License Plate Lookup
Lookup any U.S. license plate to view ownership records, accidents, theft records, damages, and more.
What You Can Do Using License Plate Search?
The license plate search tool comes in extremely handy for car buyers and sellers in the USA to gain full access to essential and hidden information using the license plate number. Here's what you can do using this tool:
Avoid Buying Damaged Vehicles
1 in every 25 used cars has a history of accidents that may not be disclosed by sellers. Lookup vehicle history report to view accident history, structural damages, and more.
Identify Stolen Vehicles
In 2024, 850,708 vehicles were stolen nationwide in the United States. Some of those cars end up in the used market with altered VINs and fake paperwork. You can easily spot them with a check.
Check Previous Owner Records
Multiple ownership changes can indicate potential issues or heavy use. With a license plate lookup, you can view all owner records, usage type, and their locations.
Catch Title Brand Records
Some used vehicles have been damaged and assigned salvage, rebuilt, junk, lemon, or flood title brand records in the past. A license plate lookup identifies vehicles that are not safe enough to drive.
Identify Mileage Discrepancy
More than 2.14 million vehicles on U.S. roads may have had their odometers rolled back in 2024. These vehicles have more wear, more risk, and shorter lifespans. Avoid these with a simple check.
Spot Lien and Loan Records
If there is a lien, the lender owns the car, not you. Our license plate search tells you upfront whether a car has an active lien, giving you the chance to walk away before it is too late.
When to Conduct a License Plate Lookup?
Here are some situations where not using a license plate search could seriously backfire:
No VIN Visible
You are buying a car with no VIN visible (yeah, red flag).
Rushing Seller
The seller is rushing you or avoiding questions.
Online Marketplaces
You are meeting someone on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
Too Good To Be True
A vehicle seems too cheap to be true (it probably is).
Suspected Theft
You think someone is selling a car that was stolen.
Missing Documentation
The vehicle has little to no records or papers.
What Information Can You Get from a License Plate Lookup?
Everything you need to know about any vehicle can be found with a license plate lookup. From detailed vehicle specifications to ownership history, title brand records, theft records, maintenance history, odometer rollback, and more.
Odometer Readings
Spot mileage rollbacks accurately. Don't get tricked into overpaying for a worn-out car.
Accident History
View the number of past accidents, severity, location, and damages sustained.
Ownership History
Know how many owners the car had, where it's been, duration of ownership, and more.
Sales History
View detailed sales records, condition during sales, locations, and view images (if any).
Title Brand Records
Instantly reveal if a vehicle is marked salvage, rebuilt, flood, lemon, or worse.
Usage History
Rental car? Fleet vehicle? Police cruiser? You can find out with a vehicle history report.
Auction History
Find out if the car was ever sold at auction. View images as well as the condition of the vehicle during auction.
Damage Records
Get detailed reports of crashes, structural damage, airbag deployments, and more.
Lien & Loans Records
Check if the vehicle is fully paid off or still legally owned by a lender including the location were the loan was taken.
Stolen Records
Check if a vehicle has been flagged as stolen, the number of times it was stolen, and the location of theft.
Service and Repair History
Learn how frequently a vehicle was serviced and repaired theough out its lifetime.
Vehicle Specifications
Know exactly what you're buying. View year, make, model, engine type, trim, drivetrain, features, and more.
Real Customer Story
Saved by A License Plate Check: A Real Life Case
Meet Jason, a first-time buyer from Florida. He found a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic listed online for a price that felt like a steal. The photos looked great. The seller claimed it was in “excellent condition.” Jason was ready to buy.
But at the last moment, he ran a license plate lookup and what he found was shocking:
3
Branded Titles
Declared a total loss by insurance.
Damage Report
Additional minor/major damage incident.
1
Accidents
Multiple collisions, possible structural damage.
5
Lien
Still had money owed; Jason wouldn't even fully own it.
Open Recalls
Major safety issues: airbags, brakes, electronics, etc.
One quick license plate lookup saved Jason from a nightmare. Always check before you buy.
2014 Chevrolet Sonic
Florida Registration
⚠️ HIGH RISK VEHICLE
Total Issues Found:10+
Safety Rating:Critical
Recommendation:Avoid
Sample Report Preview
Vehicle Issues Across the United States
Our data shows significant variations in vehicle issues across different states. Florida, Texas, and California consistently rank among the states with the highest percentages of title problems, theft records, and odometer fraud.
Why These Numbers Matter?
The chart above highlights the percentage of used vehicles in each state that have serious issues that could affect your purchase decision. These statistics underscore the importance of running a comprehensive license plate lookup before purchasing any used vehicle.
Title Issues
Includes salvage, rebuilt, flood, and lemon titles that indicate the vehicle has suffered significant damage or defects.
Stolen History
Vehicles that have been reported stolen at some point in their history, potentially leading to ownership disputes.
