Car API (carapi.app)

CarAPI is a developer-friendly vehicle API and database that provides programmatic access to automotive data including makes, models, trims, bodies, engines, mileage, VIN decoding, license plate decoding, OBD-II diagnostic codes, and power sports vehicle information. The platform follows a freemium model - its public vehicle dataset is available without an account, and paid plans unlock higher daily request limits and production use. The API is REST/JSON with JWT authentication and ships with OpenAPI, Swagger, ReDoc, and Postman documentation.

Car API (carapi.app) publishes 14 APIs on the APIs.io network, including Account API, Auth API, Bodies API, and 11 more. Tagged areas include Automobiles, Automotive Data, Cars, License Plate Decoder, and OBD-II.

The Car API (carapi.app) catalog on APIs.io includes 1 Spectral governance ruleset.

Car API (carapi.app)’s developer surface includes authentication, documentation, pricing, FAQ, signup flow, and 10 more developer resources.

🌐 Visit website 📡 Source on GitHub

54.9/100 developing ▬ flat Agent 44/100 agent ready Full breakdown ↓
scored 2026-07-28 · rubric v0.6

AccessFreemiumOpen⚡ Free to try

18 APIs

AutomobilesAutomotive DataCarsLicense Plate DecoderOBD-IIPower SportsVehicle APIVehicle SpecificationsVehiclesVIN Decoder

Kin Score

Kin Score How this is scored →
scored 2026-07-28 · rubric v0.6

Composite quality — 54.9/100 · developing

Contract Quality 14.9 / 25

Developer Ergonomics 3.9 / 20

Commercial Clarity 16.8 / 20

Operational Transparency 4.8 / 13

Governance 7.0 / 12

Discoverability 7.4 / 10

Agent readiness — 44/100 · agent ready

Machine-Readable Contract 18 / 18

Agentic Access Contract 10 / 10

MCP Server 0 / 12

Machine-Readable Auth 10 / 10

Idempotency 0 / 9

Stable Error Semantics 8 / 8

Request/Response Examples 7 / 7

Rate-Limit Signaling 7 / 7

Typed Event Surface 0 / 6

Agent Skills 0 / 5

Well-Known Catalog 0 / 4

Consent & Bot Identity 0 / 3

A2A Agent Card 0 / 8

Dry-Run / Simulate Mode 0 / 4

Improve this rating by publishing the missing artifacts — every area above can be raised, and the full rubric is at apis.io/rating/. This rating is computed from github.com/api-evangelist/car-api: open an issue to ask a question, or submit a pull request to add artifacts. Want it done for you? Prioritized profiling — $2,500 →

APIs 18

Individual APIs this provider publishes, each with its own machine-readable definition.

Rate Limits 1

Documented rate limits and quota policies.

Car Api Rate Limits

4 limits

RATE LIMITS

FinOps 1

Cost, billing, and metering signals for API financial operations.

JSON Schema 11

Standalone JSON Schema definitions for this provider's data models.

Scroll for all 11

Get Started 2

Portal, sign-up, and the first successful call

Login

Signup

Signup

Documentation 1

Reference material describing how the API behaves

Documentation

Documentation

Agent Surfaces 1

MCP servers, agent skills, and machine-readable catalogs

AgenticAccess

AgenticAccess

Build 1

SDKs, sample code, and the tooling you integrate with

GitHubOrganization

GitHubOrganization

Access & Security 2

Authentication, authorization, and security posture

DomainSecurity

DomainSecurity

Authentication

Authentication

Operate 3

Status, limits, changes, and where to get help

FAQ

FAQ

RateLimits

RateLimits

Contact

Contact

Commercial 3

Pricing, plans, and the legal terms of use

Pricing

Pricing

TermsOfService

TermsOfService

PrivacyPolicy

PrivacyPolicy

Company 1

The organization behind the API

Website

Website

Other 1

Properties that don't map to a standard resource type

API

API

Source (apis.yml)

