The VIN Scanner is a full-screen camera tool in the SalesThumb mobile app. It captures a vehicle's VIN from the barcode on the VIN label or from the printed VIN itself, then looks it up in NHTSA's public vehicle database so nobody has to type in the year, make and model. The VIN Scanner is on the Growth plan and up. On a lower plan, the screen says "VIN scanner isn't on your shop's plan" and suggests typing the VIN on the vehicle form instead.
Where to find it
- The Go to menu: tap the round thumb button at the bottom of the screen, then VIN Scanner under Field. It's there for anyone with Installer or Sales mobile access (shop owners always have both). If it's missing, that's a mobile-access setting. See Why your installer sees a different mobile menu.
- A customer's Vehicles tab: tap Scan VIN next to + Add vehicle. This only shows for teammates who can manage that customer's records.
- A vehicle with no VIN on file: on the customer's screen and on a job's Vehicle inspection card, a vehicle without a VIN shows Scan VIN. This shows for staff who can manage customers, and for installers, who can fill in a missing VIN.
- The inspection screen: the Vehicle ID card at the top offers Scan VIN when the VIN is missing, or Re-scan to verify when one is on file.
Scanning a VIN
- Open VIN Scanner. The first time, the app asks for camera access.
- Line up the VIN barcode or the printed VIN inside the frame on screen.
- The scanner captures it automatically:
- Barcode: it reads the VIN barcode on every camera frame, right on your phone.
- Printed VIN: if no barcode has been read after a moment, it reads the printed characters with AI. This part uses your shop's AI allowance.
- When it captures a VIN, your phone vibrates and a panel slides up showing the VIN and where it came from ("Read from the VIN barcode," "Read from the printed VIN" or "Typed in"). While it looks up the car you'll see "Looking up the vehicle…", then the year, make and model, plus the trim and body class when NHTSA has them.
- Tap Use this VIN to take it back to the screen you came from, or Done. Scan again clears it and reopens the camera.
When you opened the scanner from a vehicle or an inspection and the VIN checks out, the app takes you straight back to confirm it.
Buttons on the camera screen
- Capture: reads the frame right now. Use it if the automatic read hasn't caught the VIN.
- Type it: opens Type the VIN, where you enter the 17 characters and tap Use this VIN.
- Light: the button in the top corner turns your phone's flashlight on and off.
- X: closes the scanner without saving anything.
The check digit
Every VIN has a check digit (the 9th character) that confirms the other characters were read correctly. When a captured VIN passes, you'll see a green check. When it doesn't, you'll see a warning: "The check digit (9th character) doesn't match. Compare every character with the vehicle before saving." This can be a misread, or a VIN from outside North America. The app never sends you back automatically in that case. Check the VIN against the car, then tap Edit to fix it or Use this VIN to keep it.
When something goes wrong
- "That barcode isn't a VIN. Aim at the VIN label." The camera read a barcode, but not a VIN. Move to the VIN label.
- "Still can't see it? Tap Capture, turn on the light, or type the VIN." The automatic reads stopped after a few tries. Tap Capture to try again.
- "Couldn't look up the vehicle details. You can still use this VIN." The NHTSA lookup failed, but you can still use the VIN.
- Printed VINs can't be read: if your AI allowance is used up, the screen says so. Scan the barcode or type the VIN instead.
Genuine VINs never contain the letters I, O or Q. If you type one of those, the app asks you to use the numbers 1 and 0 instead.
Things to know
- Needs camera permission and a working rear camera.
- The NHTSA lookup and the printed-VIN read need a data or Wi-Fi connection.
- If the VIN on file is different from the one you scanned, the app shows "VIN doesn't match." Only staff who can manage customers can replace a VIN on file, and they're asked to confirm twice.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Which plan do I need for the VIN Scanner?
A: The Growth plan and up. On lower plans, type the VIN on the vehicle form instead.
Q: What if the car has no VIN barcode?
A: Hold the printed VIN inside the frame. The scanner reads the printed characters after a moment. You can also tap Capture, or tap Type it to enter the VIN by hand.
Q: Why does it say the check digit doesn't match?
A: The 9th character didn't confirm the rest of the VIN. It may be a misread, or a VIN from outside North America. Compare every character with the vehicle, then tap Edit to fix it or Use this VIN to keep it.
Q: Can I use a VIN when the vehicle lookup fails?
A: Yes. If you see "Couldn't look up the vehicle details," you can still use the VIN.
Q: Does it need an internet connection?
A: Yes, for the NHTSA lookup and for reading a printed VIN. Reading a barcode happens on your phone.