Geotab Automatic VIN Readout

Geotab automatic VIN readout allows a compatible Geotab GO device to retrieve the Vehicle Identification Number reported by a supported vehicle. The valid VIN can then be associated with the vehicle’s asset record in MyGeotab.

After a supported GO device is properly connected, it communicates with the vehicle’s available onboard systems and attempts to retrieve the VIN reported by the vehicle. The VIN is transmitted to MyGeotab, validated, and stored in the corresponding asset record when it is successfully read.

A Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, is a standardized identifier assigned to a specific motor vehicle. Modern vehicles in the United States generally use a 17-character VIN containing encoded information about the manufacturer, vehicle attributes, model year, and production identity.

VIN readout retrieves the VIN reported by the vehicle, while VIN decoding interprets that identifier to determine available vehicle details. MyGeotab can use its VIN decoder to populate the asset’s make, model, and model year after a valid VIN is received or entered.

Yes. When MyGeotab receives a decodable VIN, it can use the VIN to automatically populate the vehicle’s make, model, and model year. Decoding results should still be reviewed because information for some vehicles or model years may be incomplete or incorrect.

Automatic VIN readout can reduce the need to locate and type VINs during vehicle onboarding. Administrators may still need to enter or verify information when the vehicle does not report a VIN, the VIN cannot be decoded, or an OEM telematics integration requires the VIN during setup.

Geotab’s current rate-plan documentation lists automatic VIN readout for GO Core, GO Plan, and its documented legacy plans. Actual availability also depends on the vehicle, telematics hardware, installation method, connectivity, and data that the vehicle makes available.

No. VIN availability varies by manufacturer, model, model year, vehicle communication protocol, and installation. Some vehicles may not electronically report a VIN in a format the GO device can access, so compatibility should be confirmed for the intended vehicle.

The VIN may appear after the GO device is properly installed, powered, communicating with the vehicle, and able to send data to MyGeotab. The exact timing varies according to the vehicle, ignition activity, cellular connectivity, installation, and system processing.

If a VIN is not available automatically, an authorized user may need to locate the VIN on the vehicle or its records and enter it manually in MyGeotab. The installation and vehicle compatibility should also be checked if an expected VIN does not appear.

A VIN may fail to decode if it is missing, incomplete, invalid, entered incorrectly, or associated with a vehicle that is not adequately covered by the decoding database. Certain older, specialized, newly released, or uncommon vehicles may also return limited information.

Geotab validates VIN information reported by the device before storing it as the asset’s valid VIN. However, automatic readout and decoding are not error-proof, so administrators should compare important vehicle details with the VIN plate, registration, or other reliable records.

Yes. Authorized users can review asset information and correct vehicle details when necessary. Geotab’s VIN Verification feature also allows users to provide the correct make, model, or year when the automatically decoded information is inaccurate.

Authorized users can view the VIN within the vehicle’s asset information in MyGeotab. VIN information may also appear in supported asset lists, Device Status reports, exports, integrations, and API results, depending on permissions and configuration.

Yes. MyGeotab supports identifying and managing assets using VIN information, and the MyGeotab API can search for a device by its stored Vehicle Identification Number. This can help administrators locate a specific vehicle even if its asset name or license plate has changed.

Yes. The MyGeotab Device Status report includes the VIN alongside information such as the vehicle name, license plate, odometer, device version, and groups. Available fields can vary according to the selected report, template, permissions, and available data.

MyGeotab can use the VIN as one of the identifiers for matching imported fuel transactions to fleet assets. Geotab recommends keeping the VIN exactly consistent between MyGeotab and the fuel card provider’s system to support accurate asset-based matching.

Yes. Authorized integrations can retrieve stored vehicle information and search for devices by VIN through the MyGeotab API. API access is controlled by user credentials, security clearances, database permissions, and the design of the connected application.

When a GO device is moved, the new installation and asset association should be reviewed carefully. If the new vehicle reports a different valid VIN, administrators should confirm that the device, vehicle, and historical records are correctly managed to avoid assigning new activity to the wrong asset.

GPS Tracking America can help your organization select compatible Geotab hardware, plan GO device installations, configure MyGeotab asset records, and investigate missing or incorrect VIN information. Contact us to discuss your vehicles, fleet requirements, and Geotab deployment.