North Carolina License Plate Lookup

From 2020 to 2022 alone, more than 61,000 vehicles were stolen in North Carolina. Protect yourself in the used car market by using our North Carolina license plate lookup and get the vehicle history report.

Enter the NC plate to uncover all hidden records within seconds!

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Table of Contents:

What is the North Carolina License Plate Lookup
Can You Look Up a License Plate for Free in North Carolina?
Information You Can Find Through the North Carolina License Plate Lookup
Why Lookup a North Carolina License Plate is Crucial?
How to Lookup a North Carolina License Plate Number
How Does a North Carolina License Plate Lookup Help a Buyer?
North Carolina Laws/Legislation on License Plates
North Carolina License Plate Design and Format
Types of License Plates in North Carolina
How to Get a License Plate in North Carolina?
How to Transfer Plates to Another Vehicle in North Carolina
How to Register and Transfer a Car Title in North Carolina?
Privacy Laws and Access Limits on License Plate Information in North Carolina
Other Vehicle Check Tools
Why Choose Detailed Vehicle History for License Plate Lookup in North Carolina?
FAQs About North Carolina License Plate Lookup

What is the North Carolina License Plate Lookup

The North Carolina license plate lookup is a tool you can use to help you perform a self-background check before buying a used vehicle in North Carolina. Our North Carolina license plate lookup tool can be used in any type of vehicle, not only cars.

Make sure to look up the license plate number and get the vehicle history records. Examine the important information like accident check, recalls history, past ownership,

Can You Look Up a License Plate for Free in North Carolina?

Yes, free license plate decoding in North Carolina provides a variety of details about a vehicle. These include:

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

Get a free North Carolina license plate lookup

Information You Can Find Through the North Carolina License Plate Lookup

A license plate history report for vehicles in North Carolina reveals detailed insights, including:

Vehicle Specification

Access an in-depth breakdown of the car's specifications, like the fuel type, engine capacity, country of origin, MSRP, and the drive type. This section helps you see if the vehicle matches your needs and capacity.

Ownership History

Discover past owners, including ownership duration and transfer dates. Check the year of purchase and where the vehicle was located, too, with our vehicle report.

Accident Reports

Find out about past accidents of the vehicle. In part, you will be informed about the date and the location where the vehicle is involved in an accident.

Sales Records:

Review a timeline of previous sales, whether from dealerships or private sellers. Be aware that if the vehicle has too many sales records, it can be an early indicator of recurring vehicle problems.

Mileage Records:

Spot odometer discrepancies or potential tampering by examining the recorded mileage along with the date, as well as the last recorded mileage of the vehicle.

Auction History and Photos:

See if the vehicle has ever been sold at an auction. Check the date, location, and the final price of the vehicle when it was auctioned. Also, you will get up to ten images that show the vehicle's condition when it was auctioned.

Lien/Loan Records:

Check for financial obligations linked to the car. Make sure that the lien/loan records were cleared off by the other party before you decide to purchase the vehicle.

Why Lookup a North Carolina License Plate is Crucial?

Performing a license plate lookup is crucial in North Carolina, benefiting both buyers and sellers in multiple ways.

1. Identifying Hidden Issues A license plate lookup reveals potential problems such as title branding, past accidents, or odometer fraud. Buyers can avoid purchasing unreliable vehicles, while sellers with clean records can highlight their car's value.
2. Ensuring Legal Compliance Confirming there are no liens or legal disputes tied to a vehicle protects both parties from future legal complications. Buyers gain peace of mind, while sellers can offer proof of a clean history.
3. Accurate Vehicle Valuation Accessing the vehicle's accident and maintenance records helps assess its current value. Sellers can set a fair asking price, while buyers can negotiate confidently.

4. Enhancing Buyer-Seller Trust Providing a license plate history report fosters transparency and builds trust. Buyers feel assured of the vehicle's reliability, while sellers demonstrate honesty, speeding up the sale process.
5. Detecting Theft or Fraud License plate lookup identifies stolen vehicles or fraudulent transactions. Buyers can avoid purchasing illegal cars, while sellers gain protection by ensuring their vehicles are properly registered.
6. Planning Future Maintenance Reviewing service records allows buyers to anticipate maintenance needs and potential costs. Sellers with thorough records can present their car as well-maintained, attracting more buyers.

How to Lookup a North Carolina License Plate Number

To look up a North Carolina license plate with our service, all you need to do is fill out the form above and follow these simple steps.

Enter the License Plate Number

Find the plate number of the vehicle you want to check. Enter it into the form above and click “Search License Plate.”

Review and Purchase

Preview the vehicle details on the preview page, then proceed to payment to get the full vehicle history report.

Get the Report

Wait for a few seconds for the full report to be generated, then you can download the report in PDF format.

Lookup North Carolina License Plate

How Does a North Carolina License Plate Lookup Help a Buyer?

Charlotte wanted to buy a used 2015 JEEP GRAND from a private seller she found through social media ads. After contacting the seller and receiving the pictures, she saw nothing suspicious on the body, and the seller also said that the car is one of his popular listings and was in very good condition. Before she decided to purchase the car, she ran a North Carolina license plate lookup, and here's what she found on the report.

