. - APIs: everything on Free, plus Specifications, OEM Build Data, Interest Rates, Vehicle Payments, Vehicle Recalls and Total Cost of Ownership. ### Scale For large-scale automotive platforms. Usage-based data fees apply. - Price: $599 a month on monthly billing. On yearly billing, $499 a month, charged once a year as $5,988. - Calls: Unlimited monthly volume, each billed at its API's Scale rate every month. - Rate limit: 50 requests per second. - APIs: everything on Growth, plus Plate-to-VIN, Open Recalls and Taxes & Fees. ### Enterprise For organizations with custom volume, licensing, or support needs. - Price: Custom. Contact sales from the Enterprise card at https://www.auto.dev/pricing. - Unlimited API request volume - Custom data fees & licensing - Custom rate limits - Everything in Scale - Bulk data feeds - Batch processing - Enterprise SSO (SAML) - Custom SLA ## Per-call rates Rates are USD per call. Endpoints are paths on https://api.auto.dev. First plan is the lowest plan that offers the API; every plan above it offers it too. Included means the API is on Free, within its 1,000 calls a month. Not included means the plan cannot call it. | API | Endpoint | First plan | Free | Growth | Scale | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Global VIN Decode](https://www.auto.dev/vin.md) | `/vin/{vin}` | Free | Included | $0.0025 | $0.0015 | | [Plate-to-VIN](https://www.auto.dev/plate-to-vin.md) | `/plate/{state}/{plate}` | Scale | Not included | Not included | $0.055 | | [Specifications](https://www.auto.dev/specifications.md) | `/specs/{vin}` | Growth | Not included | $0.0015 | $0.001 | | [OEM Build Data](https://www.auto.dev/oem-build-data.md) | `/build/{vin}` | Growth | Not included | $0.10 | $0.08 | | [Vehicle Listings](https://www.auto.dev/listings.md) | `/listings/{vin}` | Free | Included | $0.0015 | $0.001 | | [Vehicle Photos](https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-photos.md) | `/photos/{vin}` | Free | Included | $0.0009 | $0.0007 | | [Interest Rates](https://www.auto.dev/interest-rates.md) | `/apr/{vin}` | Growth | Not included | $0.005 | $0.004 | | [Vehicle Payments](https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-payments.md) | `/payments/{vin}` | Growth | Not included | $0.005 | $0.004 | | [Vehicle Recalls](https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-recalls.md) | `/recalls/{vin}` | Growth | Not included | $0.01 | $0.007 | | [Open Recalls](https://www.auto.dev/open-recalls.md) | `/openrecalls/{vin}` | Scale | Not included | Not included | $0.06 | | [Taxes & Fees](https://www.auto.dev/taxes-fees.md) | `/taxes/{vin}` | Scale | Not included | Not included | $0.005 | | [Total Cost of Ownership](https://www.auto.dev/total-cost-ownership.md) | `/tco/{vin}` | Growth | Not included | $0.06 | $0.04 | ## Worked examples Each example runs the pricing page's estimator math. Per month on yearly billing spreads the yearly plan charge over 12 months. The 12 months column assumes the same calls every month. ### 50,000 Global VIN Decode calls a month | Plan | Billing | Plan charge | Calls a month | Per month | 12 months | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Growth | Monthly | $299 a month | 50,000 × $0.0025 = $125 | $424 | $5,088 | | Growth | Yearly | $2,988 once a year | 50,000 × $0.0025 = $125 | $374 | $4,488 | | Scale | Monthly | $599 a month | 50,000 × $0.0015 = $75 | $674 | $8,088 | | Scale | Yearly | $5,988 once a year | 50,000 × $0.0015 = $75 | $574 | $6,888 | - Free is not an option: Free stops at 1,000 calls a month. - Lowest cost: Growth, on monthly and on yearly billing. - With Global VIN Decode alone, Scale costs less than Growth above 300,000 calls a month on monthly billing, or above 250,000 on yearly billing. ### 5,000 Plate-to-VIN and 20,000 Global VIN Decode calls a month | Plan | Billing | Plan charge | Calls a month | Per month | 12 months | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Scale | Monthly | $599 a month | 5,000 × $0.055 + 20,000 × $0.0015 = $305 | $904 | $10,848 | | Scale | Yearly | $5,988 once a year | 5,000 × $0.055 + 20,000 × $0.0015 = $305 | $804 | $9,648 | - Free is not an option: Plate-to-VIN is not on Free. - Growth is not an option: Plate-to-VIN is on Scale only. - Only Scale covers this usage. ## Questions ### Why choose Auto.dev? Auto.dev is used by automotive businesses of all sizes, from startups to enterprise companies. Our mission is to make automotive data accessible to every developer regardless of their budget or project size. ### How does pricing work? Start on the Free plan with 1,000 API calls included and no credit card required. Requests stop when you reach the limit, so you are never billed for something you did not choose. Growth and Scale are subscription plans billed monthly plus usage-based data rates. You can upgrade, downgrade or cancel anytime. ### Can I try Growth or Scale before paying full price? Yes: start Growth or Scale with a 7-day trial for a one-time $1. A payment method is required and is charged the $1 at checkout; your plan's subscription fee begins automatically at the end of the trial unless you cancel first. Any usage during the trial is billed at your plan's data rates. You can cancel anytime, including during the trial, to avoid the subscription charge. See our Terms for full details. ### Can I cancel anytime? Yes! Auto.dev is a subscription-based service and you can cancel anytime. ### How many API requests can Auto.dev handle? With continuous optimization, the infrastructure behind the Auto.dev APIs is built for scale, with blazing fast response times. You can use the Free plan to test the API and get a feel for the data. ### How often is API data updated? Auto.dev is integrated with multiple channels delivering real-time data, which is why the database used by the Auto.dev API is updated regularly, with dozens of updates per month. ### What happens if I use all 1,000 included API calls? On the Free plan your requests stop until the monthly reset. There is no card on file and no overage charge. Upgrade to Growth or Scale to keep going: they add endpoints, higher rate limits, and usage-based data rates beyond the calls included in your plan. ## References - Docs: https://docs.auto.dev - OpenAPI: https://www.auto.dev/openapi.json (JSON), https://www.auto.dev/openapi.yaml (YAML) - llms.txt: https://www.auto.dev/llms.txt - Pricing: https://www.auto.dev/pricing - Sign up: https://www.auto.dev/signin?redirectUrl=%2Fonboarding --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/agents # Auto.dev for AI agents > Every Auto.dev API as an MCP tool. Connect the hosted server, https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, or run it locally with the auto CLI. Agents sign in with OAuth, not an API key. ## Use it from an AI agent Hosted MCP server (recommended): https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, named `auto-dev`. Sign-in is OAuth on first use, so agents never handle an API key. - Claude Code: `claude mcp add --transport http auto-dev https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Then run /mcp in Claude Code and choose Authenticate for auto-dev. - Claude Desktop: In Settings, open Connectors, choose Add Custom Connector, name it auto-dev and paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp, then sign in - Cursor (~/.cursor/mcp.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Cursor. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - VS Code (.vscode/mcp.json): `{"servers":{"auto-dev":{"type":"http","url":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. For Copilot agent mode, VS Code 1.99 or later. Sign-in opens on first use. - Windsurf (~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json): `{"mcpServers":{"auto-dev":{"serverUrl":"https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp"}}}`. Restart Windsurf. Sign-in opens on the first tool call. - Grok Bot: send `Add a custom MCP server called auto-dev at https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`. Confirm, then choose Authorize and sign in. Type @auto-dev in a chat to use it. - Muse: send `Connect Auto.dev`. Or open Settings, then Connectors, and choose Connect next to Auto.dev. Sign in when asked. - ChatGPT and dots: At chatgpt.com/plugins, choose + and Add custom MCP server, paste https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp and choose OAuth, then Create as a plugin. Your dot uses the same plugin Or install the `auto` CLI, the local MCP server (`auto --mcp`) and the JavaScript SDK in one package: ```sh npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk auto login auto mcp install ``` - Agent skill: `npx skills add drivly/auto-dev-skill` ## Tools - `auto_decode`: Global VIN Decode. Decode any VIN to access comprehensive vehicle data and specifications. CLI: `auto decode`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/vin.md - `auto_plate`: Plate-to-VIN. Decode US license plates to get VIN, year, make, model, and more. CLI: `auto plate`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/plate-to-vin.md - `auto_specs`: Specifications. Detailed technical specifications, features, and options for any vehicle model. CLI: `auto specs`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/specifications.md - `auto_build`: OEM Build Data. Original equipment manufacturer build data and production information. CLI: `auto build`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/oem-build-data.md - `auto_listings`: Vehicle Listings. Access millions of active vehicle listings with real-time pricing and availability. CLI: `auto listings`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/listings.md - `auto_photos`: Vehicle Photos. High-quality vehicle images and photo galleries for listings and inventory. CLI: `auto photos`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-photos.md - `auto_apr`: Interest Rates. Real-time automotive financing rates and lending information. CLI: `auto apr`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/interest-rates.md - `auto_payments`: Vehicle Payments. Calculate monthly payments, financing options, and payment estimates. CLI: `auto payments`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-payments.md - `auto_recalls`: Vehicle Recalls. Safety recalls, service bulletins, and manufacturer notifications. CLI: `auto recalls`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/vehicle-recalls.md - `auto_open_recalls`: Open Recalls. Active and unresolved vehicle recall information from NHTSA. CLI: `auto open-recalls`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/open-recalls.md - `auto_taxes`: Taxes & Fees. Registration fees, taxes, and location-specific vehicle costs. CLI: `auto taxes`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/taxes-fees.md - `auto_tco`: Total Cost of Ownership. Comprehensive ownership costs including depreciation, maintenance, and operating expenses. CLI: `auto tco`. Page: https://www.auto.dev/total-cost-ownership.md - `auto_docs`: looks up any tool's parameters. The hosted server also has `search` and `fetch`. Works with Claude Code, Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code, Windsurf, Grok Bot, Muse, ChatGPT and dots, and any other MCP client. ## Questions ### What is the Auto.dev MCP server? A Model Context Protocol server that gives AI agents every Auto.dev API as a tool. The hosted server is `https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp`, named `auto-dev`, with nothing to install. The `auto` CLI can also run it on your machine as `auto --mcp`. ### Which agents does it work with? The docs give setup for Claude Code, Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code, Windsurf, Grok Bot, Muse, ChatGPT and dots. Any other MCP client can add the hosted server by its URL. For the local server, `auto mcp install` configures Claude Code, Claude Desktop and Cursor. ### Do I need an API key? No. Agents sign in with OAuth: the first tool call opens a browser sign-in, and the client refreshes the token after that. Where no browser can open, such as CI, set `AUTODEV_API_KEY` in the environment or in the MCP server config. ### Which tools does it have? One tool for each API: `auto_decode`, `auto_plate`, `auto_specs`, `auto_build`, `auto_listings`, `auto_photos`, `auto_apr`, `auto_payments`, `auto_recalls`, `auto_open_recalls`, `auto_taxes`, `auto_tco`. `auto_docs` looks up any parameter, so the agent never guesses. The hosted server also has search and fetch. ### What does it cost? Installing the MCP server, CLI and SDK costs nothing. You pay only for API usage on your plan: Free includes 1,000 calls a month, and Growth and Scale bill per call. ### Can I use the CLI or SDK without MCP? Yes. `npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk` gives the `auto` CLI for the terminal, the MCP server for agents and the JavaScript SDK for code. Use whichever fits. ## References - Docs: https://docs.auto.dev - OpenAPI: https://www.auto.dev/openapi.json (JSON), https://www.auto.dev/openapi.yaml (YAML) - llms.txt: https://www.auto.dev/llms.txt - Pricing: https://www.auto.dev/pricing - Sign up: https://www.auto.dev/signin?redirectUrl=%2Fonboarding --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/blog # Auto.dev blog > Guides, product updates and answers about vehicle data, VINs and building with Auto.dev. - [How to Decode a List of VINs in Google Sheets](https://www.auto.dev/blog/decode-vins-in-google-sheets.md) (2026-10-21): Paste a short Apps Script into your sheet, save your Auto.dev API key as a script property, and type =VIN(A2) to get the year, make, model and trim. For long lists, use the Auto.dev menu instead: it paces itself, writes plain values and picks up where it stopped. Each VIN is one API call. - [NHTSA's VIN Decoder (vPIC): What It Returns and Where It Stops](https://www.auto.dev/blog/nhtsa-vin-decoder-vpic.md) (2026-10-21): vPIC is NHTSA's public VIN decoder. It needs no key, costs nothing, and is built from the VIN filings carmakers submit to NHTSA, so it's good at what a VIN encodes: year, make, model, body, engine and often the trim. It can't tell you a specific car's options, paint or option prices, because a VIN doesn't contain them. Those come from the manufacturer's build data. - [How to Research a Used Car With Claude](https://www.auto.dev/blog/research-a-used-car-with-claude.md) (2026-10-21): On its own, Claude answers car questions from its training data. It can't see what's listed near you today or read a specific car's factory options. Add the Auto.dev connector in Claude Desktop (Settings, Connectors, Add Custom Connector, https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp) and it can search live dealer listings, decode VINs, check recalls and pull a car's build data, then turn the results into a spreadsheet or a sale listing. No code or API key needed. - [Automotive Data for AI Agents](https://www.auto.dev/blog/automotive-data-for-ai-agents.md) (2026-04-04): Auto.dev connects to AI agents four ways: a hosted MCP server at mcp.auto.dev with OAuth sign-in and nothing to install, the auto CLI and a local MCP server from @auto.dev/sdk, a JavaScript/TypeScript SDK, and an agent skill for agents without MCP. Agents can then search listings, decode VINs, calculate payments and check recalls from plain-English requests, limited to what your plan includes. - [Clickable Links: Exploring Auto.dev APIs In The Browser](https://www.auto.dev/blog/clickable-links.md) (2025-09-16): Raw Auto.dev API responses embed clickable, hypermedia-style links, so once you're signed in you can explore the API in your browser without hunting for routes. Start with a VIN Decode call, follow the discover object to related endpoints, use the actions object to learn query parameters, and open the embedded docs links for depth. - [What is a Squish VIN?](https://www.auto.dev/blog/what-is-a-squish-vin.md) (2025-09-15): A Squish VIN is a 10-character version of the 17-character VIN: positions 1–8 and 10–11, without the check digit and the serial number. It identifies a VIN pattern (the model, body, engine, model year and plant) rather than one vehicle, which makes it a useful key for specs and for finding comparable cars. Auto.dev returns it with every VIN decode, and the Listings API filters by it with vehicle.squishVin. - [What is a Vehicle Identification Number?](https://www.auto.dev/blog/what-is-a-vin.md) (2025-09-15): A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code that identifies a specific vehicle and stays constant for its entire life. It encodes the manufacturer, model, engine, model year, and assembly plant, and appears on the dashboard, driver's-side door jamb, and title. Auto.dev's VIN Decode API turns a VIN into its year, make, model, trim, engine and origin, and the Specifications and OEM Build Data APIs add specs, pricing and factory options. --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/blog/decode-vins-in-google-sheets # How to Decode a List of VINs in Google Sheets > A copy-paste Apps Script that turns a column of VINs into year, make, model and trim, with a menu for long lists. Plus what it costs and Google's limits. 2026-10-21 · Auto.dev Team · 3 min read ## In short Paste a short Apps Script into your sheet, save your Auto.dev API key as a script property, and type =VIN(A2) to get the year, make, model and trim. For long lists, use the Auto.dev menu instead: it paces itself, writes plain values and picks up where it stopped. Each VIN is one API call. If you work with vehicles, you probably have a spreadsheet with a column of VINs and not much else. This script fills in the rest: a `=VIN()` formula for a few rows, and a menu for hundreds. ## What you need - A Google Sheet with VINs in one column. - An Auto.dev API key. Create one in your [dashboard](https://www.auto.dev/dashboard/api-keys) under API Keys. ## How to decode VINs in Google Sheets 1. In your sheet, open Extensions, then Apps Script. 2. Replace everything in `Code.gs` with the script below, and save. 3. Open Project Settings (the gear icon), scroll to Script Properties, and add a property named `AUTODEV_API_KEY` with your key as its value. 4. Back in the sheet, type `=VIN(A2)` next to your first VIN. The year, make, model and trim fill that cell and the three to its right. Drag it down for more rows. 5. For a long list, reload the sheet, select the VINs, and choose Auto.dev, then Decode selected VINs. Google asks you to authorize the script the first time. The menu writes into the four columns to the right of your selection, so leave those empty. ## The script ```js title="Code.gs" // Auto.dev VIN decoding for Google Sheets. // =VIN(A2) decodes one VIN. For long lists, use the Auto.dev menu. // The columns to fill, in order. Add any field from the VIN Decode response, // like "engine", "drive", "body" or "origin". const COLUMNS = ["year", "make", "model", "trim"] function VIN(vin) { if (!vin) return [COLUMNS.map(() => "")] return [decode_(vin)] } function onOpen() { SpreadsheetApp.getUi() .createMenu("Auto.dev") .addItem("Decode selected VINs", "decodeSelection") .addToUi() } // Writes results into the columns to the right of the selected VINs, as plain // values. Skips rows that are already filled, so you can run it again. function decodeSelection() { const sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSheet() const range = sheet.getActiveRange() const vins = range.getValues() const firstRow = range.getRow() const outCol = range.getLastColumn() + 1 const filled = sheet.getRange(firstRow, outCol, vins.length, 1).getValues() const start = Date.now() let done = 0 for (let i = 0; i < vins.length; i++) { if (!vins[i][0] || filled[i][0] !== "") continue if (Date.now() - start > 5 * 60 * 1000) break // Google stops scripts at 6 minutes sheet.getRange(firstRow + i, outCol, 1, COLUMNS.length).setValues([decode_(vins[i][0])]) done++ Utilities.sleep(250) // stays under 5 requests a second } const left = vins.filter((v, i) => v[0] && filled[i][0] === "").length - done const note = left > 0 ? `Decoded ${done}. Run it again for the other ${left}.` : done ? `Decoded ${done}.` : "Nothing to decode: those rows are already filled." SpreadsheetApp.getActive().toast(note) } function decode_(vin) { const key = PropertiesService.getScriptProperties().getProperty("AUTODEV_API_KEY") if (!key) return error_("Add AUTODEV_API_KEY in Project Settings") const url = "https://api.auto.dev/vin/" + encodeURIComponent(String(vin).trim()) let res for (let tries = 0; tries < 3; tries++) { res = UrlFetchApp.fetch(url, { headers: { Authorization: "Bearer " + key }, muteHttpExceptions: true }) if (res.getResponseCode() !== 429) break Utilities.sleep(1000 * (tries + 1)) // rate limited: wait and try again } const code = res.getResponseCode() let data = {} try { data = JSON.parse(res.getContentText()) } catch (e) {} if (code === 200) return COLUMNS.map((c) => value_(data, c)) if (code === 207) return partial_(data) const err = data.error && (data.error.message || data.error) return error_("Error " + code + ": " + (err || "no details")) } // A field from a 200 response. The year lives under vehicle; an ambiguous VIN // has no single trim, so show its candidates. function value_(data, col) { const v = data.vehicle || {} if (col === "year") return v.year || data.year || "" if (col === "trim" && !data.trim && data.trims) return "One of: " + data.trims.join(", ") const x = data[col] !== undefined && data[col] !