How to do a license plate lookup for free (2023)

(Pocket-lint) - The license plate lookup is a crucial step when you are going to buy a used car. Nowadays, there are many services that are offering free license lookup rather than manualling looking it up. These free services will check all the data against your number plate and extract the details within minutes.

Generally, people tend to use handy and efficient license plate lookup tools to get the possible information before purchasing a car. The whole process would save you time and effort on getting trustworthy data. This article will guide you on how you can do a license plate lookup for free.

What is a license plate number?

The license plate number is assigned to each vehicle that verifies the vehicle's registration. The unique number contains symbols, colors, or slogans according to the respective states. It assists in the connection of the vehicles and their owners.

POCKET-LINT VIDEO OF THE DAY

A license plate number can tell us a lot of basic information about names, public records, theft/accident records, and recalls. When a vehicle is sold, the license plate's transformation is dependent on the state's law. Some states prefer to transfer the license plate whereas, some of them issue a new plate number.

How do you lookup license plate numbers with VinPit?

VinPit is a web-based lookup service that allows you to do license plate searches or VIN number searches for free. It provides you with all the basic information that you need before purchasing a used car.

What is VinPit?

There are several situations in which we need to check the vehicle's VIN. Suppose you want to buy a used car, then it's better to get a detailed report which shows accident/theft records, recalls, make, model, year, manufacturer, etc.

For that purpose, VinPit is a free license plate lookup site that pulls out every single detail against your license plate number. It allows you to download a complete report showing the vehicle's specifications, covered distance, fuel efficiency, odometer readings, and estimated market price.

(Video) How to do a license plate lookup find vehicle owner by license plate

VinPit

How to do a license plate lookup for free (1)

VinPit helps you to make the purchasing process of a used car smoother. The decoder has a large and resourceful database that makes it possible to extract all details about the vehicle that you are looking for.

VinPit official website: www.vinpit.com

Where does VinPit get vehicle information?

VinPit provides you with information related to the vehicle including, model, make, year, and country. The decoder immediately accesses the data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that tries to save people from deaths and injuries. The organization aims to ensure safe roads for driving. It tends to provide safety rules to the community.

NHTSA gives all the data that is submitted by the manufacturers of the vehicles. VinPit fetches the information from the huge databases and presents it to the users so that they can make the right decisions on the purchasing of used cars. Users can go through this VinPit review to get to know more about searching through VIN numbers.

Steps to lookup license plate numbers

VinPit is a VIN decoder that also offers license plate checks. It aims to provide safety and necessary information that is needed for complete satisfaction in the buying process.

On inserting the license plate number, you will get all details including, make, model, fuel efficiency, year, and recalls related to the vehicle. The following are the simple steps that you need to follow to lookup license plate numbers via the VinPit tool.

(Video) How EASY It Is To Steal Your Info from a License Plate

Step 1: To initialize the lookup process, get the license plate number of the vehicle.

Step 2: Go to the VinPit website from any browser. Click on the 'License Plate Lookup' option from the above toolbar of the VinPit site.

Step 3: Insert the license plate number in the given space, and click the 'Start Search' option. Just wait for a while to get the details against the license plate number. VinPit will let you download and share the complete report of the vehicle history.

Analyze the car market value before buying through VinPit >>

What can I get from a free license plate lookup?

It is always better to do complete research before getting into the purchasing process of a used vehicle. Free license plate lookup offers users detailed reports such as model, make, year, manufacturer, country, accident/ theft record, and recalls about the vehicle.

The following are a few more things that you can get from a free license plate lookup.

  • Branded title

You will get to know the official status of a vehicle by the state agency. The branded title will tell you that the vehicle is safe to drive or not and about any damages. It also depicts if the car has been junked from an accident or rescued.

  • Robbing records

By doing a license number plate check, you are able to get all records of the stolen cases of the vehicle. The most disrupted detail is if the record tells the car status as currently stolen. This leads to the conclusion that the seller is not the actual owner of the car. You will likely report it to the police, which is the next point.

  • Accident/damage report

In daily life, vehicles can undergo an accident or damages and can be repaired. But it is tough to define the level of the damage. Was the renovation done exactly like the manufacturer? The well-experienced repair shops can bring back the original state of the vehicle. For that purpose, a license plate lookup will provide you accident records of the repair work done in the past.

