6 Easy Steps: How to Find A License Plate Owner

Have you ever seen a suspicious vehicle driving in your neighborhood, or witnessed a hit-and-run accident, but were unable to obtain the driver’s information? If so, you may have wondered if there was a way to identify the registered owner of a vehicle based solely on its license plate number. While this information is not always readily available, there are several possible methods you can explore to uncover the elusive identity behind an unknown license plate.

One potential avenue is to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the state where the vehicle is registered. While the DMV typically requires proof of ownership or a valid reason for requesting this information, they may be able to provide the registered owner’s name and address upon providing a compelling explanation. It’s worth noting that accessing this information without a legitimate purpose may constitute an invasion of privacy in some jurisdictions.

Another option is to utilize commercial vehicle lookup services. These services typically require a fee but offer a convenient and often comprehensive way to obtain vehicle owner information. Some reputable services may even provide additional details such as the vehicle’s title history, accident reports, and odometer readings. However, it’s important to carefully evaluate the reliability and privacy policies of any service you consider using.

Identifying the Plate Owner through Official Sources

There are several official sources that allow you to look up the owner of a license plate. These sources vary depending on the state or country in which the license plate is registered. Here is a summary of the most common official sources:

1. **Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)**

The DMV is the primary government agency responsible for issuing and registering license plates. In most states, you can request a vehicle registration record from the DMV, which will include the owner’s name and address. You may need to provide the license plate number and payment for a small fee.

State	Website
California	https://www.dmv.ca.gov/
Florida	https://www.flhsmv.gov/
New York	https://dmv.ny.gov/
Texas	https://www.txdmv.gov/

Local Police Department

The local police department may have access to license plate information, especially if the license plate is linked to a traffic violation or crime. You can contact the police department’s records department and provide them with the license plate number. They may be able to provide you with the owner’s name and address.

DMV Website

Some states offer online databases that allow you to look up license plate information. These databases may require you to pay a small fee. You can access the DMV website for your state to see if this service is available.

Private Investigator

A private investigator can help you track down the owner of a license plate using a variety of methods. This can be a more expensive option, but it may be necessary if none of the other official sources provide you with the information you need.

Using the DMV to Look Up a License Plate Owner

To look up a license plate owner using the DMV, you will need the following information:

• The license plate number
• The state in which the license plate is registered
• The type of vehicle (car, truck, motorcycle, etc.)
• The year the vehicle was manufactured

You can then visit the DMV website for the appropriate state and follow the instructions for requesting a vehicle registration record. You may need to provide payment for a small fee. The DMV will then mail you a copy of the record, which will include the owner’s name and address.

Using Online License Plate Lookup Services

Numerous websites provide online license plate lookup services, offering various levels of information depending on the provider. To utilize these services, simply enter the license plate number into the designated search field.

Free Services

Website	Information Provided
NMVTIS	Vehicle history, including accidents, recalls, and mileage
VINCheck	Vehicle make, model, year, and specifications

Paid Services

Website	Information Provided	Cost
CarFax	Comprehensive vehicle history, accident reports, and maintenance records	$39.99 per report
AutoCheck	Vehicle history, title information, and accident records	$24.99 per report
EpicVIN	Detailed vehicle history, including auction records and theft reports	$14.99 per report

When using paid services, carefully review the information provided and ensure it aligns with your needs. Some services offer additional features, such as ongoing vehicle monitoring or personalized alerts, for an additional fee.

Contacting the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the government agency responsible for issuing and regulating vehicle licenses and registrations. They maintain a database of all registered vehicles and their owners. To obtain information about a license plate owner, you can contact the DMV by phone, mail, or in person.

In Person

You can visit your local DMV office and request a license plate owner lookup. You will need to provide the license plate number and may be asked for additional information, such as the make and model of the vehicle.

By Mail

You can submit a written request for a license plate owner lookup by mail. Include the following information in your request:

Your name and contact information
The license plate number
The make and model of the vehicle (if known)
A check or money order for the required fee

By Phone

Some DMVs offer a phone number that you can call to request a license plate owner lookup. You will need to provide the same information as you would if you were contacting the DMV in person or by mail.

Leverage Social Media for Open Records Requests

Harnessing the power of social media can be a potent avenue for submitting open records requests. Here’s a detailed guide to navigate this path:

1. Identify the Relevant Agency

Begin by pinpointing the government agency responsible for managing the records you seek. Consult websites or contact the relevant authorities to gather this information.