== null ? data[col] : v[col] return x === undefined || x === null ? "" : x } // A trailer, motorcycle or heavy truck gets a partial answer: what the public // decoders named, and why there's no more, in the last column. function partial_(data) { const v = data.vehicle || {} const row = COLUMNS.map((c) => (c === "make" ? v.make || v.manufacturer : v[c]) || "") row[row.length - 1] = "Partial: " + data.reason return row } function error_(message) { return COLUMNS.map((c, i) => (i === 0 ? message : "")) } ``` For a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, `3GCUDHEL3NG668790`, a row comes out as `2022 | Chevrolet | Silverado 1500 | ZR2`. Some rows come out differently on purpose. When several trims share a VIN pattern, the decoder doesn't guess, so a 2026 Cybertruck's trim column reads "One of: Dual Motor, Premium, Base". Trailers, motorcycles and heavy trucks get a partial answer, with the reason in the last column. A mistyped VIN or a missing key shows the API's message in the first column; to retry a row, clear its cells and run the menu again. ## What it costs Each VIN is one API call, from the formula or the menu. VIN decoding is on every plan. The Free plan stops at 1,000 calls a month and paid plans bill each call, so check [pricing](https://www.auto.dev/pricing) before a big run. Partial answers aren't billed. A formula only runs again when you edit its VIN or the formula itself, so an open sheet doesn't keep calling the API. The menu writes plain values, which never call it again. ## Limits to know - Google gives a formula 30 seconds and a menu run 6 minutes. The menu stops itself at 5 minutes and tells you how many are left; run it again and it skips the rows already filled. - A personal Google account can make 20,000 URL fetches a day, and a Workspace account 100,000. - The Free plan allows 5 requests a second, so the menu waits a quarter of a second between VINs. Drag `=VIN()` down hundreds of rows and Sheets runs them in parallel, so some may hit the limit. The script retries those, but the menu is the better tool for long lists. ## Using Excel or a CSV instead? Excel doesn't run Apps Script, but if you save the column as a CSV, the command line does the same job: ```bash npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk tail -n +2 vins.csv | cut -d, -f1 | while read -r vin; do auto decode "$vin" --json --api-key "$AUTODEV_API_KEY" done ``` That prints one JSON result per VIN. ## Questions ### Can I decode VINs in Google Sheets without an API key? Yes, with NHTSA's vPIC API, which needs no key. It returns 154 fields per VIN, most of them empty, with makes in capital letters, and takes up to 50 VINs per batch request. We tested it in NHTSA's VIN decoder: what it returns and where it stops. ### Why does a cell say "Exceeded maximum execution time"? Google gives a formula 30 seconds. A slow or rate-limited request can run past that. Use the Auto.dev menu for long lists, since it has 6 minutes per run. ### How do I add columns like engine or drivetrain? Add the field names to COLUMNS at the top of the script, for example "engine", "drive", "body" or "origin". The VIN Decode docs list every field. ### Is my API key safe in the script? Script properties keep the key out of the sheet's cells, but anyone who can edit the script can read it. Only share edit access with people you'd trust with the key. --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/blog/nhtsa-vin-decoder-vpic # NHTSA's VIN Decoder (vPIC): What It Returns and Where It Stops > What NHTSA's vPIC API returned for real VINs, the quirks to plan for, and why no VIN decoder can tell you a car's options or color. 2026-10-21 · Auto.dev Team · 4 min read ## In short vPIC is NHTSA's public VIN decoder. It needs no key, costs nothing, and is built from the VIN filings carmakers submit to NHTSA, so it's good at what a VIN encodes: year, make, model, body, engine and often the trim. It can't tell you a specific car's options, paint or option prices, because a VIN doesn't contain them. Those come from the manufacturer's build data. We use vPIC ourselves. It's one of the sources our decoder asks when a VIN's maker isn't in our tables, so this isn't a takedown. On October 21, 2026 we ran it on a few VINs from our docs. Here's what came back, and what no decoder can tell you, ours included. ## What vPIC is vPIC, the Product Information Catalog Vehicle Listing, is NHTSA's record of how carmakers assign VINs. Manufacturers file that information under 49 CFR Part 565, and vPIC decodes a VIN by matching it against those filings. The endpoint most people want returns one flat object per VIN: ```bash curl "https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/api/vehicles/DecodeVinValues/WP0AF2A99KS165242?format=json" ``` There's also `DecodeVINValuesBatch`, which takes up to 50 VINs per request. NHTSA doesn't publish a rate limit. Its docs say traffic is managed by "an automated traffic rate control mechanism", so pace big jobs. ## What it returned for a 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS The response has 154 fields. For `WP0AF2A99KS165242`, 52 of them had a value. These are the ones most apps need: | Field | vPIC value | | --- | --- | | `ModelYear` | 2019 | | `Make`, `Model` | PORSCHE, 911 | | `Series`, `Trim` | Type 991, GT3 RS | | `BodyClass` | Coupe | | `DisplacementL`, `EngineCylinders`, `EngineHP` | 4, 6, 520 | | `DriveType` | RWD/Rear-Wheel Drive | | `TransmissionSpeeds` | 7 | | `BasePrice` | 187500 | | `PlantCity`, `PlantCountry` | STUTTGART-ZUFFENHAUSEN, GERMANY | | `Note` | Curb Weight (lbs): 3153-3517 | That's more than vPIC usually gets credit for: the trim, the horsepower, even the base price. Look at the last row, though. The curb weight is a range because vPIC describes every car that shares this VIN pattern, not this one car. Usually that's the same thing. Not always. ## What no VIN decoder can tell you Here's the build data for that same car, from our [OEM Build Data API](/oem-build-data): ```json { "exteriorColor": { "GT Silver Metallic": "#A2A2A2" }, "interiorColor": { "Black": "#000000" }, "transmission": "PDK 7-speed auto-shift manual", "options": { "474": "Front Axle Lift System", "QR5": "Chrono Package with Preparation For Lap Trigger", "U2": "GT Silver Metallic", "XDH": "Wheels Painted in Satin Platinum" }, "optionsMsrp": 8950 } ``` None of that is in the VIN. In a North American VIN, positions 4 to 8 describe the vehicle (model line, series, body, engine and restraints), position 9 is a check digit, 10 is the model year, 11 is the plant, and 12 to 17 are the serial number. There's no slot for paint, packages or what they cost. So a decoder that gives you options from a VIN alone is either reading build data behind the scenes or guessing. Ask any vendor which, us included. ## When the VIN can't settle the trim We also ran a 2026 Tesla Cybertruck, `7G2CEHED3TA100196`. vPIC returned the make, model and year, a 123 kWh battery and "Dual Motor" as the drive unit. It left `Trim` empty. Our decoder doesn't name a trim for that VIN either. As [our docs show](https://docs.auto.dev/v2/products/vin-decode#ambiguous-vins), it returns `"trim": null` with the candidates, most likely first: ```json "trims": ["Dual Motor", "Premium", "Base"] ``` Both answers are honest. Several trims share that VIN pattern, and only the car's build data or window sticker can say which it is. A decoder that always returns exactly one trim is guessing some of the time. ## Quirks to plan for - **Empty means unknown.** Most of the 154 fields come back as empty strings. An empty `BlindSpotMon` doesn't mean the car has no blind spot monitoring. - **Read `ErrorCode`, not the error text.** Our 2022 Silverado ZR2 and the Cybertruck both decoded cleanly, with `ErrorCode` "0". Both also came back with `AdditionalErrorText` saying "The Model Year decoded for this VIN may be incorrect." - **Names come back as filed.** Makes are in capitals (CHEVROLET), and model and series are split, so that Silverado is `Model` "Silverado" with `Series` "1500". Plan on a mapping layer before you show these to people. - **50 VINs per batch and no published rate limit.** Fine behind a form. Slow going for a 100,000-row inventory. - **No recalls.** vPIC only decodes. NHTSA's recalls API looks recalls up by make, model and year rather than by VIN, so its list for a 2019 911 includes a recall written for the 911 Speedster and 2020 Carrera models. Whether one specific car still has an unfixed recall is a separate question. ## When vPIC is enough vPIC is a good fit when you need the year, make, model, body and engine of US-market vehicles, you can live with capital letters, empty fields and a mapping layer, and your volume is modest or you can pace it. Look elsewhere when you need: - A specific car's options, colors or option prices. - Ranked trim candidates when the VIN can't settle the trim. - Listings, photos, payments or a per-VIN open recall check next to the decode. - One key, a rate limit you can plan around, and someone to email when a VIN decodes wrong. That second list is what we built [Auto.dev](/vin) for. VIN decoding is on every plan, and build data starts on Growth. ## Questions ### Does the NHTSA VIN decoder API need an API key? No. vPIC is public and needs no key or account. NHTSA manages traffic automatically, so pace large jobs. ### How many VINs can vPIC decode at once? Up to 50 per request with DecodeVINValuesBatch. Longer lists need more than one request. ### Can a VIN tell you a car's options or color? No. A VIN encodes the model line, body, engine, model year, plant and a serial number. Options, paint and option prices come from the manufacturer's build data. ### How accurate is vPIC? It's as good as the filings carmakers submit to NHTSA. Fields that describe a range, like curb weight, cover the whole VIN pattern rather than one car. --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/blog/research-a-used-car-with-claude # How to Research a Used Car With Claude > Connect Claude to live dealer listings and VIN data, then ask it to compare cars, check recalls and write your Marketplace listing. No code needed. 2026-10-21 · Auto.dev Team · 3 min read ## In short On its own, Claude answers car questions from its training data. It can't see what's listed near you today or read a specific car's factory options. Add the Auto.dev connector in Claude Desktop (Settings, Connectors, Add Custom Connector, https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp) and it can search live dealer listings, decode VINs, check recalls and pull a car's build data, then turn the results into a spreadsheet or a sale listing. No code or API key needed. Someone on our team recently got a question from their brother-in-law. He was shopping for a 2024 Ford Expedition and wanted to know what they were listed for. He also needed to sell his current car to pay for it. He could have done all of it himself, in the Claude app he already had. Here's how. ## Why Claude can't answer this on its own Without tools, Claude answers from its training data. That works for "is the Expedition's third row comfortable for adults?" It doesn't work for what's for sale near you today, how a specific car was built (options and paint aren't in the VIN), or whether a recall applies to the car in front of you. Claude will often answer those anyway, and sound sure. ## How to connect Claude to Auto.dev This works in Claude Desktop, with nothing to install. 1. Open Claude Desktop and go to Settings, then Connectors. 