(Video) Free License Plate Lookup
  • Recent vehicle inspection

There are several inspections done on the car to ensure that it is meeting emission goals set by the government. Some states and countries will go for more safety checks for further inspection. But in case the car can't pass the basic requirements, then maybe it won't pass an inspection.

  • Car's registration issues

A license lookup will list out the issues that are related to the car's registration. The more details you look at, the more you get the reasons for why the state's authorities are not making the car road legal.

Get your car condition checked through VinPit by clicking here <<

Other free resources that offer a license plate check

Many online services are offering free license number plate lookup to make the purchasing of the used car easier. It also improves the condition of the used car market. If you have concerns about any vehicle, go for the suitable lookup service that will give you access to the car's details.

Here are some other free resources that offer a license plate check.

VINCheck.info

VINCheck.info is a free lookup service tool that helps to provide accurate information about a vehicle. The tool gets a license plate number and gives you all the details, such as engine number, tank size, year, make, model, recalls, and much more. It aims to gather relevant information about your vehicle. Also, you can save yourself from overpricing by getting the estimated market value of the vehicle.

VINCheck

How to do a license plate lookup for free (2)

VINCheck.info regularly collects the data that is linked to your license plate number or VIN. You can even access most of the free sources of vehicles through its researchable database.

VehicleHistory

VehicleHistory is a lookup tool that helps its customers to get accurate and quick information related to the vehicle. It is a comprehensive and trusted source of information that builds the trust of buyers in sellers. The site gives you selling history, recalls, a list of expirations, and the estimated price of the vehicle in the market. You can search from its vast database that provides complete and current information about the vehicle.

VehicleHistory

How to do a license plate lookup for free (3)

So if you are researching car history for the car you are looking to buy, VehicleHistory has developed a system to provide a service that will help you find what you are looking for.

(Video) Reverse License Plate Search | Free Reverse License Plate Database

What is the best site to do a license plate lookup?

VinPit is the most resourceful lookup site which is able to track the VIN numbers and license plate number of cars, motorbikes, and other engine bodies.

The lookup site has the ability to give you detailed information about a vehicle including, model, make, year, transmission, market value, safety ratings, and other records. Here are some benefits that will prove to you why VinPit is the best site for the lookup license plate.

  • Accident/damages history

VinPit looks for the possible damages that the car might have faced. The detailed report shows the country where it was damaged and the repair costs. Having such information will help you in negotiating the price with the seller of the vehicle.

  • Maintenance

The tool gives you the prescribed timetable when the services are done in the past as well as upcoming services. By knowing this information, you can compare the real records of the vehicle's service book. For the upcoming service details, you can evaluate the possible cost and decide whether to purchase a car or not.

  • Title records

This portion shows the title documents, such as a legal certificate. Moreover, you can get to know the current status of the vehicle by the state.

  • Sale records

This section of the VinPit report presents the past sale records of the vehicle. It will give you an idea at what price the vehicle was previously sold.

Conclusion

Several tools are available to help in accessing all the basic information about the vehicle. Out of all, VinPit is the handiest tool that provides basic details, also all records related to the vehicle. We suggest you thoroughly read the article and make a better choice for a license plate lookup.

FAQs

How do I look up license plates in Idaho? ›

You may conduct a license plate lookup using free or paid services from third-party vendors or visit the ITD Division of Motor Vehicles to request a records search. You may use the Idaho vehicle title or registration record search tool to obtain information associated with a license plate.

Can I lookup a Florida license plate number? ›

Yes. You can look up license plates using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Can you look up license plates in NJ? ›

Yes, you can look up a license plate with a VIN, depending on the VIN lookup tool you use. A car's license plate number is linked to its VIN in public vehicle records in New Jersey.

Can you look up Nebraska license plate numbers? ›

Interested persons can look up Nebraska license plate information from the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for a fee. Alternatively, they can do so by using third-party free online license plate lookup tools or hiring a private investigator.

How long can you drive with expired tags in Idaho? ›

If your tags are expired by six months or more, your car may get impounded. The cost of impound will be added to the fine and the late renewal fee, significantly increasing what you have to pay to drive legally again.