2. Craft a Clear and Specific Request

Your open records request should be concise, specific, and clearly state the records you require. Include the license plate number, the date of occurrence, and any other pertinent details.

3. Choose Your Social Media Platform

Select a social media platform where the agency has an active presence. Twitter is a popular choice due to its real-time nature and the ease of tagging relevant officials.

4. Submit Your Request via Social Media

Draft a public tweet or post that includes:

– A polite greeting and an introduction of yourself
– A clear statement of your open records request, including the license plate number and relevant details
– A request for a response within the prescribed time frame (typically 10 business days)
– A hashtag relevant to your inquiry
– A tag to the appropriate agency’s social media handle

Example Tweet:
“Hello, @CityRecords. I would like to request records related to the license plate number [LPN]. Please respond within the legal time frame. #LicensePlateRequest”

Accessing Public Records Databases

5. Third-Party Websites

While state agencies maintain official license plate databases, numerous third-party websites offer search services. These platforms typically compile information from public records and other sources to provide comprehensive lookup capabilities. Their services may include:

Features:

– License plate lookup by state or country
– Detailed vehicle information, including make, model, year, and VIN
– Owner’s name, address, and other contact details
– Additional information, such as insurance status and liens
– Some websites may also offer background checks or other services related to vehicle ownership

Considerations:

– Accuracy and completeness of information may vary depending on the website and its data sources.
– Fees may apply for certain search services or advanced features.
– Privacy concerns exist, as third-party websites collect and process personal data.

Website	Services	Fees
VINCheck	License plate lookup, VIN verification	$4.95
EpicVIN	Comprehensive vehicle history report	$39.99
National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS)	Federal database for vehicle title and history	Varies by use

Contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

If the license plate belongs to a commercial vehicle, you can try contacting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They may be able to provide you with the owner’s information if the vehicle is registered with them.

Hire a Private Investigator or Skip Tracer

If you have exhausted all other options and still cannot find the owner of the license plate, you may consider hiring a private investigator or skip tracer. These professionals specialize in finding people and information, and they may be able to track down the owner of the license plate for you.

How to Choose a Private Investigator or Skip Tracer

Get recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues.
Check online reviews and ratings.
Interview potential investigators and ask about their experience, fees, and success rates.
Make sure the investigator is licensed and insured.

What to Expect from a Private Investigator or Skip Tracer

The investigator will typically start by gathering information about the vehicle and its owner.
They may search public records databases, interview witnesses, and conduct surveillance.
Once they have located the owner, they will provide you with their contact information.

Fees for Private Investigators and Skip Tracers

The fees for hiring a private investigator or skip tracer will vary depending on the complexity of the case and the experience of the investigator. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for their services.

Utilizing Law Enforcement Resources

In certain circumstances, law enforcement agencies may be able to assist in identifying a vehicle owner based on a license plate number. However, it’s important to note that this is not a guaranteed service and may vary depending on the agency’s policies and resources.

Here are the steps to consider when seeking assistance from law enforcement:

Contact the Local Police: Visit your local police station or contact them by phone to make an inquiry.
Provide the License Plate Number: Clearly state the license plate number you wish to trace.
Explain Your Reason: Explain the purpose for requesting the information (e.g., for a stolen vehicle report, insurance claim, etc.).
Follow Procedures: The police may have specific protocols for handling license plate inquiries. Follow their instructions and provide any necessary documentation.
Be Prepared for Limitations: Law enforcement may have limited access to vehicle ownership information, especially for non-criminal investigations.
Consider Other Options: If the police cannot provide the information, consider exploring other methods mentioned in this article.
Respect Boundaries: Do not persist if law enforcement declines to assist you due to privacy concerns or legal restrictions.

Privacy Considerations

It’s important to note that vehicle ownership information is generally considered private and protected by law. Law enforcement agencies may not release this information without a valid legal reason (e.g., a court order or warrant).

Checking Local Registry of Deeds for Property Records

The Registry of Deeds is a public office that records and maintains legal documents related to property ownership and real estate transactions. You can check the Registry of Deeds for property records linked to a license plate by following these steps:

1. Determine the County Where the Vehicle is Registered

The county where the vehicle is registered is usually printed on the license plate.