2. Choose Add Custom Connector. Name it auto-dev and paste `https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp` as the URL. 3. Sign in when the browser window opens. There's no API key to copy. 4. Start a new chat. Claude now has tools for listings, VIN decoding, recalls and more, and uses them when a question needs them. ## What to ask ### Shopping: see what's listed near you > Find 2024 Ford Expeditions for sale within 50 miles of 75201. Put them in a CSV with trim, price, miles, dealer and a link to each listing, cheapest first. Claude searches listings with the `auto_listings` tool and builds the file from the results. These are asking prices on dealer listings that are live right now, not what cars sold for, and private-party ads aren't included. Listings search is on the Free plan, at one call per page of up to 20 listings. ### Checking: before you drive to see one > Here's the VIN from the listing: [paste the VIN]. What exactly is this car, and does it have any recalls? Claude decodes the VIN with `auto_decode` and pulls recalls with `auto_recalls`. Recall lists are issued by model and year, so they can include recalls that don't apply to this car. Ours for a 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS includes one written for the 911 Speedster and 2020 Carrera models. To know whether this car still needs a repair, ask for its open recalls (`auto_open_recalls`). Decoding is on Free, recall lists on Growth and open recalls on Scale. If you ask for something your plan doesn't cover, the reply names the plan it needs, so Claude can tell you. ### Selling: write the listing for your current car > My car's VIN is [paste the VIN]. Pull its factory options, look at similar cars listed near 75201, and write my Facebook Marketplace listing. Leave the price and mileage for me to fill in. Claude reads the car's build data with `auto_build` and searches listings for comparable asking prices. The build data is what makes this better than a listing written from memory. For a 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (VIN `WP0AF2A99KS165242`), it returns: - GT Silver Metallic paint over a Black interior - 4.0L flat-six with 520 hp and a 7-speed PDK transmission - Factory options: Chrono Package with Preparation For Lap Trigger, Front Axle Lift System, and Wheels Painted in Satin Platinum - $8,950 in options when new Those details are easy to leave out of a listing you write yourself, and they're what buyers search for. Build data is on Growth. ## What it can't do - Tell you what a car is worth. It sees dealer asking prices, not sale prices, private sales or price history. - Replace a history report. There are no accident records, owner counts or title brands here. - Search outside the US. Listings come from US dealers. Claude can also slip when it summarizes, so open the links for the cars you care about before you drive anywhere. ## Questions ### Can Claude look up a VIN? Not reliably on its own. Claude can explain what a VIN is, but it can't decode a specific one from memory. With the Auto.dev connector added, it decodes the VIN through the API and answers from the result. ### What does it cost? Listings search, VIN decoding and photos are included in the Free plan, up to 1,000 calls a month. Recall lists and build data need Growth, and open-recall checks need Scale. See pricing for details. ### Does this work with ChatGPT? Our setup guide covers Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf and VS Code today. The connector uses the open MCP standard, so other apps that accept a custom MCP server URL may work with the same address, but we haven't documented them yet. --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/blog/automotive-data-for-ai-agents # Automotive Data for AI Agents > Give any AI agent access to Auto.dev automotive data through the hosted MCP server, the CLI, the SDK or the agent skill: search listings, decode VINs, calculate payments and check recalls in plain English. 2026-04-04 · Auto.dev Team · 5 min read ## In short Auto.dev connects to AI agents four ways: a hosted MCP server at mcp.auto.dev with OAuth sign-in and nothing to install, the auto CLI and a local MCP server from @auto.dev/sdk, a JavaScript/TypeScript SDK, and an agent skill for agents without MCP. Agents can then search listings, decode VINs, calculate payments and check recalls from plain-English requests, limited to what your plan includes. ## Introduction Developers building with automotive data shouldn't have to memorize API parameters or dig through docs every time they need to search listings or decode a VIN. With Auto.dev, AI agents call the APIs directly. You describe what you need in plain English. The quickest way in is the hosted MCP server: add `https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp` to your agent and sign in. For the terminal, scripts or your own code, one install gives you the `auto` CLI, a local MCP server and a JavaScript/TypeScript SDK: ```bash npm install -g @auto.dev/sdk ``` It works with **Claude Code**, **Claude Desktop**, **Cursor**, **Windsurf** and **VS Code** through MCP, and with **Codex**, **OpenClaw** and [dozens of other agents](https://github.com/vercel-labs/skills#supported-agents) through the agent skill. --- ## Four Ways to Use Auto.dev with AI Agents ### Hosted MCP Server (Recommended) The [MCP](https://modelcontextprotocol.io) server gives AI assistants like Claude direct access to Auto.dev as tools. Add `https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp` to your client, sign in, and your agent gets `auto_decode`, `auto_listings`, `auto_payments` and 12 other tools, limited to what your plan includes. There's nothing to install and no API key to manage. If you'd rather run the server locally, `npx @auto.dev/sdk mcp install` sets it up. ### CLI The `auto` command line tool lets agents (and you) run queries straight from the terminal: `auto decode `, `auto listings --make Toyota`, `auto docs payments`. Sign in once with `auto login`, and add `--json` for machine-readable output. ### SDK The `@auto.dev/sdk` package gives you typed methods for each API. Import it, initialize it with your API key, and call `auto.decode()`, `auto.listings()` or `auto.payments()`, with full TypeScript support and structured responses. ### Agent Skill The [agent skill](https://github.com/drivly/auto-dev-skill) teaches AI coding agents how to use Auto.dev: the right parameters, response formats, error handling and workflow patterns. Install it with `npx skills add drivly/auto-dev-skill` for agents that don't support MCP. --- ## What Can You Do With It? ### Search & Export Vehicle Listings > Find all Toyota RAV4s under $30k near Miami and export to CSV Searches millions of active US dealer listings by make, model, year, trim, price, mileage, body style, color, state and distance from a ZIP code, among other filters. Your agent turns the results into CSV or JSON. Listings search is on every plan. --- ### Decode & Enrich VINs > Decode these VINs and enrich the CSV Hand your agent a CSV of VINs and it decodes them one at a time, one API call per VIN, adding the year, make, model, trim, engine, drive type, origin and manufacturer. --- ### Validate VINs > Validate all of these VINs to make sure they're real Checks the format, the check digit and whether each VIN decodes, and flags the ones that don't. --- ### Calculate Payments > Find SUVs under \$40k within 50 miles from 33132 and show monthly payments with \$5k down Calculates monthly loan payments with current interest rates, location-specific taxes and fees, and APRs across 36 to 84 month terms. Payments and rates are on the Growth plan. --- ### Check Recalls > Is this car recalled? Check VIN 1FMUK7DHXSGA27345 Looks up NHTSA recall history for a VIN, with park-it flags, affected components and the remedy (Growth plan). To see which recalls are still unrepaired on that specific car, use Open Recalls on the Scale plan. --- ### Chain Multiple APIs Together > Find SUVs under $40k near Miami with no open recalls and show me monthly payments Chains a listings search, an open recall check and a payment calculation in one conversation: one request, several endpoints. The open recall check needs the Scale plan. --- ### Generate Code > Build me a used car search app with Next.js Scaffolds a project with Auto.dev API integration, TypeScript types and error handling for Next.js, React, Express, Flask or Python. --- ## Get Started in 60 Seconds **Step 1:** Connect your agent to the hosted server. In Claude Code: ```bash claude mcp add --transport http auto-dev https://mcp.auto.dev/mcp ``` Then run `/mcp` in Claude Code and choose Authenticate for auto-dev. In Claude Desktop, open Settings, then Connectors, choose Add Custom Connector, and paste the same URL. The [MCP quickstart](https://docs.auto.dev/v2/mcp-quickstart) covers Cursor, Windsurf and VS Code. **Step 2:** Ask your agent anything > Decode VIN WP0AF2A99KS165242 You should see a 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS. If you do, you're up and running. For a local setup instead, run `npx @auto.dev/sdk mcp install`, then `auto login`. For agents that don't support MCP, install the skill: ```bash npx skills add drivly/auto-dev-skill ``` --- ## Not Just for Developers You don't need to write code to use any of this. Anyone with Claude Desktop can add the connector and search inventory, check recalls, compare payments or validate a VIN in plain English. We wrote up [how to research a used car with Claude](/blog/research-a-used-car-with-claude) step by step. > Find me SUVs under $35k with AWD near 90210 > Is this car recalled? Check VIN 1FMUK7DHXSGA27345 > What would the monthly payment be with $8k down? Whether you're a dealer researching competitor inventory, a fleet manager sourcing vehicles, or shopping for your next car, connect it and start asking. --- ## What's Next The Auto.dev agent skill is open source under the MIT license. Browse the source, report issues or contribute new workflow patterns at [github.com/drivly/auto-dev-skill](https://github.com/drivly/auto-dev-skill). If there's a workflow you'd like to see, [open an issue](https://github.com/drivly/auto-dev-skill/issues) or submit a PR. --- ## Questions ### Which AI agents are supported? Any MCP client can use the hosted server, and our quickstart covers Claude Code, Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf and VS Code. Codex, OpenClaw and dozens of other agents can use the agent skill. ### Do I need an API key? Not for the hosted MCP server or the CLI. Both sign in with OAuth. You need an API key for direct API calls, the SDK, or jobs that run unattended. Choose a plan to get one. ### Do I need to pay for the skill? No. The skill and the @auto.dev/sdk package (CLI, local MCP server and SDK) are MIT licensed and cost nothing, and so does connecting to the hosted MCP server. You pay only for API usage on your plan. ### What's the difference between MCP and the agent skill? MCP gives your agent direct tool access to Auto.dev, so it calls the APIs natively. The agent skill teaches your agent how to make HTTP calls to the APIs. MCP is the better choice when your agent supports it; the skill works with everything else. ### What if I hit an API endpoint my plan doesn't include? The response names the plan you need and includes an upgrade link, so your agent can tell you which one. ### Can I contribute new workflows or fix issues? Yes. The skill is open source at github.com/drivly/auto-dev-skill. Submit a PR or open an issue. ### How do I update? The hosted server stays current on its own. npm update -g @auto.dev/sdk updates the CLI, local MCP server and SDK, and npx skills update updates the agent skill. --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/blog/clickable-links # Clickable Links: Exploring Auto.dev APIs In The Browser > How the links inside Auto.dev API responses let you explore new endpoints, click around and see results faster, right in your browser. 