AI / Developers
VIN Decoder MCP Server
decode_vin, check_window_sticker_availability, and plate_to_vin — returning vehicle data only, never owner information.Server endpoint
https://vinwhere.com/api/mcp
Transport: Streamable HTTP (JSON-RPC 2.0). No API key required.
Connect from an MCP client
Add the server to your MCP client configuration (Claude Desktop, Cursor, and other MCP clients use a similar format):
{
"mcpServers": {
"vinwhere": {
"type": "http",
"url": "https://vinwhere.com/api/mcp"
}
}
}Call it directly
You can also invoke the decode_vin tool over plain HTTP:
curl -X POST https://vinwhere.com/api/mcp \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"jsonrpc": "2.0",
"id": 1,
"method": "tools/call",
"params": {
"name": "decode_vin",
"arguments": { "vin": "1HGCM82633A004352" }
}
}'Prefer REST or a widget?
The same data is available as a REST API or an embeddable VIN decoder widget.
Frequently asked questions
What is the VinWhere MCP server?+
It is a free Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that exposes VinWhere's vehicle tools. AI assistants that support MCP, such as Claude and Cursor, can connect to it to decode VINs, check window sticker availability, and find a VIN from a U.S. license plate.
How do I connect to the VIN decoder MCP server?+
Add the server URL https://vinwhere.com/api/mcp to your MCP client configuration as an HTTP (Streamable HTTP) server. No API key is required.
What tools does the MCP server provide?+
Three: decode_vin (factory specifications from a 17-character VIN), check_window_sticker_availability (whether an original Monroney label, MSRP, and factory options are available for a VIN), and plate_to_vin (find and decode a VIN from a U.S. plate and state).
Does the MCP server return owner information?+
No. All tools return vehicle data only — never owner names, addresses, or DMV records. Owner information tied to a plate or VIN is protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and is never returned.