Odometer Fraud
Cases where the vehicle's mileage has been tampered with to make it appear less used than it actually is.
How to Lookup a License Plate Number?
To lookup a license plate number easily with our tool, simply follow these steps:
1
Enter Your License Plate Number
Find the license plate number and fill out the form at the top of this page. Make sure to select the correct state.
2
Review and Purchase
Check vehicle specifications, features, auctions and sales history for free and proceed to get a complete vehicle history report.
3
Download Your Report
Access your vehicle history report instantly. Download, print, or share it easily with others involved in your purchase decision.
Common US License Plate Types and Formats
Understanding the different types of license plates and their formats can help you accurately identify and search for vehicle information.
Across all 50 states, various types of license plates are issued to accommodate different vehicle uses and owner preferences. The most common types include:
- Standard Plates: Issued to most passenger vehicles, these feature the state's name, a unique alphanumeric code, and sometimes a slogan or image.
- Commercial Plates: For trucks and business vehicles, these plates may have weight classifications or other commercial designations.
- Antique/Collector Plates: For classic or vintage cars, typically with restrictions on vehicle use.
- Disability Plates: Available to individuals with qualifying disabilities, allowing access to accessible parking.
- Specialty Plates: Often supporting causes, colleges, military service, or professions. They can usually be personalized for an additional fee.
- Temporary Plates: Paper or cardboard tags used while permanent registration is being processed.
License Plate Formats
To get a license plate lookup, you need to be sure of the exact license plate format of the vehicle you are interested in. Although each state designs its own plates, the general format includes a mix of letters and numbers. Some examples are:
State | Sample Format | Image |
|---|---|---|
Alabama | 0A12345, 00A1234 |  |
Connecticut | AB12345, 1ABCD2 |  |
Alaska | ABC 123 |  |
Delaware | 123456 |  |
California | 1ABC234 |  |
Hawaii | ABC 123 |  |
How to Register a Vehicle?
While the process varies slightly, all U.S. states require vehicle registration and plate issuance through a DMV-equivalent agency. Key elements typically include:
- Proof of Ownership: A title or bill of sale is required.
- Residency & ID: States require proof of in-state residence.
- Insurance: All states mandate auto insurance for registration.
- Emissions Testing: Required in many states like California, New York, or Illinois.
- Fees: Registration fees vary by vehicle weight, type, and sometimes fuel type.
Registration must be renewed annually or biennially, depending on the state. Renewals can usually be completed online, by mail, or in person. Many states allow owners to transfer plates between vehicles, while others issue new plates with each registration.
Access License Plate Lookup Across All U.S. States
Our comprehensive license plate lookup service works for all 50 states. Select your state below to access state-specific information and lookup services.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
State-Specific License Plate Information
Each state has unique license plate designs, formats, and registration requirements. Our database includes comprehensive information for all 50 states, allowing you to:
- Access state-specific vehicle registration databases.
- View local title and registration requirements.
- Understand state-specific vehicle history reporting standards.
- Get information about out-of-state vehicle transfers and registration.
What Our Customers Say
Join thousands of satisfied customers who have used our license plate lookup service to make informed decisions about their vehicle purchases.
Very Helpful
I reached out for help getting records on older cars, something I had struggled with for a long time. The team was extremely knowledgeable and walked me through every step. They found exactly what I needed, and their communication made the whole process stress-free. If you’re looking for trustworthy help with older car history, this is the place to go.
Preosha Chambers
US•Sep 3, 2025
Very easy, great price. Fast and efficient help from the live chat with Richard.
WENDY
CA•Aug 5, 2025
I’m the owner of Concierge Motors and was provided with an excellent service from this company. Will refer to all.
Will Porter
US•Jul 1, 2025
I'd like to thank detailed vehicle history for getting me my OEM window sticker it was so easy and seamless and very inexpensive I was looking everywhere and couldn't find any sites or ask people no one knew how to get my OEM window sticker but they made it so easy for me I highly recommend them!
DE LOS SANTOS JR
US•May 26, 2024
Get Started with Your License Plate Lookup Today!
Don't wait until it's too late. Start your license plate lookup now and access hidden vehicle history records about any vehicle you're researching.
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FAQ About License Plate Lookup
Find answers to common questions about our license plate lookup service.
To search a license plate number, first you need to find the license plate number and fill out the form on this page. Next, submit the form to get all the vehicle history records of your desired vehicle.
Yes, it is completely legal to look up a license plate.
Yes, the tool is completely free to use to access basic vehicle information, including the number of previous owners. However, you can purchase a vehicle history report if you want a more thorough report, such as a detailed ownership history or vehicle condition.
Yes, you can obtain vehicle ownership information through a license plate lookup, but access to personal details is restricted based on privacy laws. A valid reason is often required to view owner information.
Yes, the license plate lookup tool works for all states in the U.S., allowing you to retrieve vehicle information regardless of where it is registered.