2025-09-16 · Auto.dev Team · 3 min read ## In short Raw Auto.dev API responses embed clickable, hypermedia-style links, so once you're signed in you can explore the API in your browser without hunting for routes. Start with a VIN Decode call, follow the discover object to related endpoints, use the actions object to learn query parameters, and open the embedded docs links for depth. ## A Better Developer Experience One of the most underrated features of Auto.dev is that **API responses include clickable links**, which turns the API into something you can browse. Each raw response ships **hypermedia-style links** that point to the next logical step. Sign in at auto.dev and you can **click through the API like a web app**: discover endpoints, explore results and open the docs without breaking flow. ## Why this matters - **Zero guesswork:** The next endpoint is in the payload. - **Faster discovery:** Browse like a web app, with no route hunting. - **Still documented:** Each response also links to the relevant **Docs** page. --- ## Explore Auto.dev by Clicking Links Let's walk through a single VIN to see how this works in practice. ## How to Explore Auto.dev Using Clickable Links 1. Sign in at auto.dev, then open a VIN Decode link in your browser (or call it with your API key) 2. Review the response's `discover` object to see the related endpoints 3. Click any endpoint your plan includes, like Vehicle Recalls (the others return a 402 that names the plan you need) 4. Use the `actions` object to learn about query parameters by clicking examples 5. Open the `api.docs` link from any response for detailed documentation ## 1. Start with [VIN Decode](https://api.auto.dev/vin/WP0AF2A99KS165242) In your browser, signed in, open the link above. From a terminal, pass your API key: ```bash curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" https://api.auto.dev/vin/WP0AF2A99KS165242 ``` ```json title="VIN Decode Response" {4,23} { "api": { "description": "Vehicle VIN Decode", "docs": "https://docs.auto.dev/v2/products/vin-decode" }, "vin": "WP0AF2A99KS165242", "make": "Porsche", "model": "911", "trim": "GT3 RS", "vehicle": { "year": 2019, "make": "Porsche", "model": "911" }, "discover": { "Vehicle VIN Decode": "https://api.auto.dev/vin/WP0AF2A99KS165242", "Specifications": "https://api.auto.dev/specs/WP0AF2A99KS165242", "OEM Build Data": "https://api.auto.dev/build/WP0AF2A99KS165242", "Vehicle Listings": "https://api.auto.dev/listings/WP0AF2A99KS165242", "Vehicle Photos": "https://api.auto.dev/photos/WP0AF2A99KS165242", "Current Interest Rates": "https://api.auto.dev/apr/WP0AF2A99KS165242", "Vehicle Payments": "https://api.auto.dev/payments/WP0AF2A99KS165242", "Vehicle Recalls": "https://api.auto.dev/recalls/WP0AF2A99KS165242", "Open Vehicle Recalls": "https://api.auto.dev/openrecalls/WP0AF2A99KS165242", "Total Cost of Ownership": "https://api.auto.dev/tco/WP0AF2A99KS165242" } } ``` The payload orients you immediately: - [**Docs**](https://docs.auto.dev/v2/products/vin-decode) for VIN Decode. - **Vehicle Recalls** and other endpoints via `discover`. ## 2. Follow a Link to [Vehicle Recalls](https://api.auto.dev/recalls/WP0AF2A99KS165242) ```bash https://api.auto.dev/recalls/WP0AF2A99KS165242 ``` Now you're seeing **Vehicle Recalls** (on the Growth plan), and you still have a clickable **Docs** link right in the payload. The response below is trimmed; current responses also list international recalls, such as UK campaigns, in `internationalRecalls`. ```json title="Vehicle Recalls Response" {4} { "api": { "description": "Vehicle Recalls", "docs": "https://docs.auto.dev/v2/products/vehicle-recalls" }, "data": [ { "manufacturer": "Porsche Cars North America, Inc.", "nhtsaCampaignNumber": "21V201000", "parkIt": false, "parkOutSide": false, "overTheAirUpdate": false, "reportReceivedDate": "24/03/2021", "component": "SUSPENSION:REAR", "summary": "Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster, 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupe, Carrera 4S Coupe, and Carrera S Cabriolet vehicles. The screw connection on the rear axle upper control arm may be loose.", "consequence": "A loose connection may fail, causing driving instability and increasing the risk of a crash.", "remedy": "Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will rework and tighten the screw connection on the rear axle upper control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMA6.", "notes": "Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.", "modelYear": "2019", "make": "PORSCHE", "model": "911" } ], "totalRecalls": 1 } ``` Notice the summary: this recall was filed for the 2019 911 Speedster and some 2020 Carrera models, not the GT3 RS. Recall lists come from NHTSA by make, model and year, so they can include recalls that don't apply to the exact car. [Open Recalls](/open-recalls) answers the per-car question. ## 3. Branch Out to Another Endpoint The same VIN works on every endpoint. Swap the path to `/taxes/` (on the Scale plan): ```bash https://api.auto.dev/taxes/WP0AF2A99KS165242 ``` The response breaks the total into state, county, city and district sales tax, plus title, registration, DMV and doc fees. Here's a trimmed example from [our docs](https://docs.auto.dev/v2/products/taxes-fees), for a 2021 Acura ILX at $85,000 in 90210: ```json title="Taxes & Fees Response" { "criteria": { "price": "85000", "zip": "90210", "docFee": 200, "tradeIn": 0 }, "totalTaxesAndFees": 9585.5, "taxes": { "combinedSalesTax": 8500, "stateSalesTax": 5100, "countySalesTax": 212.5, "citySalesTax": 637.5, "districtSalesTax": 2550 }, "fees": { "titleFee": 23, "registrationFee": 65, "dmvFee": 797.5, "docFee": 200, "combinedFees": 1085.5 } } ``` Raw responses also include an **`actions` object**: links that change one query parameter at a time, like a different price or ZIP code. Click one and watch the URL change, and you've learned the parameter. Change both price and ZIP, and the URL looks like this: ```bash https://api.auto.dev/taxes/WP0AF2A99KS165242?price=8314&zip=90210 ``` ## 4. The API Object: Always Oriented Every raw response also includes an **API object** that names the endpoint and links to its docs: ```json { "api": { "name": "api.auto.dev", "description": "Vehicle VIN Decode", "url": "https://api.auto.dev/vin", "docs": "https://docs.auto.dev/v2/products/vin-decode" } } ``` From here you can open the [**Docs**](https://docs.auto.dev/v2/products/vin-decode) directly, or go back to the [**API root**](https://api.auto.dev), which lists the endpoints you can call by VIN. ## 5. Explore Different VINs The `examples` object gives you quick links to compare different years, makes and models with the **same API**. ```json { "examples": { "2024 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT": "https://api.auto.dev/vin/3GTUUDED5RG412402", "2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy": "https://api.auto.dev/vin/KM8R7DGE4RU770604", "2013 Ford Focus SE": "https://api.auto.dev/vin/1FADP3F23DL333360" } } ``` --- ## Why This Improves Developer Experience - **Exploration by clicking:** Treat the API like a web app. - **Docs in the payload:** No context switching. - **Discovery built in:** Endpoints you didn't know existed show up on their own. This design keeps you **in flow**: learning and building at the same time. --- ## Questions ### How is Auto.dev different from traditional REST APIs? Raw responses include discover, actions and api.docs links, so you navigate the API from the payload instead of memorizing routes or switching tabs. ### Do I need an SDK to use Auto.dev? No. Sign in at auto.dev to explore in a browser, or use curl with your API key. The CLI, SDK and MCP tools return the data without these links by default; the links are in the raw API responses. ### Why are hypermedia-style links better for onboarding? They teach in flow. New developers follow discover links to try features right away, then open api.docs for the details when they need them. ### Are these links just for demos, or production-ready? Production-ready. The URLs and parameters you click while exploring are the same ones you call from your app. ### How do I stay current as endpoints evolve? Each payload embeds api.docs and discover links, and the API root lists the endpoints you can call by VIN, so there's always an up-to-date entry point. --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/blog/what-is-a-squish-vin # What is a Squish VIN? > What a Squish VIN is, how it's formed from a 17-character VIN, how it differs from the first-10 VIN insurers use, and how to search listings by one. 2025-09-15 · Auto.dev Team · 3 min read ## In short A Squish VIN is a 10-character version of the 17-character VIN: positions 1–8 and 10–11, without the check digit and the serial number. It identifies a VIN pattern (the model, body, engine, model year and plant) rather than one vehicle, which makes it a useful key for specs and for finding comparable cars. Auto.dev returns it with every VIN decode, and the Listings API filters by it with vehicle.squishVin. ## Introduction A Squish VIN is a shortened, 10-character form of the standard 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It keeps the characters that describe what kind of vehicle it is and drops the ones that identify a single car. --- ## How is a Squish VIN Formed? A Squish VIN keeps positions 1–8 (the World Manufacturer Identifier and the Vehicle Descriptor Section) and positions 10–11 (the model year and the plant). It drops the check digit in position 9 and the serial number in positions 12–17. **Full VIN:** `ZPBUA1ZL9KLA00848` **Squish VIN:** `ZPBUA1ZLKL` - Keep positions 1–8: `ZPBUA1ZL` - Drop position 9, the check digit: `9` - Keep positions 10–11: `KL` - Drop positions 12–17, the serial number: `A00848` --- ## What a Squish VIN Identifies Because the serial number is gone, a Squish VIN doesn't point to one vehicle. It points to a VIN pattern: every vehicle of the same make, model line, body, engine and model year from the same plant shares it. That makes it a good key for anything those vehicles have in common, like specs and style data, and for finding comparable cars. It's also why it can't stand in for a full VIN when something is specific to one car, such as its options, its recall repairs or its history. --- ## Squish VIN vs. the First 10 Characters Insurers often work from a VIN prefix too, but a different one. Verisk, whose rating data many insurers use, notes that ["many insurers rely on the first 10 digits of the VIN"](https://integration.verisk.com/products/truevin/) to extract vehicle information. Both are 10 characters long, so they're easy to mix up: | | Positions | Example for `ZPBUA1ZL9KLA00848` | |---|---|---| | **Squish VIN** | 1–8 and 10–11 | `ZPBUA1ZLKL` | | **First 10** | 1–10 | `ZPBUA1ZL9K` | The first 10 keep the check digit and drop the plant code. If two systems disagree about a "10-character VIN", check which one each of them means. --- ## How to Search by a Squish VIN 1. **Start with the Squish VIN** from your system or dataset. Every response from our [VIN Decode API](https://docs.auto.dev/v2/reference/decodeVin) includes a vehicle's `squishVin`. 2. **Call the Auto.dev Listings API** with the `vehicle.squishVin` parameter: ```bash https://api.auto.dev/listings?vehicle.squishVin=2T3H1RFVPW ``` 3. **Review the matching listings.