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!
Table of Contents
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
- 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
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.
Title Information:
Confirm the legitimacy of the title and check for branding (e.g., salvage or rebuilt). Examining the title information section helps you see if the vehicle’s title is indeed clean, so you do not face a hard time when insuring or registering the vehicle.
Theft Records:
Verify if the vehicle has ever been reported stolen by checking the date, location, and the data source of the stolen vehicle. Be aware that even if you accidentally buy a stolen vehicle, it can be seized, and you will not get a refund.
Warranty Coverage
Assess the vehicle’s warranty coverage through the report. See the months and mileage limit of the warranty, like the basic coverage, corrosion, or roadside assistance.
Service and Maintenance History:
Access details about routine maintenance and repairs. Check the date, location, and the components that were fixed or replaced.
Recall Information:
Learn about unresolved manufacturer recalls for safety issues. See if the vehicle has ever been recalled, check the date, what issues caused recalls, and the steps taken by the manufacturer to fix the recall.
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.
How Does a North Carolina License Plate Lookup Help a Buyer?
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
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
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?
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
License Plate Lookup By States
FAQs About North Carolina License Plate Lookup
Q. How do I perform a North Carolina license plate search?
A. 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.
Q. Can I perform a North Carolina DMV license plate lookup without visiting my local DMV office?
A. 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.
Q. How do I perform a North Carolina license plate owner lookup?
A. 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.
Q. What can be obtained from a North Carolina 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. To access personal information, such as the owner’s name, you must obtain legal authorization or written consent from the authorized agency or individuals.
