Ohio License Plate Lookup
In 2023, Ohio reported 31,647 vehicle thefts, ranking it as the 8th highest state for motor vehicle thefts in the United States. If you’re buying a used vehicle, use the Ohio license plate lookup to help you check if the vehicle was stolen.
Table of Contents
What is an Ohio License Plate Lookup?
The Ohio License Plate lookup is a tool used to check any license plate from any vehicle in Ohio. If you are planning to buy a vehicle or just curious about your vehicle’s information, you can use the Ohio license plate lookup tool and get the vehicle history report, and it can be done anywhere you like.
On the vehicle history report, you can find important information like the accident report, recall check, real recorded mileage, auction history, service and maintenance history, past ownership, warranty coverage, and complete vehicle specifications.
Can You Look Up a License Plate for Free in Ohio?
Yes, you can perform a free Ohio license plate lookup with our license plate lookup service. The free license plate lookup allows you to quickly verify the vehicle’s specifications, features, mileage, and sales history.
Here’s what you can check for free:
- Associated VIN number
- Year, Make, and Model
- Country of Origin
- Market Value
- Transmission Type
- Fuel Type
- Drive Type
- Body Type
- Trim Information
- MSRP
- Engine Specifications
- Dimensions
- 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
What Can You Learn from License Plate History Records
When you choose a full vehicle history report, you gain access to detailed information that aids in making a more informed decision. A full Ohio license plate lookup offers insights that could help you avoid costly mistakes and make sure you’re making a good investment.
Here’s what you can expect from a complete vehicle history report:
Vehicle Specification
Detailed info about the car’s make, model, year, transmission, engine type, country of origin, MSRP, fuel type, and more. Check this information to see if the car matches your budget and needs.
Ownership History
Get the Information on previous owners of the vehicle, ownership durations, year of purchase, and locations where the vehicle was registered.
Accident Reports
Detailed reports on past accidents. See the date and location of the accident, and how many times the vehicle was involved in the accident.
Damage Records
Be informed if the vehicle has recorded damage in the past. Check if the vehicle suffered from major/minor damage from an accident, dents and scratches, flood, fire, or hail damage.
Auction History
See if the car has been sold at auction, including auction dates, location, photos (up to ten) showing the vehicle’s condition during the auction, and sale prices.
Lien/Loan Records
Check for any existing liens or loans that could impact the transfer of ownership. Before you buy the vehicle, make sure that the lien/loan tied to the vehicle is cleared off by the past owner.
Theft Records
Verify if the vehicle has been involved in a theft or reported as stolen. Be informed of the date, location, and information about the stolen vehicle.
Mileage Records
Verify the accuracy of the vehicle’s mileage to understand wear and tear. In this section, you’ll see the recorded mileage along with the date and the last recorded mileage of the vehicle.
Title Information
Identify whether the title is clean, salvaged, or branded, affecting the car’s safety and value. Before you buy a used vehicle, ensure that the title is clean through our vehicle history report.
Warranty Coverage
See if the vehicle is still covered by extended warranties or the manufacturer’s warranty. In this section, you will see the months and mileage of validity of each covering warranty, like basic, corrosion, roadside assistance, and more.
Recalls and Safety Concerns
See if there are any active recalls or unresolved safety issues. See the date of recalls, what caused the recalls, and the steps taken by the manufacturer to fix the recalls.
Recall Information
See if the vehicle was properly maintained by the previous owners. Access maintenance and repair records, including service types and parts replaced.
Why Look Up License Plates?
The average consumer may not be able to detect odometer fraud simply by inspecting a vehicle. Scammers can easily roll back digital odometers using devices purchased online for as little as $300, making it important for buyers to verify vehicle history.
Some other reasons why you need to look up license plates are:
- Verify Vehicle Authenticity: Confirm that the vehicle matches the description and hasn’t been misrepresented.
- Identify Hidden Issues: Uncover past accidents, liens, or title issues that could affect the car's value.
- Know What You’re Paying For: Get an accurate market value estimate to avoid overpaying.
- Protect Yourself from Fraud: Ensure the car isn’t stolen or involved in any legal issues.
- Improve Transparency: Provide verifiable information to build buyer trust.
- Price Your Vehicle Accurately: Use history records to price your car fairly.
- Avoid Future Disputes: Prevent post-sale problems by offering complete transparency.
- Increase Sales Chances: A full history report makes your vehicle more appealing to potential buyers.
How to Lookup An Ohio License Plate Number
Enter the License Plate Number
Find the plate number on the front or back of the vehicle. Enter it into the form above and click “Search License Plate”.
Review and Purchase
Check the report on the preview page, then proceed to payment to get the full vehicle history report.
Get Your Report
After it's done, don’t forget to download the report to get the PDF format.
Why is the Ohio License Plate Lookup Important?