aid: car-api
url: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/api-evangelist/car-api/refs/heads/main/apis.yml
name: Car API (carapi.app)
description: CarAPI is a developer-friendly vehicle API and database that provides programmatic access to automotive data
  including makes, models, trims, bodies, engines, mileage, VIN decoding, license plate decoding, OBD-II diagnostic codes,
  and power sports vehicle information. The platform follows a freemium model - its public vehicle dataset is available without
  an account, and paid plans unlock higher daily request limits and production use. The API is REST/JSON with JWT authentication
  and ships with OpenAPI, Swagger, ReDoc, and Postman documentation.
type: Index
kind: company
accessModel:
  pricing: freemium
  onboarding: open
  trial: false
  try_now: true
  public: true
  label: Freemium · Open access
  confidence: high
  source:
  - plans
  - authentication
  generated: '2026-07-22'
  method: derived
position: Consumer
access: 3rd-Party
image: https://kinlane-images.s3.amazonaws.com/shared/apis-json/icons/car-api.png
tags:
- Automobiles
- Automotive Data
- Cars
- License Plate Decoder
- OBD-II
- Power Sports
- Vehicle API
- Vehicle Specifications
- Vehicles
- VIN Decoder
created: '2024-07-11'
modified: '2026-05-19'
specificationVersion: '0.19'
apis:
- aid: car-api:vin-decoder-api
  name: CarAPI VIN Decoder API
  description: The CarAPI VIN Decoder API decodes Vehicle Identification Numbers into structured vehicle attributes including
    year, make, model, trim, body type, engine, transmission, and other specifications. It reuses the same JWT authentication
    and shares the vehicle database that backs the main Vehicle API.
  humanURL: https://carapi.app/features/vin-decoder-api
  baseURL: https://carapi.app/api
  tags:
  - Automobiles
  - Vehicles
  - VIN Decoder
  properties:
  - url: https://carapi.app/features/vin-decoder-api
    type: Documentation
  - url: https://carapi.app/docs
    type: Developer
  x-features:
  - VIN to year/make/model/trim decoding
  - Returns body, engine, transmission, and other specs
  - Shared JWT auth with Vehicle API
  - JSON/JSON-LD/HAL response formats
  x-use-cases:
  - Insurance and warranty quote flows
  - Used-car listing auto-population
  - Lienholder, title, and registration tooling
  - Fleet onboarding and telematics provisioning
- aid: car-api:license-plate-api
  name: CarAPI License Plate API
  description: The CarAPI License Plate API decodes license plates into vehicle records for US, Canada, Australia, and other
    supported countries, returning year/make/model/trim and related specifications.
  humanURL: https://carapi.app/features/license-plate-api
  baseURL: https://carapi.app/api
  tags:
  - Automobiles
  - License Plate Decoder
  - Vehicles
  properties:
  - url: https://carapi.app/features/license-plate-api
    type: Documentation
  x-features:
  - License plate lookup for US, Canada, Australia, and more
  - Returns structured vehicle identification data
  - Shared JWT authentication with CarAPI
  x-use-cases:
  - Curbside appraisal and trade-in tools
  - Parking, tolling, and fleet enforcement
  - Repair estimate and service bay intake
  - Auto insurance quote-by-plate flows
- aid: car-api:obd-code-api
  name: CarAPI OBD-II Code API
  description: The CarAPI OBD-II Code API provides search and lookup across more than 9,000 OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes
    (DTCs) with code descriptions, used in vehicle diagnostics and automotive repair software.
  humanURL: https://carapi.app/features/obd-codes-api
  baseURL: https://carapi.app/api
  tags:
  - Automobiles
  - Diagnostics
  - OBD-II
  - Vehicles
  properties:
  - url: https://carapi.app/features/obd-codes-api
    type: Documentation
  x-features:
  - Searchable catalog of 9,000+ OBD-II codes
  - Code, description, and metadata lookup
  - Shared JWT authentication with CarAPI
  x-use-cases:
  - DIY mechanic and consumer diagnostics apps
  - Repair shop service advisor tooling
  - Telematics and connected-car dashboards
  - Training and educational tools
- aid: car-api:power-sports-api
  name: CarAPI Power Sports API
  description: The CarAPI Power Sports API provides vehicle specifications for power sports categories such as motorcycles,