Seller's Claim

Odometer was rolledback
2 Record(s) of damage
The vehicle has a corrected title record
5 service & repair record
1 auction & 2 sales records
1 lien or loan record
13 open recalls record

Seller's Claim

No dents and scratches
Was privately used
Never been in an accident
Popular listing
A bit more expensive than the other seller

Outcome

Charlotte decided not to buy the car because it has too many red flags and open recalls

Why Checking the License Plate is a MUST

Look up the license plate and get the vehicle history report to see the vehicle's actual condition before buying

Lookup NC License Plate View Sample Report

North Carolina Laws/Legislation on License Plates

North Carolina enforces specific laws regarding license plates. These are regulated by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV):

All vehicles must display a license plate on the rear.
Motorcycles and trailers require unique plates tailored to their type.
Plates must be securely attached and clearly visible at all times.
Lost, stolen, or damaged plates must be reported and replaced promptly.
Personalized and specialty plates are available for additional fees.

North Carolina License Plate Design and Format

North Carolina's license plates feature the slogan “First in Flight,” celebrating the Wright brothers' historic aviation achievements. Plates are alphanumeric and often include unique designs for specialty plates.

Types of License Plates in North Carolina

When registering a vehicle in North Carolina, drivers can choose between a few options, like the standard license plate, personal plates, specialty plates, commercial vehicle plates, and temporary plates that are used when the regular plates are still in progress.

Standard Plates

The standard plate is the most commonly used by drivers in North Carolina. The standard license plate features the state's design, and it costs around $38.75 per year for a passenger vehicle.

Personalized Plates

The personalized license plate is also called the vanity plate. These plates allow the drivers to choose the design by themselves and select the combination of numbers and letters, as long as it fits the guidelines and the availability. The fee is an additional $30 per year on top of the standard registration cost.

Specialty Plates

The standard plate is the most commonly used by drivers in North Carolina. The standard license plate features the state's design, and it costs around $38.75 per year for a passenger vehicle.

Commercial Vehicle Plates

Commercial license plates are intended for business use, like freight or passenger transport requires commercial plates to distinguish them from a regular passenger vehicle. The price of a commercial plate is different according to the weight and class of the vehicle.

Temporary Plates

Issued for short-term use, temporary tags are often given when a vehicle is newly purchased or awaiting permanent registration. The fee is generally low or included in dealer costs, depending on how the vehicle was purchased.

How to Get a License Plate in North Carolina?

To obtain a license plate in North Carolina, follow these steps:

Get your vehicle inspected: Your car must pass a safety inspection, and if required, an emissions inspection, before registration.
Prepare proof of ownership: For new vehicles, bring the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO). If the car is used, provide the certificate of title signed over by the previous owner.
Visit an NCDMV license plate agency: First-time applicants must apply in person at a North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles license plate agency.
Complete the application: Fill out the required forms for titling and registration.
Submit documents and pay fees: Provide all paperwork, including proof of ownership, and pay the necessary registration and plate fees.
Processing time: Title applications may take up to 15 days. If needed, you can request expedited service, and the DMV can issue the title the same day or by the next business day.

How to Transfer Plates to Another Vehicle in North Carolina

To transfer a plate in North Carolina, ensure you meet the following requirements:

Maintain Insurance: Maintain liability insurance on both vehicles from a licensed North Carolina provider.
Vehicle Inspection: The vehicle receiving the transferred plate must have a current inspection.
Valid Plate: Ensure the plate being transferred is still valid.
Matching Name: The name on your driver's license and the vehicle title must match.
Insurance Proof: Provide proof that the vehicle is covered by liability insurance from a North Carolina-licensed provider.

You can successfully transfer your plate from one vehicle to another in North Carolina by meeting these requirements and paying the transfer fee.

How to Register and Transfer a Car Title in North Carolina?

Renewing a license plate in North Carolina is tied to your vehicle registration and must be done every year. Here's what to know:

Renewal Notice: The NCDMV mails a reminder about 60 days before expiration with the renewal fee and property taxes due. You don't need the notice to renew, but it's a useful reminder. To request one, call (919) 715-7000.
Inspection Requirement: Most vehicles must pass a safety and emissions inspection within 90 days of the registration's expiration. Some vehicles may qualify for a waiver.
Insurance Proof: Active North Carolina liability insurance is required before renewal can be processed.

– How to Renew
– Online (via the PayIt system, with a $3 service fee)
– By mail
– In person at an NCDMV license plate agency

Privacy Laws and Access Limits on License Plate Information in North Carolina

North Carolina follows strict privacy rules when it comes to license plate lookups. These limits are tied to the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), which was created to stop personal details collected by state DMVs from being misused.
The DPPA makes it clear that details like an owner's name, home address, or phone number are not open to the public. Only in specific cases can approved groups access this information without the owner's consent. Examples include:

Police and other law enforcement bodies are conducting official investigations
Insurance providers handling accident claims or policy checks
Licensed investigators who have a legal reason to request the data
Employers checking credentials for commercial driver's license holders
Two companies need to alert a vehicle owner about an impounded car

Other Vehicle Check Tools

Planning to buy a used car, be it a modern or classic car? Don't forget to do a proper background check and get the original window sticker, and get the vehicle report.

