License Plate Lookup - How to Search License Plate Numbers Online
Updated on November, 05, 2024
So, you’ve got someone’s license plate number. What’s next?
If you jump online to find out who it belongs to, you’ll be bombarded with ads from various license plate lookup services promising things like “free searches,” “instant results,” and “unlimited searches.”
But let’s be real—these are just clever marketing tactics. Those promises rarely hold up in reality!
A Free License Plate Lookup? First off, let’s talk about the “free” aspect.
It’s pretty clear that nothing is truly free. You might snag a free lookup at first, but that’s only after you commit to a monthly subscription that definitely isn’t free. No matter how enticing the ad sounds, you’ll end up shelling out cash before you know it. Plus, the info you get is often outdated and not very useful because these companies don’t have access to current databases. What you’ll likely find is just the previous owner or a vehicle history report. If you want the latest info on the current registered owner, you’ll need to go with a service like Docusearch.
Let’s talk about those “instant results.” For those of you who aren’t tech-savvy, getting immediate info means the records need to be stored on the website’s server. But if you reach out to the Department of Motor Vehicles in any state, they’ll let you know that current vehicle ownership records are never sold to anyone outside of law enforcement or licensed professionals. Since your potential database provider doesn’t fall into either of those categories, they’ll only have access to what the DMV does sell—outdated records that lack accurate ownership details.
Now, what about those “unlimited searches” you’ve been hearing about?
A license plate number search service might claim to give you unlimited access to their database. The catch? Their database is filled with those outdated, unreliable records. To make things worse, you often have to shell out a lot of cash for this so-called unlimited access. For the database company, it’s a sweet deal—you fork over a hefty sum, and they hand you useless information. It’s all profit for them, but for you, it’s just a total waste of time and money.
Let’s recap: Can I Perform a License Plate Number Search Online?
- There is no accurate, free license plate number search.
- Any “instant search” will likely return previous owner data.
- Unlimited access databases has no benefit.
OK, so what do you do with that license plate number? Is there any way to get the CURRENT name and address behind it?
Yes!
License Plate Number Search in One Hour.
To do it, you need to look for a team of investigators that are licensed to perform the search in your state. Docusearch only runs license plates and VIN number lookups in states that we have direct access, currently 37 states (listed below). Each is searched by hand and guaranteed to return the current registered owner. That means you won’t get instant results. Most states we can process and return in less than one hour, however some take a few days. Yes, you can find address by license plate number.
Remember, there is no subscription to buy or monthly commitment. You only pay for the search you need. As long as you’ve got the right people doing the work, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that you’re getting accurate information that you can actually use!
Get more information regarding our license plate number Lookup or select one of the following available states:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Other Recommended Resources:
License Plate Lookup Scam Alert — Always Read the Fine Print! License Plate Number Lookup Guide For Your State
I FOUND THE INFORMATION IN THE ARTICLE TO BE VERY INTERESTING AND TRUE. OUR FIRM, THE LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH BUSMAN, ESQ., HAVE UTILIZED THIS OPTION TO SEEK OUT PERSONS WHO WE HAVE OTHERWISE BEEN UNABLE TO LOCATE, (E.G., SKIPPED COURT DATES, CHILD SUPPORT, LEGAL MATTERS, ETC.), AND HAVE FOUND IT MOST HELPFUL FOR OUR INVESTIGATIONS.
MANY THANKS KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
LETICIA CACECI, LEGAL SECRETARY
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK
I’d like to know why only certain states are in the database? For instance, how do I find the owner of a tag number in Illinois?
Linda, Thank you for your question. First, let me say that Docusearch.com does not utilize a database for the license plate lookup. We obtain the results directly from the State DMV through contractual agreement. In this fashion, we can guarantee that results are accurate and current. Unfortunately, Docusearch.com does not maintain agreements with every state, but we’re working on it! Currently we have access to 26 states and counting.
Some fo these sites are scams.I tried with one called members.login.org. I woudl use docusearch.
I am trying to find specific information about an individual by the last license plate number that I have, however, they may have purchased another vehicle and traded in their old plates for new plates.
This person has also, moved and placed everything in a trust, corp., or LLC to conceal both their properties and whereabouts.
What I looking to confirm is their primary address and the vehicles owned if at all possible. This is for civil case of fraud.
Or, would you have any other suggestions upon how to accomplish this when they conceal everything they own in a corporation or trust?
Thank You,
Kaye
P.S. I also, have their drivers license number and DOB.
Kay,
Thank you for your question. Researching an old license plate will only return the address associated with the old plate, and is therefore useless. To locate a new address when all you have is the subject’s name and old address, you should explore one of three searches, depending on the date of relocation. Either the Locate by Previous Address Search, the Skip Trace Search or the Verified Address Search. To understand the use of each of these searches, please read the article Locate Search Quick Reference Guide.
This does not sound like a permissible purpose to obtain a SSN.
If I purchase this service to find out the address of the license plate holder, it is for personal reasons. What permission should I use to request this?
We cannot advise you regarding the selection of a permissible purpose. This is something you must do in accordance with DPPA.
Good Luck!
can you find plate info for the state of IL ?
Yes, go to https://www.docusearch.com/illinois-license-plate-search.html
Can you locate plate information for the state of Oregon?
Sorry, no. We only search states that we have direct access to the DMV computer. This way we can guarantee accurate, current information.
Will a search bring up all the owners of that plate or just the current one?
For most states, only current registration information is available. For several states, there is an option (in the shopping cart) to receive vehicle histories, when available.
CAN YOU OBTAIN A OWNERS INFORMATION FROM A LICENSE IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA ? THANKS.J
Sorry, no. We only offer license plate searches for states we have direct access to.
Will the search go back to 1969 ? Thank you.
Results will include current registration information only.
Will I get a refund if you guys cannot find my license plate search? I am trying to reverse-search a plate in florida.
Because our results come directly from the requested state, if we cannot find your license plate, then it is not registered in the state or the incorrect license plate number was submitted.
Is there access to the Oklahoma registration database? I need to research a hit and run to prosecute.
We only offer vehicle registration searches (plates) for state that we have direct access to the DMV computer. Unfortunately, Oklahoma is not currently one of those states.
Does this support license plate lookup for owners information in Washington State?
We only offer license plate searches for states that we have direct access to with their DMV. Unfortunately, Washington state is not currently available.
Can you find an address for a partial plate number with the owners last name and make/model of the vehicle?
Sorry, no. We require the full and complete license number to search. No partial plates. We are charged by the state for every search attempt.
will the owner of the plate look up be notified that someone was looking them up?
The owner is never notified that a search was performed.
I was looking up a person that I helped out tonight and I forgot to ask for his number so I can contact him. But he drove away before I could obtain this so I got his license plate number. I payed for a site to get this information but I payed for something that couldn’t find what I was looking for. But thank you for making this clear that nothing’s for free even if I pay for it.
Why only restricted to certain states
We only offer license plate searches in state of we we have direct access to the State’s DMV records. Otherwise the records would be old and outdated.
is there a chance i can look up plate numbers in Guam?
Sorry, no. We only offer license plate searches in states that we have direct access to the DMV.