Run a Reverse License Plate Lookup to Get Comprehensive Car History Reports
- Accidents
- Values
- Title Records
- Recalls
- Problem Checks
- Specs
- Sales History
- Odometer
- Salvage Records
Run a Reverse License Plate Lookup to Get Comprehensive Car History Reports
Look up vehicle license plate numbers and get comprehensive vehicle history reports, including theft and accident records, junk and salvage title status, owners, recalls, other major issues, and much more!
If you’re shopping for a used car in the U.S. - whether locally or from out of state - you know how exciting it can be, but also how risky. Hidden recalls, stolen vehicles, or rolled-back mileage can turn a great deal into a regret. On top of that searching for reliable vehicle information online can be tiring and frustrating Perhaps, you don't want to spend too much time checking multiple sources to find trustworthy and comprehensive vehicle history data. If so, GoodCar is your go-to license plate lookup platform, specializing in providing comprehensive and hassle-free access to valuable vehicle history reports.
Say goodbye to the tedious and irritating process of searching for vehicle records and information manually. GoodCar's license plate lookup service will streamline your search and provide accurate, reliable, and up-to-date information with just several clicks. License plate records are protected by strict Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) laws to prevent people from looking up a license plate number to find out who owns a car.
We offer car plate search services to make things simple for you. A reverse license plate lookup will help you check a car's history as you can access the following information:
A license plate search is an online tool that uncovers the complete vehicle history report if you enter any valid license plate number.. This will save you time, effort, and money.
How License Plate Lookup Works
A license plate search is an online tool that uncovers the complete vehicle history report if you enter any valid license plate number. Buyers can find information like repair history, flood damage, odometer readings, outstanding liens, vehicle descriptions, and limited owner information.
Looking up license plate number details will be the difference between buying a trustworthy road partner and a money-draining maintenance nightmare. The tool works by connecting the plate number to a VIN, which is a permanent identifier for each vehicle. It then pulls information associated with the VIN, such as police, auto shops, DMVs, dealerships, and many other places.
Without a license plate check, a responsible car dealer, buyer, or business would have to request the information from the DMV. This experience involves hours of lines, frustrating paperwork, and unhelpful desk clerks. In the worst case, the office closes before you get your answers. You can even use the license plate lookup from your phone or desktop browser, so you can check vehicles in real-time while shopping online.
What do You Get out of a License Plate Lookup?
License plates are unique to each vehicle. The information is created, stored, and managed by government offices like the Department of motor vehicles (DMV), Department of Transportation (DOT), and town and city offices.
License plate records are protected by strict Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) laws. With GoodCar, you can unlock a comprehensive and detailed vehicle report using the vehicle's license plate number.
Get access to the history of registration, title records, sales at a salvage auction, any record of sales, accidents, theft, lien, odometer info, rebuilt records, and other potential issues.
Access information about 64 different title brands, including rebuilt, junk or salvage title, flood, fire or hail damage, prior taxi or police vehicle, collisions, undisclosed liens, and much more!
Find basic details like dimensions, type of transmission and engine, and trim, along with other performance-related information.
Find safety scores based on crash tests performed by the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).
Get access to the MSRP of the vehicle, as well as the projected value if the vehicle maintains its current condition and mileage.
Discover if the vehicle has any open recalls or has had work done due to past recalls.
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How To Find the VIN of a Car By Its License Plate
All U.S. registered vehicles have another identifying code called a Vehicle Identification Number(VIN). The VIN is actually more unique to each vehicle than a plate since it is stamped into a part, and the owner cannot alter it. Both the VIN and license plate are recorded during processes, like registration renewal, maintenance, repairs, or recalls. Government offices, law enforcement, insurance companies, and background check services use these records to ensure they find the exact vehicle they need.
Records often include both the VIN and license plate number. This means a license plate lookup may also reveal the VIN, which can help uncover a vehicle’s true history—even if the owner changed the plate number in an attempt to hide past damage. If you see multiple records associated with a single license plate, it may indicate that the plate has been transferred from one vehicle to another over time.In some title-washing schemes, sellers transfer the car between states to remove a branded title like 'salvage' or 'rebuilt' from the record before reselling it. That’s why checking the plate number before buying a car is important as it helps protect you from scams, hidden damage, and buying a vehicle with a questionable past.
At GoodCar, we prioritize efficiency and convenience, ensuring that you have a smooth and hassle-free experience from start to finish when searching for a car by the license plate.
Our comprehensive and reliable database can easily and seamlessly connect plate numbers to a VIN and show the car's full history, recalls, accidents, vehicle title records, odometer readings, list of defects, and more.
What is a License Plate?
A license plate, also called a number plate, registration plate, or car tag, is a metal or plastic plate attached to a motor vehicle, car, or trailer for official identification purposes. Plate formats vary by state, typically combining 6 to 8 letters and numbers and often feature unique designs. Vehicle owners must register their vehicle with their state's DMV within a deadline set by the state, typically ten to sixty days.
