Texas License Plate Lookup

GoodCar offers comprehensive and premium reports, each providing vehicle-related information to meet buyers, sellers, and enthusiasts' unique needs.

Comprehensive Data Reports

GoodCar's comprehensive reports are designed to provide sufficient information to meet initial evaluation requirements. When available, these reports cover, but are not limited to, the following details:

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

GoodCar's reports typically include the VIN, which serves as the vehicle's fingerprint. Tracking unpaid toll violations in Texas is essential to helping buyers avoid potential financial issues.

Vehicle Specifications

These detail key attributes like make, model, engine type, and weight, which are crucial for meeting Texas inspection standards. GoodCar typically includes these in its reports to ensure compliance with Texas-specific legal and operational requirements.

Accident and Damage Reports

Texas frequently experiences severe weather, including hailstorms, which may cause extensive vehicle damage. Accident and damage reports help identify vehicles with a history of weather-related repairs.

Odometer and Mileage Verification

With major interstates like I-20 and I-45, vehicles in Texas frequently rack up significant mileage. GoodCar's comprehensive reports stives to help buyers be aware of high-mileage usage patterns.

Safety Information

GoodCar's safety section typically uses the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database to provide complaints, recalls, and defect information. This is expected to provide users with essential safety details and comply with Texas vehicle safety regulations.

Title and Problem History

Vehicles previously salvaged but repaired and inspected receive rebuilt titles. GoodCar often reflects this information and more than 60 other potential issues in its comprehensive report to help buyers assess the Texas vehicle's condition and value.

Premium Data Reports

The premium GoodCar reports offer extensive analysis to those who require a deeper understanding of the vehicle's background. When available, premium access includes the following data:

Ownership Records

Given Texas's proximity to neighboring states, ownership records may show cross-state title transfers, which allow buyers to trace a vehicle's complete history and help them understand its resale history or potential condition.

Market Values

This section may reveal trade-in, wholesale, and retail pricing for both buyers and sellers, exposing dealer markups and regional demand spikes. This data may assist car buyers access fair deals in Texas's competitive market.

Sales History

This part of the report helps Texas buyers and sellers in the state's fast-moving market. It may reveal price surges and confirm vehicle demand. By reviewing this section, buyers may verify sellers' claims regarding the vehicle's condition and usage.

For more information, review the GoodCar Sample Report, as it demonstrates the full capabilities of the license plate lookup tool.

As an approved and trusted NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System) data provider, GoodCar typically aggregates data from public sources in order to offer information for both public and commercial customers seeking detailed vehicle history reports.

Regardless of whether an individual is buying, selling, or researching a vehicle, GoodCar's license plate lookup tool involves an easy-to-use process:

1. Enter the License Plate Number: Carefully type in the exact number as it appears on the vehicle in the search field below.
2. Select Texas as the State of Registration: Find the dropdown menu labeled “State”, scroll through the list of available states, and select “Texas”.
3. Click “Search”: Press the “Search” button to initiate the lookup process, and the system will generate a detailed vehicle history report within seconds.

Texas License Plate Identification

When using GoodCar's license plate lookup tool, being familiar with Texas license plate designs is important in ensuring efficient searches. It typically helps users input the correct license plate information necessary for generating publicly sourced vehicle history reports.

Texas license plates have changed, shifting from a six-character format to a seven-character one.

The current design, called “The Texas Classic”, is the first license plate in the U.S. to feature two high-visibility security threads embedded into the plate sheeting. It features a white background with black lettering and a silhouette of the state of Texas with a star.

It has the word “TEXAS” at the top and “The Lone Star State” written on the bottom.

The Texas Classic (2012 to present) Source: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV)

Here are the earlier Texas license plate designs that may help users identify and estimate the age of a vehicle:

Lone Star Texas
(2009 to 2012)

Panoramic Texas
(2000 to 2009)

Texas has specialized license plates in addition to the standard plate design. To learn more about these options, visit the TxDMV License Plate webpage.

Possible Constraints in Data Accessibility

GoodCar’s license plate lookup tool offers thorough and detailed vehicle history reports, but users should understand that there may be certain constraints in data availability. These challenges are typically influenced by the following:

• Unreported Incidents: In Texas, if a vehicle was involved in a minor accident or repair that was not reported to insurance companies or law enforcement, it may not appear in the report. This is common in cases where drivers pay for repairs out of pocket to avoid premium increases.
• Legal and Privacy Restrictions: GoodCar generally focuses on vehicle history rather than personal information about previous owners. As a result, details like names, addresses, or contact information are not typically included in the standard reports in compliance with Texas privacy laws.
• Older Vehicle Data: Historical data for older Texas vehicles, especially pre-1980s models, may be incomplete due to limited digital records. Texas shifted from six- to seven-character license plates, and data tied to previous plates may also be unavailable after multiple changes.

Being aware of these aspects may help users approach the tool with informed expectations. Although there are some constraints, GoodCar still offers one of the most extensive and current vehicle history reports. Texas residents seeking search assistance may contact GoodCar's customer representative at (800) 764-0104.

