Michigan License Plate Lookup
The number of stolen vehicles in Michigan has risen significantly, with more than 21,000 vehicles stolen in 2021 and around 25,000 in 2022. This does not eliminate the possibility that the thief resold the stolen vehicles. To save you from accidentally buying a stolen vehicle, utilize our Michigan license plate lookup tool to expose any hidden truth before buying the vehicle. Enter the MI plate number to instantly access the vehicle history report.
Table of Contents
Why Conduct a Michigan License Plate Lookup?
Conducting a license plate lookup in Michigan is important for sellers and buyers. For buyers, it provides a legitimate document about the vehicle, including its history, accident records, title status, and odometer check. This information is best to be known upon purchasing the vehicle to avoid getting scammed by the seller.
Moreover, sellers benefit from providing actual information to buyers, which could enhance their reputation, build credibility and trust with buyers, and facilitate smooth and safe transactions.
- VIN
- Engine Value
- MSRP
- Manufacturer
- Fuel Type
- Body Type
- Year & Model
- Transmission
- Vehicle Type
- Sales Record
- Drive Type
- Mileage
- Market Value
- Doors
- Country of Origin
Is There Any Free License Plate Lookup Service?
Our license plate service has the free service, too. You can get the free report by simply entering the license plate on the search bar and waiting for the report to be automatically generated. Please remember that you will not get a full report; the information can tilt you in the right direction to get the full vehicle history report.
For your convenience, here’s what our free plate lookup provides:
What Information Can You Access in the Full Vehicle History Report?
The paid license plate lookup has detailed information about the vehicle, including its past report. The detailed information provided by the paid license plate lookup include:
Vehicle Specifications:
Year, make, model, trim, and engine details to confirm authenticity and compatibility.
Accident History:
Offers records of past accidents, detailing the damage and repairs to assess the vehicle’s condition.
Ownership History:
Highlights the timeline of previous owners, ownership duration, and the care given to the vehicle.
Sales Records:
Summarizes past ownership changes, transactions, and important sale dates for tracking history.
Auction History:
Discloses whether the vehicle was sold at auction, indicating market interest or quality issues.
Title Status:
Verifies the title type—clean, salvaged, rebuilt, or branded—to evaluate legal and physical status.
Lien Records:
Identifies any unpaid loans or liens that could affect the ownership transfer process.
Open Recalls:
Lists unresolved recalls or defects, ensuring you’re aware of potential safety concerns.
Theft Records:
Confirms whether the vehicle was reported stolen, assuring its legitimacy and security.
Odometer Reading:
Validates the mileage for accuracy and estimates the vehicle’s usage and wear.
Service and Maintenance History:
Provides details of past servicing and repairs to show how well the vehicle was maintained.
How Does the License Plate Lookup Work?
To perform a license plate lookup, follow this step to get your report in less than a minute.
Video: How to Lookup a Michigan License Plate
Step 1: Enter the License Plate Number
You can find the license plate number on the front and back of the vehicle. Fill out the form on this page and submit it.
Step 2: Review and Purchase
Check vehicle specifications and features and complete your purchase.
Step 3: Access Your Report
Access your vehicle history report instantly. Download and print it easily.
License Plate Regulations in Michigan
In Michigan, vehicles must display a valid license plate with a current registration tab. Since 1981, only rear plates have been required; front plates have been unnecessary.
The Michigan Secretary of State oversees vehicle registration and license plates. All vehicles and trailers used on Michigan’s roads must be registered and have a license plate. This includes passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, and trailers.
License plates must be securely fastened horizontally at least 12 inches from the ground and kept clean and legible. Operating a vehicle with an obstructed or improperly displayed license plate can result in fines or penalties.
Types and Design of Michigan License Plate
The standard Michigan license plate has a simple design. It features a blue and white background for a clear, professional look; the numbering format is ABC 1234. The standard plates display the state name at the top and the slogan “Pure Michigan” at the bottom, promoting Michigan’s natural beauty.
Types of License Plates in Michigan
The government of Michigan issued different types of license plates in addition to the standard plate to accommodate the needs of its residents.
Standard Plates
Standard plates are the most commonly used plates in Michigan. At the bottom, they display the “Pure Michigan” slogan, representing the state’s commitment to its natural beauty and resources. The plates feature a simple design with a white background and blue text. They are issued for most passenger vehicles and are required for everyday use on the road.
Personalized Plates
Personalized plates allow vehicle owners to create a unique combination of letters and numbers, offering a chance to showcase their personality or interests. These plates can include names, special words, or phrases, provided they meet state guidelines for appropriateness. Personalized plates have higher fees and must be renewed annually.
Specialty Plates
Specialty plates support various causes, organizations, or initiatives, such as environmental conservation, universities, or charitable programs. Each plate design reflects its purpose, making them a great way to show support while driving. These plates may have additional costs, which often go toward supporting the associated cause or organization.
Historical Plates
Historical plates are designed for vehicles at least 25 years old and are primarily used for exhibitions, parades, or other special events. They indicate the vehicle’s vintage status and state that it cannot be used for everyday transportation. Therefore, they are ideal for collectors or enthusiasts who preserve classic automobiles.
Military Plates
Military plates honor veterans and active-duty members of the armed forces. They include designs for specific branches, such as the Army, Navy, or Air Force, and plates recognizing honors like the Purple Heart or Medal of Honor. Applicants must provide proof of military service to qualify.
Dealer Plates
Dealer plates are issued to licensed vehicle dealers, allowing them to use a single plate on multiple vehicles in their inventory. These plates simplify the process for dealers when demonstrating or delivering vehicles. Dealer plates are strictly regulated to prevent misuse and ensure compliance with Michigan’s vehicle laws.
Other Vehicle Check Tools
Before purchasing, verify a car’s history, factory details, and ownership records with these essential tools.
VIN Decoder
Our VIN decoder does the trick if the license plate number is unavailable. Quickly decode your VIN to access detailed information from factory details to original specifications and all vehicle history records.
Window Stickers
Get a copy of the original window sticker of any vehicle, showing all the options, packages, standard features and equipment, safety ratings, fuel economy, and factory-installed parts your vehicle came with.
Build Sheets for Classic Vehicles
Like window stickers, you can get build sheets for classic or vintage vehicles with our build sheet lookup tool for classic vehicles with the VIN only. View specifications, features, color, pricing, and more.
Classic Car History Report
You won’t find this anywhere else! Our classic car VIN check provides exclusive records for all old vehicles, giving you a full classic car vehicle history report that Carfax and AutoCheck can’t. Check a vintage car’s authenticity today!
Fun facts about Michigan
In the 1980s, Michigan changed its vehicle registration system to allow renewals based on the owner’s birthday rather than a fixed date at the end of February.
License Plate Lookup By States
Frequently Asked Questions
The concept of license plate ownership, where they follow the individual rather than the vehicle, is common in most states, making the transfer of plates to a new car a lawful action.
Letting people see your license plate can lead to them finding out a lot about your car’s past, like where it was serviced and if it was in an accident. To avoid these risks, keep your plate private.
While the VIN is a 17-character code that uniquely identifies vehicles, it’s important to know that you cannot see who owns a car or address information from any state DMV using it in the United States. However, a VIN check allows you to know the number of previous owners, the location, and the duration of usage, among other records like lien, title, accident, theft, service history, and more.
The DPPA, or Driver’s Privacy Protection Act, prevents unauthorized access to personal information found in license plates and motor vehicle records. This protection covers sensitive data such as your Social Security number, name, address, and driver’s license number, ensuring drivers’ privacy is upheld.