2. Locate the Local Registry of Deeds Office

Search online or contact the county government to find the address and contact information for their Registry of Deeds office.

3. Visit the Office in Person

Most Registry of Deeds offices offer in-person record searches. Bring the license plate number and be prepared to pay a small search fee.

4. Search by License Plate Number

Provide the license plate number to a staff member and request a property record search. The staff will locate documents involving the vehicle or its owner.

5. Review the Property Records

The property records may include deeds, mortgages, liens, and other documents that can provide the owner’s name and address.

6. Note Any Liens or Judgments

Check for any liens or judgments recorded against the property, as these may involve the registered vehicle.

7. Access Online Records (if Available)

Some counties offer online access to Registry of Deeds records. Check the county website for availability.

8. Additional Tips for Searching Property Records

Tip	Description
Use a VIN Decoder	Decode the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to obtain more information about the vehicle, including the make, model, and year.
Check Multiple Counties	If the search in one county yields no results, consider checking nearby counties or counties where the owner may have property.
Obtain a Lien Search	Order a lien search from a title company or online service to uncover any liens or judgments associated with the vehicle or its owner.

Seeking Assistance from Motor Vehicle Dealerships

Approach Dealerships with Caution

While some dealerships may assist in VIN lookups, it’s essential to approach them with caution. Most dealerships prioritize selling vehicles and may not provide this information readily. Additionally, they may charge a fee for the service.

Call the Dealership Service Department

Contact the service department of the dealership where the vehicle was purchased or serviced. They may have access to records containing VIN and license plate information.

Consider the Vehicle’s History Report

Purchase a vehicle history report from a reputable service like Carfax or AutoCheck. These reports typically include a VIN lookup and may provide the owner’s name and address (if available).

Explore Third-Party Websites

Several websites offer VIN lookup services, such as VIN Decoder or VehicleHistory.com. These platforms may charge a fee but provide access to basic vehicle information, including the license plate number and potential owner’s name.

Utilize Social Media Platforms

In rare cases, you may find the owner’s information by searching for the license plate number on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. However, this method is often unreliable and may not yield accurate results.

Request a License Plate Owner Search from Law Enforcement

If all other methods fail, you can consider contacting the local law enforcement agency and requesting a license plate owner search. However, this is generally not recommended unless there is a legitimate safety concern or legal matter involved.

Method	Cost	Reliability
Dealership VIN Lookup	May vary, typically a fee	Depends on dealership cooperation
Vehicle History Report	Fee required	High
Third-Party VIN Lookup	Fee required	Varies, but generally lower than vehicle history reports
Social Media Search	Free	Unreliable, not suitable for confidential use
Law Enforcement Search	Free but not always available	High but requires a legitimate reason

Exploring Alternative Methods for Restricted Records

10. Filing a Public Records Request

In cases where a license plate owner’s information is restricted, you may consider filing a public records request. This formal request allows you to access government records, including DMV records. Contact your local DMV or state government agency to obtain the necessary forms and instructions for submitting the request. Note that fees may apply, and the processing time can vary depending on the jurisdiction.

Here are some additional tips for navigating restricted license plate records:

Check for State Laws: Some states have specific laws governing access to license plate information. Familiarize yourself with the relevant statutes in your jurisdiction.
Consider a Private Investigator: If you have exhausted all other options, you may consider hiring a private investigator to assist with your search. They have access to tools and databases that may not be available to the public.
Be Respectful of Privacy Rights: While it may be necessary to obtain license plate owner information for legitimate purposes, it’s crucial to respect the privacy rights of the individuals involved. Only pursue information that is strictly necessary and avoid using it for inappropriate or harmful purposes.

How To Look Up A License Plate Owner

If you need to find the owner of a vehicle, you can use a license plate lookup service. These services typically charge a fee, but they can provide you with the name, address, and other contact information for the registered owner of the vehicle. To use a license plate lookup service, you will need to provide the license plate number of the vehicle you are interested in. Some services may also require you to provide the state in which the vehicle is registered.

There are a number of different license plate lookup services available online. Some of the most popular services include:

VinCheck.info
AutoCheck
Carfax
EpicVIN

When choosing a license plate lookup service, it is important to consider the cost, the accuracy of the information, and the ease of use. You should also make sure that the service you choose is reputable and has a good track record.