Missouri License Plate Lookup
Buying a used car in Missouri requires caution. Use our Missouri license plate lookup tool to ensure you don’t end up with one of the over 27,000 vehicles stolen in the state in 2023. Use our tool to make a safe and smart buying decision instantly.
Table of Contents
What is a Missouri License Plate Lookup?
The Missouri license plate lookup is a service that you can use to look up a license plate number to help you do background checks before buying a used vehicle. With our Missouri license plate lookup, you can get a vehicle history report, which will show you the actual vehicle information.
On the vehicle history report, you will see important information that helps you make a good decision before buying a used vehicle, like accident records, recall history, past owners, warranty coverage, stolen check, and get the real odometer reading.
Can You Get a Free Missouri License Plate Lookup?
Yes, a free Missouri license plate lookup can get you the basic information of the vehicle. With just a license plate number, you can access:
- 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?
A Missouri license plate history report goes beyond basic details to offer a comprehensive understanding of a vehicle’s past. This information ensures transparency and minimizes risks in vehicle transactions.
Vehicle Specification
This breaks down all factory details of the vehicle’s specifications, like the drive type, country of origin, MSRP, and fuel type of the vehicle. See if it matches your needs and budget.
Ownership History
Lists the number of previous owners, how long they kept the vehicle, the year of purchase, and the location of the vehicle. Be aware that if the vehicle has had too many owners in a short time as it could be an early warning sign of recurring problems.
Accident Reports
Reveals any accidents the car has been involved in, along with repair details. In this section, you will see the date and where the accident happened.
Damage Verifications
Check if the vehicle has ever been damaged by a natural disaster like floods, fire, accident, hail damage, dents, or scratches.
Mileage Records
Tracks odometer readings to ensure accuracy and prevent fraud. In this section, you will see the recorded mileage along with the date and the last recorded mileage of the vehicle before it was put on sale.
Auction History and Photos
Shows details and images from previous auction sales. Check the auction location, the date, and the final price of the vehicle. In addition to that, you will get up to ten images that show the real vehicle’s condition during the auction.
Lien/Loan Records
Highlights any outstanding financial obligations tied to the vehicle. Make sure that the previous owners have cleared up all the financial obligations of the car before you decide to purchase.
Title Information
Ensures the title is clear and not marked as salvage, rebuilt, or branded. Verifying the vehicle’s title before buying is crucial because if you accidentally buy one with a bad title, it will be hard to register or insure.
Theft Records
Confirms whether the vehicle was ever reported as stolen. Check the date, location, and data source of the stolen vehicle. Ensure you do not buy a stolen vehicle.
Warranty Coverage
Check if the vehicle is still covered by existing warranties. In this section, you can see the months and mileage validity of warranties like basic, corrosion, perforation, roadside assistance, maintenance, and power train.
Service and Maintenance History
Find out if the vehicle was properly taken care of by the previous owners. In this section, you’ll see the date, location, and what maintenance was done to the vehicle.
Recall Information
Alerts buyers to any unresolved recalls for safety or mechanical issues. See the date of recalls, the causes, and the action taken by the manufacturer to fix the recalled vehicle.
The Importance of License Plate Lookup to Missouri Car Buyers and Sellers
Conducting a license plate lookup in Missouri is vital for protecting buyers and sellers from potential risks.
- Unveiling Hidden Defects A license plate lookup in Missouri allows buyers and sellers to access critical details about a vehicle's accident history, flood damage, or other past issues. For buyers, this prevents purchasing a car with underlying problems that could lead to costly repairs later. For sellers, showcasing a clean history enhances trust and increases the chances of a smooth sale. For instance, knowing that a car has never been in an accident can justify a higher asking price and attract more interested buyers.
- Preventing Fraudulent Transactions Fraud is a significant risk in the used car market. Common scams include odometer tampering, where sellers roll back the mileage, or title washing, where salvage titles are erased. A license plate lookup helps uncover these deceptive practices by providing verified records. This ensures buyers aren’t overpaying for a car with hidden issues. Sellers can use the report to validate their claims and establish credibility, protecting their reputation in the process.
- Enhancing Price Negotiations Missouri buyers and sellers benefit from accurate market value data provided by a license plate lookup. Buyers can verify if the asking price reflects the car's true worth based on its condition, mileage, and history. Sellers can use clean records to justify higher prices and stand firm during negotiations. For example, a well-maintained car with documented service records will command a higher price than one with unclear or unknown history.
- Establishing Trust in Transactions Transparency is essential for successful car sales in Missouri. A license plate lookup provides a comprehensive history report, allowing both buyers and sellers to discuss the vehicle with confidence. Buyers gain peace of mind, knowing they're making an informed decision. Sellers, in turn, build trust by being upfront, which can lead to quicker transactions and fewer disputes. This open approach reduces post-sale conflicts and enhances buyer satisfaction.
- Identifying Ownership Issues A Missouri license plate lookup can reveal liens or financial obligations attached to a vehicle. For buyers, this is crucial to avoid purchasing a car that a lender could later repossess. Sellers benefit by resolving these issues before listing their car for sale, ensuring a hassle-free transaction. For instance, a buyer discovering an unresolved lien during the transaction could delay or derail the sale entirely.
- Planning Future Maintena nce A detailed service history through a license plate lookup allows buyers to anticipate future maintenance needs. Knowing the car's past repairs, oil changes, or major part replacements helps estimate upkeep costs. A thorough maintenance record demonstrates reliability for sellers, making the vehicle more appealing to buyers. For instance, showing proof of regular servicing reassures buyers that the car has been cared for and reduces concerns about immediate repair needs.
How to Lookup a Missouri License Plate Number
Using our Missouri License Plate Lookup is easy; all you need to do is just fill in the form above with the license plate number and follow these simple steps to get yours.
