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
Can You Look Up a License Plate for Free in Missouri?
Yes, a free Missouri license plate lookup can reveal valuable information about a vehicle’s background. 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 Level
- MSRP
- Engine Details
- 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 Record?
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, enabling accurate comparisons during the buying process.
Ownership History:
Lists the number of previous owners, including how long each owned the car.
Accident Records:
Reveals any accidents the car has been involved in, along with repair details.
Sales Records:
 Documents the car’s sale history, whether through private transactions or dealerships.
Mileage Records:
Tracks odometer readings to ensure accuracy and prevent fraud.
Auction History and Photos:
Shows details and images from previous auction sales.
Lien/Loan Records:
Highlights any outstanding financial obligations tied to the vehicle.
Title Information:
Ensures the title is clear and not marked as salvage, rebuilt, or branded.
Theft Records:
Confirms whether the vehicle was ever reported as stolen.
Estimated Market Value:
Provides a current valuation based on the car’s condition and history.
Service and Maintenance History:
Summarizes past maintenance and repairs to assess the car’s reliability.
Recall Information:
Alerts buyers to any unresolved recalls for safety or mechanical issues.
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.
For Buyers
For Sellers
- 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 Maintenance 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?
Video: Looking up a Missouri license plate is quick and easy.
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.
State 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.
State 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
- Standard Passenger Plates
- Specialty Plates
- Personalized Plates
- Temporary Tags
- Dealer 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:
- Certificate of Title signed over to the buyer/ Manufacturer’s statement of origin.
- A properly signed application to the Missouri Title and License.
- To register or transfer a car title in Missouri, obtain, fill, and submit Form 108. This application can be submitted by mail or at any 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.
License Plate Lookup By States
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
Yes, you can track a vehicle’s history using its license plate number, but not its real-time location. A lookup will show accident reports, ownership history, recalls, and mileage records, while the DMV can verify the last reported location of the vehicle.