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.
URL: Visit APIs.json URL
- Type: Index
- x-type: company
- Position: Consumer
- Access: 3rd-Party
- Automobiles
- Automotive Data
- Cars
- License Plate Decoder
- OBD-II
- Power Sports
- Vehicle API
- Vehicle Specifications
- Vehicles
- VIN Decoder
CarAPI (carapi.app) is positioned as a low-friction vehicle data platform for developers. The business model is freemium: engineers can prototype against the public dataset without creating an account, and move to a paid plan (Base $199/yr, Plus $249/yr, Premium $299/yr) when they go live. Paid tiers increase the daily API call allowance (1,500 / 3,000 / 6,000 requests per day) and include VIN decoding, OBD-II code lookups, and email support. Authentication is JWT-based: clients POST an api_token and api_secret to /api/auth/login, then pass the returned token as Authorization: Bearer {jwt} on subsequent requests. Tokens expire in seven days. The API supports JSON, JSON-LD, and HAL response formats, pagination up to 1,000 per page, JSON-query filters with operators, and modified-since caching. CORS is not supported, so integrations are server-side.
The CarAPI Vehicle API provides REST/JSON access to a vehicle database covering year/make/model (1900-2026), sub-models, trims (1990-2026), bodies, engines, mileage, interior, and exterior attributes. Authentication uses JWT tokens obtained from /api/auth/login with an api_token and api_secret. The API supports pagination (up to 1000 per page), sorting, JSON filter queries with operators, and modified-since caching. Responses are available as application/json, application/ld+json, and application/hal+json. CORS is not supported; the API is intended for server-side integration.
Human URL: https://carapi.app/ Base URL: https://carapi.app/api
- REST/JSON vehicle database with OpenAPI documentation
- Year/make/model coverage 1900-2026 (trims 1990-2026)
- JWT authentication via
/api/auth/loginendpoint - Pagination, sorting, and JSON filter queries with in/>=/operators
- JSON, JSON-LD (
application/ld+json), and HAL (application/hal+json) responses - Modified-since timestamps for cache validation
- Swagger UI, ReDoc, Postman, and GitHub docs
- Public dataset available without account for prototyping
- Vehicle dropdowns and VIN-aware forms in auto-commerce apps
- Automotive marketplaces and classifieds
- Fleet management and telematics dashboards
- Insurance quoting and underwriting vehicle lookups
- Repair shop and service advisor applications
- Vehicle research and comparison tools
Decodes Vehicle Identification Numbers into structured vehicle attributes including year, make, model, trim, body type, engine, transmission, and other specifications. Shares JWT authentication and the vehicle database with the main API.
Human URL: https://carapi.app/features/vin-decoder-api
- 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
- Insurance and warranty quote flows
- Used-car listing auto-population
- Lienholder, title, and registration tooling
- Fleet onboarding and telematics provisioning
Decodes license plates into vehicle records for US, Canada, Australia, and other supported countries, returning year/make/model/trim and related specifications.
Human URL: https://carapi.app/features/license-plate-api
- License plate lookup for US, Canada, Australia, and more
- Returns structured vehicle identification data
- Shared JWT authentication with CarAPI
- Curbside appraisal and trade-in tools
- Parking, tolling, and fleet enforcement
- Repair estimate and service bay intake
- Auto insurance quote-by-plate flows
Provides search and lookup across more than 9,000 OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) with descriptions, used in vehicle diagnostics and automotive repair software.
Human URL: https://carapi.app/features/obd-codes-api
- Searchable catalog of 9,000+ OBD-II codes
- Code, description, and metadata lookup
- Shared JWT authentication with CarAPI
- DIY mechanic and consumer diagnostics apps
- Repair shop service advisor tooling
- Telematics and connected-car dashboards
- Training and educational tools
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.
Human URL: https://carapi.app/power-sports
- Motorcycle, ATV, and UTV specifications
- Year/make/model coverage for power sports vehicles
- Shared JWT authentication with CarAPI
- JSON/JSON-LD/HAL response formats
- 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
- Website
- Documentation
- API
- Pricing
- Features
- FAQ
- Rate Limits
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- Terms of Use
- Privacy Policy
- Created: 2024-07-11
- Modified: 2026-04-23
FN: Kin Lane Email: kin@apievangelist.com