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VIN decoding automatically imports asset details and specifications into Fleetio. Vehicle measurements, engine and transmission data, wheel and tire information, MSRP, and even fluid details can be added for one or more assets in just a few seconds.
Supported Asset Types
VIN decoding can be used for the following asset types:
United States - Autos & Trucks
- 1981-current model year
- Consumer and light-duty commercial vehicles
- U.S. market destination
United States - Heavy Duty
- 1981-current model year
- Medium to heavy-duty trucks (Class 4-8)
- U.S. market destination
United States - Trailers
- 1981-current model year
- 50+ trailer types including chassis, dump, platform, service, van, utility, vehicle carrier trailers, and towable RVs
United States - Powersports (motorcycles, scooters, dirt bikes, ATVs, and UTVs)
- 1996-current model year for motorcycles and scooters
- 2004-current model year for ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles
- U.S. market destination
Canadian Market - Autos & Trucks
- 2001-current model year
- Consumer and light-duty commercial vehicles
- Canadian market destination
Decode VINs for New Assets
You can decode a VIN to create an individual asset or, when Adding Multiple Vehicles, decode more than one VIN to create multiple assets simultaneously. Additionally, from any form in Fleetio, you may decode a VIN when creating a new asset.
Single Asset/Vehicle
You can decode a VIN from the New Vehicle Form. Simply input the VIN number and select Decode VIN.
NOTE: Due to ambiguity in the VIN system, a single VIN may be accurate for various trims or styles. If prompted, select the appropriate style.
Select the attributes you would like added to the Vehicle and click Save Data to Vehicle to update the new Vehicle record with the details from the decoded VIN.
NOTE: If the Decode fails, check the Troubleshooting section for possible causes and solutions.
Asset details added using VIN decode can be viewed in the Overview and Specs tabs of the Vehicle Details page, and can be manually edited or deleted as needed.
Multiple Assets/Vehicles
For maximum efficiency, you can add multiple assets to your Fleetio account at once using the VIN decode process.
TIP: Learn more in the Add Multiple Vehicles article.
Decode VINs for Existing Assets
For existing assets in your Fleetio account, you have the option to update asset details using VIN decoding.
To update asset data, go to the Details page for the asset, enter the VIN in the VIN field on the Overview tab, and click Decode VIN.
A pop-up window will appear, displaying the Attribute, Current Data, and Decoded Data.
Check the boxes for any fields with data you wish to replace and click Save Data to Vehicle to save.
Troubleshoot Invalid VIN Decodes
In some cases the system will be unable to decode a VIN. There are several common causes you can check for.
| Problem | Cause |
|---|---|
| VIN is for a Vehicle with model year 1980 or earlier | VIN Decode is available for Vehicles with model year 1981 and newer. |
| VIN is for a brand new Vehicle | The vehicle you are trying to decode could be so new that it is not in the data provider’s database yet. This data may have not been released by the OEM yet or could be embargoed until a certain date. |
| VIN is for a Vehicle manufactured outside the U.S. or Canada | VIN Decode is only available for the Supported Asset Types listed above. |
| VIN is for an Out of Market Vehicle Error Code: OM |
An Out-of-Market vehicle (Error Code: OM) is a vehicle manufactured outside the U.S. or Canada. VIN Decode is only available for the Supported Asset Types listed above. |
| VIN is for a Grey Market Vehicle Error Code: GM |
A Grey Market Vehicle (Error Code: GM) is an example of a vehicle manufactured outside the U.S. or Canada VIN Decode is only available for the Supported Asset Types listed above. |
| Failed Checksum | VINs include a "check digit" in the ninth position to determine the VIN's validity. This digit must be 0-9 or X and is calculated according to a NHTSA formula which can be verified HERE. |
| Invalid characters | VINs are comprised of only numeric and/or alphanumeric characters. The letters I, O, and Q will never be found in a VIN. This is to avoid confusion with the numbers 1 and 0. |
| Invalid VIN length | VINs are always 17 characters. |