    ATVs, UTVs, and similar motor vehicles, following the same REST/JSON conventions as the main Vehicle API.
  humanURL: https://carapi.app/power-sports
  baseURL: https://carapi.app/api
  tags:
  - ATV
  - Motorcycles
  - Power Sports
  - UTV
  - Vehicles
  properties:
  - url: https://carapi.app/power-sports
    type: Documentation
  x-features:
  - Motorcycle, ATV, and UTV specifications
  - Year/make/model coverage for power sports vehicles
  - Shared JWT authentication with CarAPI
  - JSON/JSON-LD/HAL response formats
  x-use-cases:
  - Power sports dealership and marketplace listings
  - Insurance quote flows for motorcycles and ATVs
  - Parts and accessory fitment catalogs
  - Fleet and rental operations for power sports vehicles
- aid: car-api:car-api-account-api
  name: Car API (carapi.app) Account API
  description: The Account API from Car API (carapi.app) — 2 operation(s) for account.
  humanURL: https://carapi.app/
  baseURL: https://carapi.app/api
  tags:
  - Account
  properties:
  - type: OpenAPI
    url: openapi/car-api-account-api-openapi.yml
  - type: Documentation
    url: https://carapi.app/
  - type: Developer
    url: https://carapi.app/docs
  - type: API
    url: https://carapi.app/api
- aid: car-api:car-api-auth-api
  name: Car API (carapi.app) Auth API
  description: The Auth API from Car API (carapi.app) — 1 operation(s) for auth.
  humanURL: https://carapi.app/
  baseURL: https://carapi.app/api
  tags:
  - Auth
  properties:
  - type: OpenAPI
    url: openapi/car-api-auth-api-openapi.yml
  - type: Documentation
    url: https://carapi.app/
  - type: Developer
    url: https://carapi.app/docs
  - type: API
    url: https://carapi.app/api
- aid: car-api:car-api-bodies-api
  name: Car API (carapi.app) Bodies API
  description: The Bodies API from Car API (carapi.app) — 1 operation(s) for bodies.
  humanURL: https://carapi.app/
  baseURL: https://carapi.app/api
  tags:
  - Bodies
  properties:
  - type: OpenAPI
    url: openapi/car-api-bodies-api-openapi.yml
  - type: Documentation
    url: https://carapi.app/
  - type: Developer
    url: https://carapi.app/docs
  - type: API
    url: https://carapi.app/api
- aid: car-api:car-api-colors-exterior-api
  name: Car API (carapi.app) Colors (Exterior) API
  description: The Colors (Exterior) API from Car API (carapi.app) — 1 operation(s) for colors (exterior).
  humanURL: https://carapi.app/
  baseURL: https://carapi.app/api
  tags:
  - Colors (Exterior)
  properties:
  - type: OpenAPI
    url: openapi/car-api-colors-exterior-api-openapi.yml
  - type: Documentation
    url: https://carapi.app/
  - type: Developer
    url: https://carapi.app/docs
  - type: API
    url: https://carapi.app/api
- aid: car-api:car-api-colors-interior-api
  name: Car API (carapi.app) Colors (Interior) API
  description: The Colors (Interior) API from Car API (carapi.app) — 1 operation(s) for colors (interior).
  humanURL: https://carapi.app/
  baseURL: https://carapi.app/api
  tags:
  - Colors (Interior)
  properties:
  - type: OpenAPI
    url: openapi/car-api-colors-interior-api-openapi.yml
  - type: Documentation
    url: https://carapi.app/
  - type: Developer
    url: https://carapi.app/docs
  - type: API
    url: https://carapi.app/api
- aid: car-api:car-api-data-feeds-api
  name: Car API (carapi.app) Data Feeds API
  description: The Data Feeds API from Car API (carapi.app) — 2 operation(s) for data feeds.
  humanURL: https://carapi.app/
  baseURL: https://carapi.app/api
  tags:
  - Data Feeds
  properties:
  - type: OpenAPI
    url: openapi/car-api-data-feeds-api-openapi.yml
  - type: Documentation
    url: https://carapi.app/
  - type: Developer
    url: https://carapi.app/docs
  - type: API
    url: https://carapi.app/api
- aid: car-api:car-api-engines-api
  name: Car API (carapi.app) Engines API
  description: The Engines API from Car API (carapi.app) — 1 operation(s) for engines.
  humanURL: https://carapi.app/
  baseURL: https://carapi.app/api
  tags:
  - Engines
  properties:
  - type: OpenAPI
    url: openapi/car-api-engines-api-openapi.yml
  - type: Documentation
    url: https://carapi.app/
  - type: Developer
    url: https://carapi.app/docs
  - type: API
    url: https://carapi.app/api
- aid: car-api:car-api-makes-api
  name: Car API (carapi.app) Makes API
