About MaxMindDB
MaxMindDB is a local MCP server for querying IP geolocation and network ownership in GeoIP2, GeoLite2, and custom MMDB databases. It supports database search, comparison, inspection, and downloads for users of MCP-compatible assistants.
Key features
- 01Look up IP locations and ASNs
- 02Search and summarize networks
- 03Compare and inspect databases
- 04Download and update databases
Use cases
- 01Identify the country and ASN for an IP
- 02Find networks associated with an ASN
- 03Check available databases and build dates
MCP support
Exposes tools to MCP clients for IP lookups, network searches, database comparison and inspection, and database installation or updates.
Configuration
Local server config is the same for every client. Copy it into your client’s MCP config file.
docker run -i --rm -e MAXMINDDB_MCP_DOWNLOAD_ENABLED -e MAXMINDDB_MCP_DATABASE_DIR -e MAXMINDDB_MCP_ACCOUNT_ID -e MAXMINDDB_MCP_LICENSE_KEY -e MAXMINDDB_MCP_EDITIONS ghcr.io/oschwald/maxminddb-mcp:0.4.0MAXMINDDB_MCP_DOWNLOAD_ENABLEDMAXMINDDB_MCP_DATABASE_DIRMAXMINDDB_MCP_ACCOUNT_IDYour MaxMind account ID.MAXMINDDB_MCP_LICENSE_KEYSecretA MaxMind license key with access to the selected editions.MAXMINDDB_MCP_EDITIONSComma-separated edition IDs available to your account.Local servers need a runtime on your machine (e.g. Node.js 18+). Config file locations differ by client; see your client’s docs.
ghcr.io/oschwald/maxminddb-mcp:0.4.0stdioTools
Local servers expose tools only once running on your machine, and the maintainer has not provided a tool list.
Details
From the project READMEMaxMindDB MCP Server
Look up IP locations and network ownership in GeoIP2, GeoLite2, and custom MMDB databases from your AI assistant. Search networks, compare databases, and download new databases through MCP.
This is an unofficial project and is not endorsed by MaxMind Inc. For official products and support, visit maxmind.com.
Try asking:
- "Using MaxMindDB, identify the country and autonomous system for 8.8.8.8."
- "Find the networks belonging to AS13335 within 1.0.0.0/8 in my ASN database."
- "Which databases are available, and when were they built?"
Answers come from your databases. IP geolocation is an estimate, not a device's precise location. ASN data describes network ownership, not the identity of a person using an address.
What you need
Provide either existing .mmdb files or a MaxMind account ID and license key with access to the editions you want.
Databases and credentials are not bundled.
The server runs on your computer and requires a client that supports local MCP servers.
Installation
Claude Desktop
Install and configure the server through Claude Desktop. No terminal, Go installation, or config file is required.
- Download the latest MCPB. The single file includes native builds for all supported platforms.
- Open Settings → Extensions → Advanced settings → Install Extension in Claude Desktop and select the file.
- Choose how to provide databases in the extension settings:
- Download databases: Enter your MaxMind account ID and license key. The default editions are
GeoLite2-CityandGeoLite2-ASN. - Use existing files: Turn off Download and update MaxMind databases and select the folder containing your
.mmdbfiles.
- Download databases: Enter your MaxMind account ID and license key. The default editions are
- Enable the extension and ask: "Using MaxMindDB, list my databases and look up 8.8.8.8."
The first download runs in the background. Ask Claude to check database status if lookups are not ready yet. Enter license keys in extension settings, not in chat.
Upgrading from v0.2.0 or earlier: Remove the old extension, install the new one, and configure it again. Your database files remain in place. See upgrades, settings, and supported platforms.
Standalone executable
On macOS, install with Homebrew:
brew install --cask oschwald/tap/maxminddb-mcp
For other platforms, or without Homebrew, download an archive or Linux package from GitHub Releases. See standalone setup for installation and checksums. Then configure the server and connect your client below.
Go developers can also build from source.
Connect a client
Choose your client for step-by-step setup.
| Client | Setup requirements |
|---|---|
| ChatGPT desktop | Installed executable and configuration; local threads only |
| Codex | Installed executable; config file or environment settings |
| Claude Code | Universal native plugin, or installed executable and configuration |
Antigravity CLI (agy) | Installed executable and configuration |
| Zed | Installed executable and configuration |
| Docker | Docker engine and a config file readable by the container |
| ChatGPT desktop plugin (experimental) | Codex CLI registration and existing server configuration; desktop UI unverified |
| Claude Cowork plugin (experimental) | Universal plugin ZIP; installation and settings UI unverified |
| Cursor plugin (unverified) | Docker engine; installation and settings UI unverified |
| Gemini CLI (legacy) | Continued Gemini CLI access; native extension prompts for account settings |
Configuration
Claude Desktop users can manage settings in the extension. For standalone installations, the configuration guide covers:
- Downloads using MaxMind credentials.
- Existing MMDB folders or
GeoIP.conf. - Environment settings, config discovery, and logging.
If setup fails, start with troubleshooting.
Tools
Your assistant discovers the tools automatically. You can ask it to look up IPs, search or summarize networks, compare and inspect databases, or install and update databases.
The tool reference documents arguments, results, filters, pagination, limits, and errors.
Help and development
- Report an issue.
- Contributing: build, test, and release instructions.
- Changelog.
License
ISC.
Comments
New to MCP?
From what the protocol is to installing your first server, these answers cover most first questions.
An open protocol that defines how AI applications connect to external tools and data in a uniform way. Clients talk to the model; MCP servers provide tools, resources and prompt templates. They exchange standard messages, so one server can be reused by many clients.