VIN Decoder

In one simple vehicle report, you can get information such as past owners, maintenance history, lien/loan check, and much more. Decode the VIN now.

Get a VIN Decoder

Window Sticker Lookup

Find the original window sticker for any vehicle by using the VIN. Get the original window sticker within a few seconds.

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Build Sheet by VIN

Want to buy a new classic car? Decode the 5 to 13-digit VIN to get the original build sheet. Be informed about the car's specs, features, and more.

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Classic Car History Report

Get a full history report on a classic car just by entering the VIN. This tool gives details you won't find anywhere else, and it's recommended before you buy a classic car to protect your investment.

Get Classic Car History Report

Why Choose Detailed Vehicle History for License Plate Lookup in North Carolina?

Detailed Vehicle History makes North Carolina license plate lookups simple, fast, and affordable. Each report includes over 200 data points, such as:

Vehicle specs, mileage, and market value Sales and auction history with 10+ photos
Theft, accident, lien, and salvage records
Ownership details and classic VIN decoding

FAQs About North Carolina License Plate Lookup

Yes. Simply enter the NC plate number into our lookup tool to access the vehicle history report and information. Buying a used car in North Carolina and don't have the vehicle VIN? Easily look up the license plate number to get all the information you need to secure your investment.

Yes. Our NC license plate search tool can relieve the stress of visiting the DMV office. Enter the license plate number to access records such as ownership history, recalls, theft records, title status, and more.

By providing genuine reasons, you may be granted legal access to find a license plate owner in North Carolina. This ensures compliance with the DPPA and the state's non-disclosure policies.

With our free license plate lookup, you can access basic vehicle details like the specs, engine, transmission, drive type, and more. To access personal information, such as the owner's name, you must obtain legal authorization or written consent from the authorized agency or individuals.

Quick License Plate Lookup

Enter license plate number to get vehicle information

Useful links

VIN Decoder

VIN Check

Search by License Plate

Search by VIN Number

Window Sticker Lookup

Recalls

Auction

Quick License Plate Lookup

Enter license plate number to get vehicle information

Useful links

VIN Decoder

VIN Check

Search by License Plate

Search by VIN Number

Window Sticker Lookup

Recalls

Auction

North Carolina License Plate Lookup

What is the North Carolina License Plate Lookup

Can You Look Up a License Plate for Free in North Carolina?

Information You Can Find Through the North Carolina License Plate Lookup

Vehicle Specification

Ownership History

Accident Reports

Sales Records:

Mileage Records:

Auction History and Photos:

Lien/Loan Records:

Why Lookup a North Carolina License Plate is Crucial?

How to Lookup a North Carolina License Plate Number

Enter the License Plate Number

Review and Purchase

Get the Report

How Does a North Carolina License Plate Lookup Help a Buyer?

Seller's Claim

Seller's Claim

Outcome

Why Checking the License Plate is a MUST

North Carolina Laws/Legislation on License Plates

North Carolina License Plate Design and Format

Types of License Plates in North Carolina

Standard Plates

Personalized Plates

Specialty Plates

Commercial Vehicle Plates

Temporary Plates

How to Get a License Plate in North Carolina?

How to Transfer Plates to Another Vehicle in North Carolina

How to Register and Transfer a Car Title in North Carolina?

Privacy Laws and Access Limits on License Plate Information in North Carolina

Other Vehicle Check Tools

VIN Decoder

Window Sticker Lookup

Build Sheet by VIN

Classic Car History Report

Why Choose Detailed Vehicle History for License Plate Lookup in North Carolina?

License Plate Lookup By States

FAQs About North Carolina License Plate Lookup

How do I perform a North Carolina license plate search?

Can I perform a North Carolina DMV license plate lookup without visiting my local DMV office?

How do I perform a North Carolina license plate owner lookup?

What can be obtained from a North Carolina license plate lookup free tool?

Useful links

What is the North Carolina License Plate Lookup

Can You Look Up a License Plate for Free in North Carolina?

Information You Can Find Through the North Carolina License Plate Lookup

Vehicle Specification

Ownership History

Accident Reports

Sales Records:

Mileage Records:

Auction History and Photos:

Lien/Loan Records:

Title Information:

Theft Records:

Warranty Coverage

Service and Maintenance History:

Recall Information:

Why Lookup a North Carolina License Plate is Crucial?

How to Lookup a North Carolina License Plate Number

Enter the License Plate Number

Review and Purchase

Get the Report

How Does a North Carolina License Plate Lookup Help a Buyer?

Seller's Claim

Seller's Claim

Outcome

Why Checking the License Plate is a MUST

North Carolina Laws/Legislation on License Plates

North Carolina License Plate Design and Format

Types of License Plates in North Carolina

Standard Plates

Personalized Plates

Specialty Plates

Commercial Vehicle Plates

Temporary Plates

How to Get a License Plate in North Carolina?