Can you use old license plates in Idaho? ›

Old Timer plates SHALL NOT BE USED for business or commercial purposes, racing or rallies, or FOR REGULAR PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION. If the owner wants Old Timer plates, but intends to drive the vehicle for regular transportation, the vehicle must be dual plated; as both an Old Timer and as a passenger car, truck, etc,.

Is license plate information public record Florida? ›

Under Florida law, motor vehicle, driver license and vehicular crash record information are public information.

How do I check my Florida tag? ›

Visit FloridaDrivingRecord.com to request an official vehicle status report. You can also enter a vehicle's license plate number on the website to determine if the tag is registered to a different vehicle. The report lists the VIN, year, make and model of the vehicle associated with the plate number.

What happens if you don't return Florida plates? ›

Florida law requires all sellers to file a Notice of Sale.

Your driver license will be suspended if you fail to surrender your license plate when you sell your vehicle and are not transferring the plate to a replacement vehicle within a maximum of 30 days.

What does SV mean on NJ license plate? ›

SV-SZ=Sussex.

What are 2 types of special license plates in NJ? ›

Dedicated Plates (Special Interest) Specialty Plates (Organizational)

What is my NJ MVC User ID? ›

User Identification Number:

A UIN is assigned to every driver license number. Note: For security purposes no one at MVC has access to your UIN.

Can you drive without license plates in Nebraska? ›

Vehicles without license plates or In Transit stickers are illegal in Nebraska.

How do I check my vehicle registration status? ›

Punjab Vehicle Verification of Registered Vehicles via MTMIS — SMS Method
  1. Open the SMS App.
  2. Enter your vehicle's enrollment number and SMS it to 8785.
  3. You will get the following information: (Chassis number, Engine number, Make, Registration date, Token paid, Owner's name).
7 May 2022

What are the Nebraska county numbers? ›

The following is a list of the 93 counties in the U.S. state of Nebraska, listed by name, FIPS code and license plate prefix.
...
List of counties in Nebraska.
Counties of Nebraska
Number93
Populations379 (McPherson) – 585,008 (Douglas)
Areas241 square miles (620 km2) (Sarpy) – 5,961 square miles (15,440 km2) (Cherry)
GovernmentCounty government
3 more rows

What is the fine for expired registration in Idaho? ›

(16) Failure to carry registration in vehicle (dismissed if registration is shown). Section 49-427, Idaho Code. (Fixed penalty $10.50, court costs $16.50, county justice fund fee $5.00, peace officers training fee $15.00, court technology fund fee $10.00, and emergency surcharge fee $10.00).

How long can you ride around with expired tags? ›

In some cases, you may just get a warning or a small fine. But after six months in all states, your car may be impounded. The cost to get your car back after this is often more than the cost of registration. So, at the very worst, you should try to renew your tags within that time frame.

How much is the penalty for late registration of vehicle? ›

Motorists who have not renewed their expired licence will pay about 10% penalty fees for each month. Traffic officials could also hand out fines up to R1000 for an expired vehicle licence disc.

Is a front license plate required in Idaho? ›

9. Is a front license plate required on Idaho-registered cars? Yes. When 2 plates are required then 1 must be on the front and 1 must be on the rear of the vehicle.

How often do you have to get new plates in Idaho? ›

Currently, plates must be replaced after seven years regardless of their condition. The costs to replace the physical plates on a passenger vehicle is $7.50. Officials say the change will result in a drop of 285,000 plates produced in the first year and a drop of 125,000 plates produced annually after that.

Do Idaho license plates expire? ›

License plates issued for state, county and city motor vehicles shall be valid for ten (10) years pursuant to subsection (2) of this section and remain on the vehicle for which issued from year to year and need no renewal or validation sticker.

Can I get my Florida driving record online free? ›

You may review the current status of your driver license online at no cost by using our Online Driver License Check. You may purchase your own 3-year, 7-year, or complete driver record from any driver license service center, court clerks who provide this service, or from a private vendor.

What does a stop on a Florida title mean? ›

A Registration Stop on a license plate prevents the vehicle owner from renewing their Vehicle Registration. The Registration Stop must be released prior to renewing the license plate registration.

What is the Florida vehicle registration number? ›

The VIN is often referred to as the Florida vehicle registration number. In Florida, a resident may be able to have their vehicle verified at the county tax collector's office, or they can have this completed before they register their car by: Any police officer.