** They're vehicles currently for sale that share that VIN pattern, each with its full VIN. 4. (Optional) **Decode the full VINs** from those listings if you need each vehicle's details. --- ## Questions ### Is a Squish VIN legally valid? No. Only the full 17-character VIN is recognized for registration, titling and compliance. ### Why would a system use a Squish VIN instead of a full VIN? When the data is the same for every vehicle of a pattern, like specs or style data, a Squish VIN is a natural key for it. Keep the full VIN for anything about one specific car. ### Can a Squish VIN be converted back to a full VIN? Not to a single VIN. The serial number is gone, and many vehicles share one Squish VIN. The Listings API can return the full VINs of listed vehicles that share it. ### Is a Squish VIN the same as the first 10 characters of a VIN? No. A Squish VIN is positions 1–8 plus 10–11. The first 10 characters keep the check digit in position 9 and leave out the plant code in position 11. ### Do Squish VINs exist outside the U.S.? They aren't part of the ISO 3779 VIN standard. The format assumes the North American layout, where position 10 is the model year and position 11 is the plant. --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/blog/what-is-a-vin # What is a Vehicle Identification Number? > Learn what a VIN is, why it matters, how to locate it, and how to decode it using the Auto.dev VIN Decode API. 2025-09-15 · Auto.dev Team · 3 min read ## In short A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code that identifies a specific vehicle and stays constant for its entire life. It encodes the manufacturer, model, engine, model year, and assembly plant, and appears on the dashboard, driver's-side door jamb, and title. Auto.dev's VIN Decode API turns a VIN into its year, make, model, trim, engine and origin, and the Specifications and OEM Build Data APIs add specs, pricing and factory options. ![VIN Decode with Auto.dev](/images/VinDecode.png) A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character alphanumeric code used to identify individual vehicles. Unlike registration numbers that change with ownership, the VIN remains constant throughout the life of the vehicle, making it vital for **vehicle history, recalls, theft prevention, and registration**. --- ## Why is the VIN Important? 1. **Identification:** A VIN is a permanent fingerprint for every vehicle. 2. **Access to vehicle history:** VINs unlock service, ownership, and accident records. 3. **Theft prevention:** VINs are difficult to alter and aid in recovery. 4. **Safety and recall:** Automakers and regulators use VINs to target recall notifications. --- ## VIN Decode Breakdown Example VIN: `ZPBUA1ZL9KLA00848` (2019 Lamborghini Urus). | Property | Section | Description | |----------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | `ZPB` | **World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)** | Lamborghini's maker code. The leading `Z` is in the range assigned to Italy | | `UA1ZL` | **Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)** | Identifies model, body, engine | | `9` | **Check Digit** | Validates the VIN | | `K` | **Model Year** | Indicates 2019 | | `L` | **Plant Code** | Factory location | | `A00848` | **Serial Number** | Unique production sequence | --- ## What a VIN Decode Returns A decoder reads what the VIN encodes. Here's the response our [VIN Decode API](/vin) gives for a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, from our docs' example: ```json { "vin": "3GCUDHEL3NG668790", "vinValid": true, "wmi": "3GC", "origin": "Mexico", "squishVin": "3GCUDHELNG", "checkDigit": "3", "checksum": true, "make": "Chevrolet", "model": "Silverado 1500", "trim": "ZR2", "style": "4x4 4dr Crew Cab 5.8 ft. SB", "vehicle": { "year": 2022, "make": "Chevrolet", "model": "Silverado 1500", "manufacturer": "General Motors de Mexico" } } ``` The full response also has the body, engine, drive type and transmission. Some things a VIN can't tell you, though. Paint, interior color and factory options aren't encoded in it, so they come from the manufacturer's build data instead: | Data | Where it comes from | |------|---------------------| | Year, make, model, trim, style, body, engine, drive, transmission, origin | [VIN Decode](/vin), on every plan | | MSRP and invoice, horsepower and torque, fuel economy, dimensions, warranty, features | [Specifications](/specifications), Growth plan | | Factory options, paint and interior colors, options MSRP | [OEM Build Data](/oem-build-data), Growth plan | When several trims share a VIN pattern, the decoder doesn't guess. It returns `trim: null` and lists the candidates, most likely first. --- ## How to Locate Your VIN on Your Vehicle 1. **Dashboard:** Visible through the driver’s side windshield. 2. **Door pillar:** Sticker/plate on the driver’s side door frame. 3. **Engine bay or frame:** Stamped on the engine block or frame on some vehicles. 4. **Documents:** Registration, title and insurance card. --- ## Questions ### Where can I check a VIN for free? NHTSA's vPIC decoder is public and costs nothing. It returns the make, model, year, body, engine and plant that manufacturers report, but not options or recalls (NHTSA's recall lookup is separate). We compared it to a paid decoder in NHTSA's VIN decoder: what it returns and where it stops. Auto.dev's VIN Decode API is included on every plan. ### What happens if a VIN isn’t 17 characters long? VINs shorter than 17 characters usually belong to vehicles built before the 1981 model year, when US federal rules first required the 17-character format. Modern vehicles must have a 17-character VIN. ### Can a VIN reveal accident or service history? Not directly. A VIN identifies the vehicle, but accident and service history comes from reporting services that tie data back to that VIN. APIs like Auto.dev focus on decoding specs and configuration. ### Is the VIN format the same worldwide? Most countries follow the ISO 3779 standard, but some regions may add local variations. The core 17-character format remains consistent for global interoperability. ### Can VINs be faked or cloned? Yes, fraudsters sometimes clone VINs from legitimate vehicles. Decoding a VIN and cross-checking against vehicle specs, plant codes, and history reports helps detect inconsistencies. --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/terms # Terms of Service **Effective Date:** January 2026 **Last Updated:** September 16, 2026 --- ## 1. Agreement and Acceptance These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a binding legal agreement between you ("Customer," "you," or "your") and Drivly, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Drivly," "we," "our," or "us"). Auto.dev is a Drivly Inc. company. By accessing, using, or subscribing to the Auto.dev API services ("Services"), you agree to be bound by these Terms. **IF YOU ARE AGREEING TO THESE TERMS ON BEHALF OF YOUR EMPLOYER OR ANOTHER ENTITY, YOU REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT YOU HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO BIND SUCH ENTITY TO THESE TERMS.** ## 2. Service Description Auto.dev provides automotive data APIs that deliver vehicle information including VIN decoding, vehicle listings, specifications, photos, recalls, and related automotive data ("Automotive Data"). Our Services are designed for developers and engineers building automotive applications. ### 2.1 Subscription Plans We offer the following subscription tiers to new customers: - **Free Plan**: $0/month, limited to 1,000 API calls per month, with no payment method required and no usage-based fees - **Growth Plan**: $299/month (or $249/month if billed annually) plus usage-based fees - **Scale Plan**: $599/month (or $499/month if billed annually) plus usage-based fees **Starter Plan (closed to new subscriptions).** The Starter Plan is no longer available to new customers. Customers who held an active Starter subscription as of the Effective Date continue on it on the terms under which they subscribed — $0/month with 1,000 API calls included per month, then usage-based pricing, with a payment method required — for as long as that subscription remains active. Changing to another plan ends your Starter subscription and it cannot be resumed. Paid plans include usage-based data fees as detailed on our pricing page at [auto.dev/pricing](https://www.auto.dev/pricing). The Free Plan incurs no usage-based fees; it is limited to its monthly allowance instead. ### 2.2 API Usage and Billing - API calls are billed according to our published pricing schedule - Usage is tracked in real-time and billed through Stripe - Billing questions and refund requests should be directed to [team@auto.dev](mailto:team@auto.dev) before initiating a payment dispute — see Section 5.6 ## 3. Account Registration and Security ### 3.1 Account Requirements - You must be at least 18 years old and have the legal capacity to enter contracts - You must provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration - You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials ### 3.2 Account Responsibilities You agree to: - Keep your API keys secure and confidential - Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account - Use commercially reasonable efforts to prevent unauthorized access - Comply with all applicable laws and regulations ### 3.3 API Key Management - API keys can be rotated up to 3 times through your developer dashboard - You are responsible for updating your applications when rotating keys - Compromised API keys should be rotated immediately and reported to us at team@auto.dev - API keys are non-transferable and must not be shared between different applications or organizations - We may suspend or revoke API keys for security violations or Terms breaches ## 4. Acceptable Use and Restrictions ### 4.1 Permitted Use You may use our Services to: - Integrate automotive data into your applications - Build automotive-related software products and services - Access data for legitimate business purposes ### 4.2 Prohibited Activities You may NOT: - Resell, redistribute, or sublicense our Automotive Data to third parties - Use our Services to compete directly with Auto.dev - Attempt to reverse engineer, derive the structure of, or reconstruct any portion of our Automotive Data, APIs, schemas, ranking or scoring logic, or underlying databases — whether by inspection, probing, scraping, automated querying, or any other means - Use scrapers, crawlers, bots, headless browsers, or other automated means to extract data beyond the rate limits and scope of your subscribed plan, or to circumvent any technical access control - Probe, scan, or test the vulnerability of our Services, or attempt to bypass authentication, rate limiting, or any other security or access-control mechanism, without our prior written authorization - Use our Auto.dev brand, trademarks, or logos without written permission - Attempt to circumvent usage restrictions - Use the Services for any illegal, harmful, or fraudulent activities - Store or transmit malicious code, spam, or infringing content - Interfere with or disrupt the integrity or performance of our Services ### 4.3 Data Usage Rights - You receive a limited, non-exclusive license to use Automotive Data solely for your internal business purposes - You may not create derivative databases or competing data products - All intellectual property rights in our Services and data remain with Auto.dev ### 4.4 Fair Use Policy Included API call allowances — the calls provided as part of your plan before usage-based fees apply, and the monthly allowance on the Free Plan — are subject to fair use: - Included allowances on the Free Plan are intended for evaluation, development, and small-scale applications, and are not for production systems serving end users - Excessive or automated usage patterns designed to circumvent plan allowances or pricing may result in account review or suspension - Usage that impacts service performance for other customers is prohibited - We may contact you before taking action under this Section where the usage appears inadvertent ### 4.5 Agency and Client Use - Agencies and consultants may use our Services to build automotive solutions for their clients - Client applications must be for legitimate automotive business purposes - Agencies may not build competing automotive data services or APIs using