  description: The Makes API from Car API (carapi.app) — 1 operation(s) for makes.
  humanURL: https://carapi.app/
  baseURL: https://carapi.app/api
  tags:
  - Makes
  properties:
  - type: OpenAPI
    url: openapi/car-api-makes-api-openapi.yml
  - type: Documentation
    url: https://carapi.app/
  - type: Developer
    url: https://carapi.app/docs
  - type: API
    url: https://carapi.app/api
- aid: car-api:car-api-mileages-api
  name: Car API (carapi.app) Mileages API
  description: The Mileages API from Car API (carapi.app) — 1 operation(s) for mileages.
  humanURL: https://carapi.app/
  baseURL: https://carapi.app/api
  tags:
  - Mileages
  properties:
  - type: OpenAPI
    url: openapi/car-api-mileages-api-openapi.yml
  - type: Documentation
    url: https://carapi.app/
  - type: Developer
    url: https://carapi.app/docs
  - type: API
    url: https://carapi.app/api
- aid: car-api:car-api-models-api
  name: Car API (carapi.app) Models API
  description: The Models API from Car API (carapi.app) — 1 operation(s) for models.
  humanURL: https://carapi.app/
  baseURL: https://carapi.app/api
  tags:
  - Models
  properties:
  - type: OpenAPI
    url: openapi/car-api-models-api-openapi.yml
  - type: Documentation
    url: https://carapi.app/
  - type: Developer
    url: https://carapi.app/docs
  - type: API
    url: https://carapi.app/api
- aid: car-api:car-api-trims-api
  name: Car API (carapi.app) Trims API
  description: The Trims API from Car API (carapi.app) — 2 operation(s) for trims.
  humanURL: https://carapi.app/
  baseURL: https://carapi.app/api
  tags:
  - Trims
  properties:
  - type: OpenAPI
    url: openapi/car-api-trims-api-openapi.yml
  - type: Documentation
    url: https://carapi.app/
  - type: Developer
    url: https://carapi.app/docs
  - type: API
    url: https://carapi.app/api
- aid: car-api:car-api-vehicle-attributes-api
  name: Car API (carapi.app) Vehicle Attributes API
  description: The Vehicle Attributes API from Car API (carapi.app) — 1 operation(s) for vehicle attributes.
  humanURL: https://carapi.app/
  baseURL: https://carapi.app/api
  tags:
  - Vehicle Attributes
  properties:
  - type: OpenAPI
    url: openapi/car-api-vehicle-attributes-api-openapi.yml
  - type: Documentation
    url: https://carapi.app/
  - type: Developer
    url: https://carapi.app/docs
  - type: API
    url: https://carapi.app/api
- aid: car-api:car-api-vin-decoder-api
  name: Car API (carapi.app) Vin Decoder API
  description: The Vin Decoder API from Car API (carapi.app) — 1 operation(s) for vin decoder.
  humanURL: https://carapi.app/
  baseURL: https://carapi.app/api
  tags:
  - Vin Decoder
  properties:
  - type: OpenAPI
    url: openapi/car-api-vin-decoder-api-openapi.yml
  - type: Documentation
    url: https://carapi.app/
  - type: Developer
    url: https://carapi.app/docs
  - type: API
    url: https://carapi.app/api
- aid: car-api:car-api-years-api
  name: Car API (carapi.app) Years API
  description: The Years API from Car API (carapi.app) — 1 operation(s) for years.
  humanURL: https://carapi.app/
  baseURL: https://carapi.app/api
  tags:
  - Years
  properties:
  - type: OpenAPI
    url: openapi/car-api-years-api-openapi.yml
  - type: Documentation
    url: https://carapi.app/
  - type: Developer
    url: https://carapi.app/docs
  - type: API
    url: https://carapi.app/api
common:
- type: AgenticAccess
  url: agentic-access/car-api-agentic-access.yml
- type: DomainSecurity
  url: security/car-api-domain-security.yml
- type: Authentication
  url: authentication/car-api-authentication.yml
- type: GitHubOrganization
  url: https://github.com/car-api-team
- type: Website
  url: https://carapi.app/
- type: Documentation
  url: https://carapi.app/docs
- type: API
  url: https://carapi.app/api
- type: Pricing
  url: https://carapi.app/pricing
- type: Features
  url: https://carapi.app/features
- type: FAQ
  url: https://carapi.app/features/faq
- type: RateLimits
  url: https://carapi.app/docs/rate_limits/
- type: Login
  url: https://carapi.app/login
- type: Signup
  url: https://carapi.app/register
- type: Contact
  url: https://carapi.app/contact
- type: TermsOfService
  url: https://carapi.app/terms-of-use
- type: PrivacyPolicy
  url: https://carapi.app/privacy-policy
maintainers:
- FN: Kin Lane
  email: kin@apievangelist.com