Is there a grace period for expired tags in Florida? ›

In Florida, you face a noncriminal infraction for driving with registration that's been expired for fewer than six months. If your registration is expired for six months or longer, but it's your first time that the registration hasn't been renewed for that long, you also won't face criminal charges.

Do I have to turn in my license plate when I cancel insurance in Florida? ›

Failure to surrender a valid license plate when your insurance is cancelled or expires will result in suspension of your driver license. When you dispose of a plate by turning it into a tax collector's office you will receive a receipt showing that the plate was surrendered.

Can you get a copy of your vehicle registration online in Florida? ›

Lost Registrations

The license plate number, decal number, or vehicle identification number and a valid photo ID is required for the issuance. If you are unable to visit an office, you can visit www.gorenew.com and order a duplicate from the state.

How long can you keep a license plate in Florida? ›

License Plates in Florida

All license plates, also known as tags in Florida, are valid for a period of ten years. On the tenth year of a vehicle's registration renewal, a new tag will be issued. Florida issues standard and specialty plates, and most plates can be personalized.

Do you get money back when you turn in a license plate in Florida? ›

To qualify for a refund of the registration fee the license plate and general decal must be surrendered along with a copy of the currently issued Real Property decal and registration.

What happens to the license plates when a car is totaled in Florida? ›

After an Accident

If you have been in an accident and the vehicle is declared a total loss, you must remember to remove the plates from the vehicle. You will surrender the title to the insurance company and send the plates to the DMV.

What does B mean on a license plate? ›

B - Police vehicles. EC - Eastern Cape province. FS - Free State (formerly Orange Free State) province. G - Government vehicles (?) GP - Gauteng province.

What does UW mean on a New Jersey license plate? ›

These license plates will benefit the Rewards for Justice Program which provides reward money for information that leads to the capture of terrorists and terrorist plots. The United We Stand license plate program offers citizens an easy, visible way to show their patriotism and fight terrorism.

Are license plate frames illegal in New Jersey? ›

License plate frames in New Jersey are legal as long as they do not cover/obscure any of the lettering and numbers on the plate. However, if you slip up, you could be charged a $100 fine.

How many license plate options does NJ have? ›

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission offers 17 dedicated plates that cost $50 for the initial purchase and an additional $10 a year that goes to causes ranging from supporting parks to endangered species to helping children of fallen law enforcement officers.

How much are specialty plates in NJ? ›

Official Site of The State of New Jersey

You can personalize your license plates for a one-time fee of $50. An additional $50 fee is applied to reactivate the personalized plates in the event that the registration is expired for a period of more than two years.

Are tinted license plate covers illegal in NJ? ›

No glass or plastic covers: New Jersey forbids the use of any plastic or glass license plate covers, or any other covering or coating that may distort or obscure your license plate, such that they cannot be properly read or photographed.

Can I check my NJ drivers license status online? ›

You can view your non-certified driving record online anytime you wish. While it is possible to show the non-certified form to other entities, insurance companies, employers, and the courts will not accept them as official proof of driving history.

Do all accidents show up on your driving record NJ? ›

Yes, all car accidents will show up on your driving record, regardless of whether they were your fault or not. Even if the accident wasn't your fault, you'll still need to file an insurance claim to cover the damages to your vehicle.

How do I log into NJ Mbos? ›

Log On to myNewJersey and access to your MBOS Home Page

Go to the Division of Pensions and Benefits Web site at: www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions 2. On the Pensions and Benefits home page click the link “Log on to MBOS or EPIC”. 3. The myNewJersey “Log On Page” will open.

How can I find out when my plate number expires? ›

The last digit of your car's license plate number will tell you the month when you need to register your car. 1 stands for January, 2 for February, 3 for March, and so on and so forth. As for 0, October will be your month of registration.

How long does it take to get plates from DMV in Idaho? ›

Standard Sized Plates (6” x 12”) - Approved personalized license plates will generally take a minimum of 3 weeks for delivery after fees have been received. A temporary registration may be available.

How much does it cost to register a vehicle in Idaho? ›

$5.00 annual fee, or $20 for a five-year registration or $30 for a ten-year registration.