Registration typically requires a title, photo ID, vehicle insurance, and inspection papers. Some states may also require VIN verification or emissions tests mandated by select jurisdictions.
Once approved, the DMV issues a registration card and, if needed, new plates.
In some states, license plate numbers stay with the vehicle when it’s sold, allowing multiple owners to use the same plate unless it’s removed or replaced. However, in other states, plates are kept by the seller and do not transfer with the vehicle.
People who permanently move to another state are required to re-register their vehicle with their new jurisdiction. The DMV will assign a new, state-specific plate, as well as a new plate number. The plate number is often changed due to states having different rules regarding length, alphanumeric combinations, and rules for vanity plates.
Here's a breakdown of registration info in a few states:
Look up vehicle license plate numbers and get comprehensive vehicle history reports, including theft and accident records, junk and salvage title status, recalls, other major issues, and much more!
Are you tired and frustrated from searching for vehicle information online? Perhaps, you don't want to spend too much time checking multiple sources to find reliable and comprehensive vehicle history data. If so, GoodCar is your go-to license plate lookup platform, specializing in providing comprehensive and hassle-free access to valuable vehicle information.
Say goodbye to the tedious and irritating process of searching for vehicle records and information manually. GoodCar's license plate lookup service will streamline your search and provide accurate, reliable, and up-to-date information with just several clicks.
We offer car plate search services to make things simple for you. A reverse license plate lookup will help you check a car's history as you can access the following information:
With GoodCar's efficient, intuitive, and user-friendly platform, you can easily search car details by license plate number. This will save you time, effort, and money.
- California: 10 days to register after purchasing privately; 20 days when moving to CA; fees based on vehicle value.
- New York: You must register within 30 days after a private purchase; 180 days to re-register when relocating to NY; standard registration fees, with potential charges for luxury vehicles.
- Georgia: You must register within 30 days of purchase, and new residents must re-register within 30 days. Emission testing is required in certain counties.
- Colorado: You must register within 60 days of purchase. In some rural areas, an emissions test is not required, but registration fees are high for specific models like heavyweight trucks.
Standard License Plate: This kind of license plate contains basic information that helps identify and verify driver registration as well as vehicle type. The relevant authority issues this plate when an individual purchases a new vehicle. It is also issued if an existing plate is damaged/lost/stolen or to replace any special interest license plates that are returned to the DMV.
Military Plates: These plates are reserved for active and former military members. Applicants must display their military ID and proof of service, and retired military members must show proof of honorable discharge. These plates are eligible for the International Symbol of Access, commonly known as a handicap symbol.
Disability Plates: Issued to drivers with mobility impairments, injuries, or other impairments that require special consideration. These plates give drivers access to specialized handicapped parking and exemption from some parking fees or time limits.
Vanity Plates: These are custom plates - also known as personalized plates - that allow drivers to choose a personal plate number. A vanity plate can showcase the owner's personality or promote a brand, such as saying "BOSS" or "QUEEN." States set independent restrictions on length, combinations, and vulgarity standards.
To get a vanity plate, you must register a unique, state-approved number with your DMV. Tools like a vanity plate checker available at GoodCar can confirm availability and may also show basic vehicle info, title status, and history if the plate is already in use.
At GoodCar, we prioritize efficiency and convenience, ensuring that you have a smooth and hassle-free experience from start to finish when searching for a car by the license plate.
Our comprehensive and reliable database can easily and seamlessly connect plate numbers to a VIN and show the car's full history, recalls, accidents, vehicle title records, odometer readings, list of defects, and more.
Why Perform a Reverse License Plate Search
There are countless reasons to perform a reverse license plate search. A lawyer may want to find the owner of a hit-and-run plaintiff, and a moneylender can determine where a borrower last had their car repaired.
It is entirely legal to find information on a vehicle; however, this knowledge should not be used to further illegal activity like harassment or stalking. Some of the most common, real-life situations that someone might search for a license plate are:
- To research the history of a vehicle
- To identify a vehicle or car that has been involved in an accident or crime
- To determine whether the suspicious car parked near your home is a threat to your family
- To check the availability of a personalized license plate number
- To report dangerous drivers
- To track down a stolen car
- To find out if a vehicle is registered in a certain state
- To find out car specs
How to Use GoodCar’s Plate Number Lookup Tool
With GoodCar, you can enjoy peace of mind and trust that the information you receive is reliable and accurate. Our experts meticulously gather and verify data from various trusted and credible sources, ensuring you have access to the most up-to-date and relevant vehicle records in the most user-friendly format.
To check a vehicle’s history, just follow these simple steps:
- Visit our license plate lookup page
- Enter the License Plate Number in the left field
- You can also search by VIN through the tabs above the search bar
- Select the plate's state from the right field
- Click "Search"
Our reports are sourced from the most reputable public and private databases to ensure we don’t miss a thing. We are also an approved provider for the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), maintained by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA).
GoodCar will give you access to unlimited searches and reports. While other services might charge you for every report you request or be lacking in the information they provide, we strive to be your one-stop car information shop.