Enter the License Plate Number
Get the license plate number of a vehicle you want to check. Ask the seller directly for the license plate number.
Review and Purchase
After you get the license plate number in your hands, fill in the form above with it. Then, click on the button to submit the form.
Get Your Report
Wait for a few seconds for the report to be generated, then proceed to payment to get the full report. Don’t forget to download the report in PDF format.
Why It's Needed to Use the Missouri License Plate Lookup: A Buyer Case
Actual Condition
- 1 accident record
- 2 Record(s) of damage
- 1 specific event reported
- 1 auction record
- 1 lien or loan record
Seller’s Claim
- Was never been in an accident
- Properly used
- Serviced regularly
- Cheaper than other dealerships
- Popular listing
Outcome
- Travis decided to call it off because the seller lied
Why Checking the License Plate is a MUST
- Look up the license plate before you decide to buy a used vehicle, especially from a private seller
- Make sure to know everything before proceeding to buy.
Missouri Laws/Legislation on License Plates
Missouri has specific regulations for license plates governed by the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR):
License Plate Placement: Most vehicles require plates on both the front and rear, but motorcycles and trailers need only rear plates.
- Renewals and Replacements: Plates must be renewed regularly, and lost or damaged plates must be replaced promptly.
- Specialty Plates: Personalized or specialty plates are available for additional fees.
- Temporary Tags: Temporary permits are issued for newly purchased vehicles until permanent plates are obtained.
Missouri License Plate Design and Format
Missouri license plates feature a clean design with the state name prominently displayed. The alphanumeric format is designed for easy identification. Specialty plates include unique designs celebrating colleges, organizations, and military service.
Types of License Plates in Missouri
Plates are manufactured by the Department of Corrections but issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR). Driving without a plate on Missouri highways is prohibited. When registering a license plate in Missouri, you can choose a few options to put on your vehicle, such as standard, specialty, or personalized.
Standard License Plates
Standard plates are the default option issued after titling and registration. The current design features a white background, blue numbers, and a red accent to celebrate Missouri’s bicentennial. Older blue-and-white plates with a bluebird emblem are still in use. The cost includes an $8.50 title fee and a $6 processing fee.
Personalized Plates
Drivers can customize their plate with up to six characters, as long as the message is not offensive. Personalized plates require a $15 application fee in addition to registration costs.
Specialty Plates
Missouri offers more than 100 specialty designs supporting causes like universities, charities, and military groups. Popular options include Breast Cancer Awareness, Support Our Troops, and University of Missouri plates. Specialty plates also allow up to six custom characters and generally cost at least $15.
Applying for a Missouri License Plate
To receive a license plate in Missouri, a vehicle must first be properly titled. New residents are expected to complete titling within 30 days of moving to the state, while Missouri buyers have 30 days from the date of purchase to handle the process.
Once the title is secured, gather the necessary paperwork and documents to complete your plate application. These typically include:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) as proof of ownership
- Completed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form DOR-108)
- A valid safety or emissions inspection certificate (if required)
- Paid personal property tax receipt
- Evidence of Missouri auto insurance coverage
- Payment for plate and title fees ($8.50 title fee plus $6 processing fee for standard plates)
How to Transfer License Plates in Missouri?
It is possible to transfer ownership of license plates from an old vehicle to a newly purchased vehicle. To do this, simply take the following documents to the Missouri license plate office:
Please note that if there is an outstanding lien, permission must be obtained before any name can be removed or added to the title.
How to Obtain and Renew License Plates in Missouri
To obtain license plates in Missouri, follow these steps:
- Vehicle Registration: Registering your vehicle involves providing the necessary documents, including a completed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108).
- Safety Inspection: Ensure your vehicle passes a safety inspection at an authorized inspection station.
- Proof of Insurance: Provide proof of insurance that meets the minimum requirements of the Missouri Department of Revenue.
- Visit the License Office: Take the required documents and visit your local Missouri license office. Submit the documents, pay the registration fees and other required fees, and obtain your license plates.
Other Vehicle Check Tools
VIN Decoder
Window Sticker Lookup
Build Sheet by VIN
Classic Car History Report
Why Use Detailed Vehicle History for License Plate Lookup in Missouri?
Running a Missouri license plate lookup with Detailed Vehicle History gives you clear, reliable, and instant information. With one quick search, you can access:
- Title and registration history for full ownership transparency
- Recall notices and safety records to keep you protected
- Verified mileage logs to spot odometer fraud
- Market value insights to avoid overpaying
This makes it easier to buy or sell a vehicle in Missouri with confidence, without the long wait times at the DMV.
FAQs About License Plate Lookup
Q.How do I perform a license plate lookup in Missouri?
A. Yes. Simply enter the Missouri plate number into our lookup tool to access the vehicle history report and information. When buying a used car in Missouri and you don’t have the vehicle VIN, you can easily look up the license plate number to make an informed decision.
Q. Can you look up a license plate owner in Missouri?
A. If you provide tenable reasons to the Missouri Department of Revenue, you may be granted legal access to find a license plate owner in Kansas. This ensures compliance with the DPPA and the state’s non-disclosure policies.
Q. What can be obtained from a Missouri license plate lookup free tool?
A. With our free license plate lookup, you can access basic vehicle details like the specs, engine, transmission, drive type, and more. However, to access sensitive information, such as the owner’s name, you must obtain legal authorization or written consent from the vehicle owner.
Q. Is a Free Missouri License Plate Lookup Allowed?
A. Yes. Conducting a license plate search in Missouri is legal as long as it follows the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and applicable state laws. Personal details protected under these rules are not included in the reports. Access to restricted information is only permitted with proper legal authority or the vehicle owner’s consent.