How do I register an out of state vehicle in Idaho? ›

How to Register an Out-of-State Vehicle in Idaho
  1. Completed Application for Certificate of Idaho Title.
  2. Out-of-state title.
  3. Proof of identification.
  4. Proof of residency.
  5. Payment for fees.
21 Mar 2022

How do I find the owner of a license plate number? ›

A system which was authorized by LTO will pave the way for you to check by texting. All you need to do is a smartphone with Internet available to log in. Then, fill in precisely the line: LTO VEHICLE[plate number of your car] and send to 2600. After that, you will receive the auto-generated reply in a minute.

How much is the penalty for late registration of vehicle? ›

Motorists who have not renewed their expired licence will pay about 10% penalty fees for each month. Traffic officials could also hand out fines up to R1000 for an expired vehicle licence disc.

Who uses the special plate number 7? ›

Motor vehicles used for special purposes may, with the written approval of the President of the Philippines, be assigned ordinary high private registration number plates. 2.
...
1President of the Philippines
7-B, 7-C, etc.Senators, as assigned by the President of the Senate according to seniority
235 more rows
31 Dec 1969

What is the fine for expired registration in Idaho? ›

(16) Failure to carry registration in vehicle (dismissed if registration is shown). Section 49-427, Idaho Code. (Fixed penalty $10.50, court costs $16.50, county justice fund fee $5.00, peace officers training fee $15.00, court technology fund fee $10.00, and emergency surcharge fee $10.00).

How long is a temporary license plate good for Idaho? ›

“Temporary piece of paper to put on your back window, that is good for three days, the dealers a lot of times put it for 30, but really it's only supposed to be three days, and that gives you time to come in and register your car,” said the County Assessor Brad Wills.

How do I register a car without a title in Idaho? ›

How to Transfer Ownership of a Car Without a Title in Idaho? You are required to transfer a vehicle's title before you can register it and legally drive it in the state of Idaho. You can contact the seller of the vehicle and ask them to apply for a Duplicate Idaho Vehicle Title (Form ITD 3367).

What is required to register a car in Idaho? ›

Before you can register or title your vehicle, you will need to provide either your Idaho driver's license number, Idaho ID card* number, or social security number (SSN), or your individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), along with your full legal name and physical address, and mailing addresss if different.

Do you have to have a front license plate in Idaho? ›

9. Is a front license plate required on Idaho-registered cars? Yes. When 2 plates are required then 1 must be on the front and 1 must be on the rear of the vehicle.

How much does it cost to transfer a car title in Idaho? ›

How Much Does It Cost To Transfer A Car Title In Idaho? The basic how much is a title transfer cost is $14. You also have to show you have paid sales tax as well. If the vehicle is being titled for the first time in Idaho from another state, there is a $5 charge for a VIN inspection.

Do you need insurance to register a vehicle in Idaho? ›

You cannot register a car without insurance in Idaho. Proof of insurance is required at the time of registration.. In Idaho, you are required to have $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage, up to $50,000 per accident, along with $15,000 in liability coverage for property damage.

How long do you have to register a vehicle after purchase in Idaho? ›

No one else can sell the vehicle unless he or she is a licensed car dealer conducting the sale at the place of business. What is Idaho's titling law? Idaho law requires you to title a vehicle within 30 days after the purchase date.

Why do Californians move to Idaho? ›

Some of the reasons why Californians are relocating to Idaho involve the high cost of living, dwindling job opportunities, heavy traffic, and the punitive tax laws in California. Besides, California is prone to some of the most devastating catastrophes ranging from wildfires to earthquakes.

Videos

1. License Plate Lookup Tool
(mallory.nelson)
2. How Private Investigators Run License Plates
(Suburban Security Services)
3. How to Lookup California License Plates and Report Bad Drivers
(License Plate Search)
4. How to Lookup Florida License Plates and Report Bad Drivers
(License Plate Search)
5. How to Lookup Texas License Plates and Report Bad Drivers
(License Plate Search)
6. Texas License Plate Lookup
(RecordFinders)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Laurine Ryan

Last Updated: 01/10/2023

Views: 6759

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Laurine Ryan

Birthday: 1994-12-23

Address: Suite 751 871 Lissette Throughway, West Kittie, NH 41603

Phone: +2366831109631

Job: Sales Producer

Hobby: Creative writing, Motor sports, Do it yourself, Skateboarding, Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Stand-up comedy

Introduction: My name is Laurine Ryan, I am a adorable, fair, graceful, spotless, gorgeous, homely, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.