Texas Personalized Plate Availability

In Texas, where cars often say as much as cowboy boots do, your license plate deserves a voice, too. GoodCar's Vanity Plate Lookup tool often gives drivers a fast, stress-free way to check availability on custom plates. No more second-guessing or long waits at the TxDMV office. Whether you're showing off your ranch brand, favorite saying, or alma mater, this tool may help your plate reflect your true Texas spirit.

GoodCar typically collects vehicle information for Texas reports from a range of sources to offer a well-rounded view of a vehicle's history. These sources may include:

• NMVTIS Data: GoodCar generally obtains core vehicle information from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), which aggregates data from the Texas DMV, salvage yards, junkyards, and insurance providers.
• NHTSA Information: Additional details like vehicle recall notices and safety ratings come from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• Private Data Providers: Market data, ownership history, and vehicle condition insights are sourced from private providers, including Black Book, J.D. Power, MarketCheck, and DataOne.
• Internal Databases: GoodCar typically uses its internal databases to cross-reference and organize information, helping to create a more comprehensive vehicle report.

While GoodCar aims to provide useful and detailed data, the platform avoids absolute claims regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information.

GoodCar generally takes extensive measures to safeguard personal data by strictly adhering to the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). Enacted in 1994, the DPPA is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of personal information collected by the state and regulate its use.

Personal information may include medical or disability information, such as height, weight, gender, age, name, address, phone number, and Social Security Number (SSN).

In addition to complying with the DPPA, GoodCar typically observes the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 730, to align its practices with state-specific regulations. Despite this, access to personal or restricted information is strictly limited by the DPPA's provisions for proper data protection.

To ensure this information is protected from misuse, GoodCar generally enforces the following measures:

• Conducting regular audits to monitor and review data access and usage
• Implementing well-defined and secure data-handling procedures
• Restricting access to authorized personnel only
• Utilizing secure data storage systems with advanced encryption technologies

GoodCar may only disclose personal information under specific, legally permissible scenarios, such as:

• Law Enforcement Needs: Functions of government agencies and security services
• Vehicle Safety and Theft Prevention: Matters of auto safety, theft, emissions, and product recalls
• Insurance Purposes: Insurance companies might require personal information to evaluate policies or verify damages.
• Consent-based Access: GoodCar is authorized to share personal information when the user explicitly consents.

The TxDMV permits individuals to request ownership records and vehicle registration details, including information linked to a license plate number, as allowed under the DPPA. However, its license plate lookup services are currently limited to phone calls and in-person visits.

Calling the Texas DMV Hotline

The TxDMV currently does not have an online tool for license plate lookups. To request license plate information, interested parties must call the TxDMV customer service hotline at (512) 465-3000.

The representatives may provide specific instructions on requesting information using the license plate number and may explain any documentation or steps needed to proceed.

Visiting the Texas DMV in Person

If individuals seek in-person assistance, they may visit a TxDMV Regional Service Center, which offers same-day and next-day appointments. To facilitate a smooth transaction, they must bring along the license plate number, relevant documentation, and fees.

While the TxDMV and GoodCar generally offer dependable options for accessing license plate information, other alternatives are available.

At the national level, the DOJ utilizes License Plate Recognition (LPR) Systems to access extensive databases for criminal investigations and traffic enforcement purposes. Similarly, on the state and county level, Texas employs the Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) System, which scans and identifies vehicles.

However, these systems are typically restricted to authorized personnel, such as law enforcement agencies. Those involved in an investigation do not have direct access to the systems. Still, they may obtain relevant data through law enforcement requests or court orders.

For more publicly accessible resources, the NHTSA offers a Safety Recalls tool. This tool typically enables users to search for recall information using the VIN or license plate number.

Several methods exist beyond standard license plate lookups to research a vehicle's information in Texas.

Government agencies, such as TxDMV, offer further options for accessing vehicle information within the state.

The TxDMV Title Check Service helps users determine if a vehicle has been in an accident, declared a total loss by an insurance company, or marked as salvage or junkyard inventory. To use this service, users must enter the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and reports are available for $2.

Another option is the TxDMV Open Records Service, which allows individuals to request vehicle information by submitting a Request for Texas Motor Vehicle Information (Form VTR-275). This request requires details such as the VIN, license plate number, and proof of identification, such as a driver's license or passport.

Requests may be made in person at the nearest Regional Service Center or by mail to:

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Titles and Registration Division
Austin, TX 78779-0001

For nationwide vehicle research, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) VINCheck generally provides a free tool for checking whether a vehicle has been reported stolen or declared salvaged by participating insurance companies.

Additionally, the NHTSA VIN Decoder offers a free tool for accessing a vehicle's manufacturing specifications, which is useful for verifying important details.

For an all-in-one solution, GoodCar typically offers multiple convenient tools for comprehensive vehicle research, such as VIN Check, Vehicle History Search, Recall Lookup, Car Title Check, and more, which typically require the VIN to provide detailed results. GoodCar's tools are generally user-friendly and legally compliant, making them a good option for vehicle information.