our data - Each client engagement should have appropriate API usage limits for their use case ## 5. Payment Terms and Billing ### 5.1 Payment Processing All payments are processed through Stripe. By subscribing to our Services, you agree to Stripe's terms of service and authorize recurring charges to your payment method. ### 5.2 Billing Cycles - Monthly subscriptions are billed monthly in advance - Annual subscriptions are billed annually in advance at a discounted rate - Usage-based fees are billed monthly in arrears ### 5.3 Refund Policy **Annual Subscriptions:** - No refunds after 30 days of service use - If canceled within 30 days, you receive a refund minus the cost of one month at the annual plan rate **Monthly Subscriptions:** - May be canceled at any time through Stripe - No refunds for partial months or unused services - The first charge at the standard price following any introductory or promotional period follows the same policy: cancel before that period ends to avoid the charge entirely; cancellation after that charge stops future renewals, but the billing period already begun is non-refundable except where required by law ### 5.4 Price Changes We reserve the right to modify our pricing at any time. We will provide you at least thirty (30) days' advance notice by email of any increase to the recurring subscription price of a plan you are subscribed to. Any increased price will not take effect until your first billing cycle that begins after that notice period ends. Price changes never affect a billing cycle already in progress. Changes to usage-based data rates are published on our [pricing page](https://www.auto.dev/pricing) and take effect for usage incurred after publication. ### 5.5 Automatic Renewal, Promotional Offers, and Cancellation **Automatic renewal.** Paid subscriptions renew automatically. **Your subscription is a negative-option feature: unless you cancel, we will charge your payment method the then-current subscription price on each recurring billing date — monthly or annually, depending on the interval you selected — until you cancel.** **What you will be charged.** You will be charged the price, billing interval, and plan shown to you at checkout. As of the Effective Date, those prices are: - Growth Plan: $299/month, or $249/month if billed annually ($2,988/year) - Scale Plan: $599/month, or $499/month if billed annually ($5,988/year) Plus applicable taxes and any usage-based fees described on our [pricing page](https://www.auto.dev/pricing). If a different price is shown at checkout, that price controls. **Your authorization.** By completing checkout and providing a payment method, you expressly authorize Drivly, Inc. and its payment processor (Stripe) to charge your payment method (a) the amount shown to you at checkout, on the date your subscription begins or — where an introductory or promotional period applies — on the date that period ends, and (b) the then-current subscription price on each recurring billing date thereafter, until you cancel. **Promotional offers.** From time to time we may offer an introductory period, trial, discount, credit, or other promotional price on one or more plans. Any such offer is made at our discretion, may be limited to one per customer — including one per payment method, one per email domain for sole-proprietor accounts, and one per billing address — and may be withdrawn or changed at any time as to offers not yet accepted. **If an offer means you are charged nothing, or a reduced amount, at the start of your subscription, that offer is a negative-option feature: when the promotional period ends your subscription continues and is charged at the standard price shown to you at checkout, unless you cancel first.** The specific terms of any offer — its duration, its price, the date of your first charge at the standard price, and the amount of that charge — are disclosed to you at checkout and in your confirmation email before you accept, and those disclosed terms control. Any offer currently available is shown on our [pricing page](https://www.auto.dev/pricing) and at checkout; if no offer is shown there, none is currently available. **Current offer: 7-day trial for $1.** As of the Last Updated date, we offer a seven (7) day trial of the Growth and Scale plans for a one-time fee of one dollar ($1.00 USD). You may start it by signing up for Growth or Scale directly, or by upgrading from the Free or Starter plan. **The trial is a negative-option feature: your paid subscription begins automatically at the end of the trial unless you cancel first.** - **When it begins.** Your trial begins immediately when you elect to start it — by clicking "Start 7-day Trial" and then confirming with "Start trial" — and provide a payment method. It lasts seven (7) calendar days. The trial end date is shown to you at checkout and in your confirmation email. - **What you pay to start it.** Your payment method is charged the $1.00 fee when you start the trial. The fee is the price of the trial and is not refundable, including if you cancel during the trial. - **What you pay during it.** The plan's subscription fee is waived for the seven days. Usage-based data fees are **not** waived: API usage during the trial is billed at your plan's standard metered rates, on a separate invoice, whether or not you continue after the trial. - **What you pay after it.** Unless you cancel before the trial ends, your subscription converts to a paid subscription at the price, billing interval, and plan shown to you at checkout (see *What you will be charged*, above), charged on the day the trial ends and on each recurring billing date thereafter until you cancel. - **One per customer.** The trial is limited to one per customer — one per payment method, one per email domain for sole-proprietor accounts, and one per billing address. Customers who previously received a trial from us on any plan are not eligible. If this offer is withdrawn or changed, the pricing page and checkout will say so, and the terms disclosed there control. **Reminders.** Where you accept an offer under which your first charge at the standard price occurs after a promotional period, we will send you an email when the period begins confirming its start date, its end date, any fee charged to start it, and the amount that will be charged at the standard price when it ends — for a seven-day trial, that confirmation is itself at least seven days' notice of the charge — and a further reminder email approximately three (3) days before that charge, reminding you of it and of how to cancel. **How to cancel.** You may cancel at any time, with no penalty — including at any time during a promotional period, in which case you will not be charged the standard price for that period (any one-time fee paid to start a trial, and any usage-based fees already incurred, remain payable). You may cancel by: - Going to Dashboard → Billing in your account, or - Using the Stripe billing portal link in your confirmation email, or - Emailing [team@auto.dev](mailto:team@auto.dev) at least 24 hours before your next billing date Cancellation stops all future charges. If you cancel before a promotional period ends, you will not be charged the standard price for that period. If you cancel after your subscription has begun charging at the standard price, your access continues until the end of the then-current billing period; no refund is provided for the remainder of that period, except where required by law or as expressly stated in Section 5.3. ### 5.6 Pre-Dispute Resolution for Billing Charges If you believe a charge is incorrect, you agree to first contact us at [team@auto.dev](mailto:team@auto.dev) and give us a reasonable opportunity (at least seven (7) business days) to investigate and, where warranted, refund the charge. We respond to billing inquiries within two (2) business days. Failure to contact us before initiating a payment dispute for an authorized recurring charge — including the first charge at the standard price following a promotional period that you did not cancel — is a material breach of your obligations under this Section. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that initiate disputes for authorized charges without first attempting resolution. Nothing in this Section limits your rights under applicable law or your card network's rules. ## 6. Data and Privacy ### 6.1 Data Sources Our Automotive Data is collected from publicly available sources on the internet. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of third-party data. We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue access to specific data sets if: - Source terms of use change in ways that affect our ability to provide the data - Data becomes restricted or no longer publicly available - Legal requirements mandate removal of certain data types - We determine continued provision would violate applicable laws or regulations We will provide reasonable notice when possible, but immediate suspension may be necessary for legal compliance. ### 6.2 Your Data - We collect and store API usage data for billing and service improvement purposes - Your use of our Services is governed by our Privacy Policy - You retain ownership of any data you provide to us ### 6.3 International Users Our Services are available to international users, primarily development teams building products for US companies. International users are subject to additional privacy regulations as outlined in our Privacy Policy. ## 7. Service Availability and Support ### 7.1 Service Level We strive to maintain high availability but do not guarantee uninterrupted service. Scheduled maintenance will be announced in advance when possible. ### 7.2 Support - Free Plan: Community support - Starter Plan (closed to new subscriptions): Community support - Growth Plan: Priority email support - Scale Plan: Dedicated email support ## 8. Intellectual Property ### 8.1 Our Rights Auto.dev retains all rights, title, and interest in: - The Auto.dev platform and APIs - All Automotive Data and databases - Our trademarks, logos, and brand elements - Any improvements or modifications to our Services ### 8.2 Your Rights You retain ownership of your applications and any original content you create using our Services, excluding our Automotive Data. ## 9. Disclaimers and Limitations ### 9.1 Data Accuracy Disclaimer **AUTOMOTIVE DATA IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES. WE DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, OR RELIABILITY OF ANY AUTOMOTIVE DATA. YOU USE ALL DATA AT YOUR OWN RISK.** ### 9.2 Service Disclaimers WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT OUR SERVICES WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE. ### 9.3 Limitation of Liability **TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, AUTO.DEV'S TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID US IN THE SIX MONTHS PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO LIABILITY.** **WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, DATA LOSS, OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION.** ## 10. Indemnification You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Auto.dev from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from: - Your use of our Services - Your violation of these Terms - Your infringement of third-party rights - Any content or data you provide to us ## 11. Termination ### 11.1 Termination Rights **You may terminate your account:** - At any time by canceling your subscription through Stripe - Monthly subscriptions: Effective at the end of the current billing cycle - Annual subscriptions: Subject to our refund policy in Section 5.3 **We may terminate or suspend your account:** - Immediately for violation of these Terms - Immediately for non-payment after 15 days past due - Immediately for abuse, fraud, or security threats - With 30 days' notice for any other reason ### 11.2 Effect of Termination Upon termination: - Your access to Services will cease immediately - You must pay all outstanding fees - You must cease using our Automotive Data - Data retention will follow our Privacy Policy ### 11.3 Suspension We may suspend your access immediately for: - Non-payment beyond 15 days - Violation of acceptable use policies - Security threats or abuse ## 12. Dispute Resolution ### 12.1 Governing Law These Terms are governed by Delaware state law, without regard to conflict of law principles. ### 12.2 Dispute Resolution Process Any disputes must be resolved through: - **Good Faith Negotiation**: 30-day period to resolve disputes directly - **Binding Arbitration**: If negotiation fails, disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration under Delaware Arbitration Rules - **Individual Claims Only**: No class action arbitration permitted ### 12.3 Jurisdiction For any disputes not subject to arbitration, you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of Delaware state and federal courts. ## 13. General Provisions ### 13.1 Entire Agreement These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Auto.dev. ### 13.2 Modifications We may update these Terms with 30 days' notice. Continued use of our Services constitutes acceptance of updated Terms. ### 13.3 Severability If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force. ### 13.4 No Waiver Our failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision. ### 13.5 Assignment You may not assign these Terms without our written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations to any successor entity. ### 13.6 Force Majeure Neither party will be liable for delays or failures due to circumstances beyond their reasonable control. ## 14. Contact Information For questions about these Terms, contact us at: [team@auto.dev](mailto:team@auto.dev) --- _By using Auto.dev Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service._ --- Source: https://www.auto.dev/privacy # Privacy Policy **Effective Date:** January 2025 **Last Updated:** August 26, 2025 --- ## 1. Introduction Drivly, Inc. ("Auto.dev," "we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our automotive data API services ("Services"). **By using our Services, you consent to the data practices described in this Privacy Policy.** ## 2. Information We Collect ### 2.1 Account Information When you register for our Services, we collect: - Name and email address - Company name and business information - Billing and payment information (processed by Stripe) - Account credentials and API keys ### 2.2 Usage Data We automatically collect information about your use of our Services: - API calls and requests (including timestamps and request details) - IP addresses and geographic location - Browser and device information - Usage patterns and performance metrics ### 2.3 Billing Information Payment processing is handled by Stripe. We receive: - Transaction confirmations and billing status - Subscription and usage information for billing purposes - We do NOT store complete credit card information on our servers ### 2.4 Communications We collect information when you: - Contact our support team - Participate in surveys or feedback - Subscribe to newsletters or updates ## 3. How We Use Your Information ### 3.1 Service Provision We use your information to: - Provide and maintain our API Services - Process payments and manage subscriptions - Monitor usage for billing purposes - Authenticate and authorize access ### 3.2 Service Improvement We use aggregated, non-personal information to: - Analyze usage patterns and improve our Services - Develop new features and capabilities - Monitor system performance and security - Generate business analytics and insights ### 3.3 Communications We may use your information to: - Send service-related notifications - Provide technical support - Share important updates about our Services - Send marketing communications (with your consent) ### 3.4 Legal and Compliance We may use your information to: - Comply with legal obligations - Enforce our Terms of Service - Protect our rights and interests - Respond to legal requests ## 4. Information Sharing and Disclosure ### 4.1 Third-Party Service Providers We share information with trusted service providers: **Stripe (Payment Processing)** - Billing and payment information - Subscription management data - Governed by Stripe's privacy policy **Infrastructure Providers** - Usage data for hosting and performance monitoring - Anonymized analytics data ### 4.2 Business Transfers In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity. ### 4.3 Legal Requirements We may disclose your information when required by law or to: - Comply with legal processes - Protect our rights and property - Investigate fraud or security issues - Protect user safety ### 4.4 Aggregated Data We may share aggregated, anonymized data that cannot identify individual users for: - Industry reports and analysis - Business partnerships - Research and development ## 5. Data Security ### 5.1 Security Measures We implement industry-standard security measures: - Encryption in transit and at rest - Secure API authentication - Regular security audits and monitoring - Access controls and authentication ### 5.2 Data Breach Response In the event of a data breach: - We will investigate and contain the incident - Affected users will be notified within 72 hours - We will cooperate with regulatory authorities as required ## 6. Data Retention ### 6.1 Account Data - Account information is retained while your account is active - Deleted accounts are purged within 30 days - Some information may be retained for legal compliance ### 6.2 Usage Data - API usage logs are retained for billing and analytics purposes - Billing records are retained for 7 years for accounting purposes - Aggregated analytics data may be retained indefinitely ### 6.3 Support Communications Support tickets and communications are retained for 3 years for quality assurance and training purposes. ## 7. International Data Transfers ### 7.1 Global Operations Our Services are operated from the United States, and your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States. ### 7.2 International Users For users outside the United States: - We implement appropriate safeguards for international data transfers - EU users have specific rights under GDPR (see Section 9) - We comply with applicable international privacy laws ### 7.3 Data Processing Locations Your data may be processed in: - United States (primary) - Cloud infrastructure providers' data centers globally - All transfers are protected by appropriate safeguards ## 8. Cookies and Tracking ### 8.1 Essential Cookies We use necessary cookies for: - Authentication and session management - API access and security - Basic functionality of our Services ### 8.2 Analytics We use analytics tools to understand usage patterns: - Google Analytics (anonymized data) - Performance monitoring tools - Usage statistics and metrics ### 8.3 Cookie Control You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling essential cookies may affect Service functionality. ## 9. Your Privacy Rights ### 9.1 General Rights All users have the right to: - Access your personal information - Update or correct your information - Delete your account and associated data - Export your data in a portable format ### 9.2 GDPR Rights (EU Users) EU users have additional rights under GDPR: - **Right to be forgotten**: Request deletion of personal data - **Right to portability**: Receive your data in machine-readable format - **Right to object**: Object to certain data processing - **Right to restrict**: Limit how we process your data - **Right to rectification**: Correct inaccurate information ### 9.3 California Privacy Rights (CCPA) California residents have specific rights: - Right to know what personal information is collected - Right to delete personal information - Right to opt-out of sale of personal information - Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights **Note: We do not sell personal information to third parties.** ### 9.4 Exercising Your Rights To exercise your privacy rights: - Email us at team@auto.dev - Use your account settings to update information - Contact our support team for assistance - We will respond within 30 days (or as required by law) ## 10. Children's Privacy Our Services are not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we learn we have collected such information, we will delete it immediately. ## 11. Third-Party Links Our Services may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies. ## 12. Changes to This Privacy Policy ### 12.1 Updates We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect: - Changes in our data practices - Legal requirements - New features or services ### 12.2 Notification We will notify you of material changes: - By email to your registered address - Through prominent notices in our Services - Updates will be effective 30 days after notification ### 12.3 Continued Use Your continued use of our Services after policy changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy. ## 13. Contact Information ### 13.1 Privacy Questions For privacy-related questions or requests: **Email:** [team@auto.dev](mailto:team@auto.dev) **Subject Line:** Privacy Inquiry - [Your Request Type] ### 13.2 Data Protection Officer (EU Users) EU users may contact our Data Protection Officer: **Email:** [team@auto.dev](mailto:team@auto.dev) ### 13.3 Regulatory Authorities EU users have the right to lodge complaints with supervisory authorities in their jurisdiction. ## 14. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR) For EU users, our legal bases for processing personal data: - **Contract Performance**: To provide our Services - **Legitimate Interests**: To improve services and prevent fraud - **Legal Compliance**: To meet regulatory requirements - **Consent**: For marketing communications (where required) ## 15. Automotive Data Privacy ### 15.1 Public Data Sources Our automotive data is collected from publicly available sources. This data typically does not contain personal information but may include: - Vehicle identification numbers (VINs) - Vehicle specifications and history - Market pricing information ### 15.2 No Personal Vehicle Data We do not collect or store: - Personal vehicle ownership information - Driver behavior or location data - Personal identification linked to vehicles ### 15.3 Data Accuracy While we strive for accuracy, automotive data is provided "as is" from public sources. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information. --- ## Summary This Privacy Policy explains how Auto.dev collects, uses, and protects your information. We are committed to transparency and giving you control over your data. For questions or to exercise your privacy rights, contact us at [team@auto.dev](mailto:team@auto.dev). **Last Updated:** August 26, 2025 **Effective Date:** January 2025