Actual Condition
- 1 Record(s) of damage
- 2 specific events reported
- 6 service & repair record
- 2 sales records
- 1 lien or loan record
Seller’s Claim
- Never been in an accident
- Not a stolen
- Serviced regularly
- Private vehicle
Outcome
- Jessica ended up not buying the vehicle because it had too many red flags and was not worth the price
Why Checking the License Plate is a MUST
- Look up the license plate and get the report before you buy a used vehicle to see important and hidden info
- Be aware of accidentally bought a vehicle that has too many red flags.
Ohio Laws/Legislation on License Plates
Ohio law requires that license plates be displayed in plain view on the rear of a vehicle. They must be securely fastened and not covered by anything that obstructs visibility. Note that Ohio does not require a front license plate. However, if a front license plate is displayed, it must be identical to the rear license plate.
Vehicle Registration and Plate Requirements
- All vehicles must be registered with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) after purchase.
- License plates must be displayed in plain view and without obstruction on the rear of the vehicle.
- Validation stickers must be displayed on the rear license plate of a vehicle with two license plates.
- Personalized plates can have a maximum of 7 characters with 2 spaces or 6 characters with 3 spaces.
- Operating a motor vehicle with an invalid license plate is a misdemeanor.
You can find more information about license plate laws in Ohio in the Ohio Revised Code.
How to Get a License Plate in Ohio?
Getting a license plate in Ohio requires a few steps, especially for new residents. To make the process smoother, here are the main things to keep in mind:
- Active insurance: You need valid auto insurance before registering your vehicle. Ohio may also randomly ask drivers to show proof of insurance.
- Vehicle title: A title is required as proof of ownership. Make sure you have this before starting registration.
- Identification: Bring a valid Ohio driver’s license, state ID, or proof of your Social Security number.
- Leased vehicles: If the car is leased, the leasing company or authorized agent must provide a Power of Attorney.
- Temporary permit: Once registration is filed, you’ll receive a temporary tag that lets you drive legally while waiting for your plates. This permit usually lasts for up to 45 days.
- Plate delivery: Permanent license plates will be mailed directly to the address listed on your registration.
Renewing Your Ohio License Plate
You can renew your registration up to 90 days before it expires either online, in person, or by mail.
Application materials will include either a valid Ohio driver’s license and/or State of Ohio ID card, power of attorney documents if your vehicle was leased, proof of your Ohio residence, and proof that you have fulfilled financial responsibility:
Ohio License Plate Design and Format
Ohio license plates come in various designs, including standard, personalized, and specialty plates. The design typically features a white background with blue and red lettering and the state name and plate number.
Specialty plates may display logos or themes related to sports, causes, or military service. Plates are also available with reflective sheeting to improve visibility at night.
Types of Ohio License Plates
There are many types of plates offered in Ohio. Here are some of the regular and specialty plates you can find in the State:
- Standard Plates
- Personalized Plates
- Specialty Plates (military plates, college plates, etc)
- Dealer Plates
- Commercial Plates
- Temporary Plates
- Apportioned Plates (for vehicles operating in multiple states)
- Vanity Plates (customized text options)
- Historic Plates (for vehicles over 25 years old)
- Special Organization Plates (e.g., fraternal or charitable groups)
Get More Than a License Plate Lookup
Easily access all the tools you need to get a full car background check and make the best decisions:
VIN Decoder
Window Sticker Lookup
Build Sheet by VIN
Classic Car History Report
Why You Should Use Our Ohio License Plate Lookup?
Running an Ohio license plate lookup gives you access to valuable information that helps when buying or selling a used car. With just a plate number, you can uncover important details about the vehicle’s past.
- Comprehensive Vehicle History: Access over 150 data points, including mileage records, previous owners, accident history, theft checks, and more.
- Auction Insights: View up to 10 real photos from past auctions to understand the car’s condition at the time of sale.
- Accurate Market Value: Get the vehicle’s MSRP and current market value to ensure buyers and sellers agree on a fair price.
License Plate Lookup By States
FAQs About the Ohio License Plate Lookup
Q. Can you look up a license plate in Ohio?
A. Yes, you can easily look up a license plate in Ohio with the help of our accurate license plate check tool. All you need to do is enter the license plate number into the form on this page, and you will instantly get a concise vehicle history report.
Q. Can I find someone’s name by their license plate?
A. No, you cannot find someone’s name with their license plate as it is not open to the general public. You can, however, find the number of owners, duration of ownership, and locations, as well as a map showing locations.
Q. Is it illegal to look up a license plate number?
A. No, it is not illegal to look up a license plate number with a car license plate check tool.
Q. How can I run an Ohio license plate?
A. To get an Ohio plate check, you only need to enter the license plate number into the form on this page. After submitting the form, you will find vehicle specifications and past records in a downloadable report.
Q. Do Ohio License Plate Lookups Work for Personalized Plates?
A. Yes. Even if a vehicle has a custom or personalized plate, the Ohio license plate lookup can still be used. Since the plate is tied to the vehicle’s VIN, the same details, such as specifications, past owners, accidents, and other records, will still be available.
